Castel Beranger, winner of ‘Paris’ most beautiful facades’ competition
Castel Béranger was built between 1895 and 1898. It is one of Paris’s most iconic buildings, a masterpiece by Hector Guimard, the great master of Art Nouveau in France.
Haussmann’s major urban planning projects of the mid-19th century transformed Paris by eradicating medieval Paris, but they also created the wide, airy avenues that give Paris its charm today, and freed up new spaces for construction. Haussmannian Paris is characterised by solid stone buildings, which are certainly attractive but perhaps slightly austere and uniform.
In 1898, at the height of the Belle Epoque, the City of Paris launched a competition for the most original and attractive facades, perhaps hoping to break the monotony of these buildings and add a touch of originality.
This was the perfect opportunity for Guimard to reveal his architectural style, a complete departure from Haussmannian neoclassical architecture. Guimard had discovered Art Nouveau during a stay in Belgium, where he met Victor Horta, one of the movement’s pioneers.
It was in this context that Guimard created the Castel Béranger for the competition for the most beautiful facades in Paris.
Castel Beranger, a masterpiece of Art Nouveau
The bold architectural vision of the Castel Béranger earned Guimard the prestigious first prize for the 16th arrondissement. As a result, he was soon commissioned to design the iconic Paris Metro entrances.
Guimard’s Castel Béranger presents a unique and harmonious blend of organic forms, refined ornamentation, and avant-garde aesthetics where attention to detail is evident, from the sculptures and bow windows to the wrought-iron balconies and the coloured bricks inspired by the private mansions of seaside resorts. The style of the floors, woodwork, glazed ceramics, stained glass, paintings, tapestries, and furniture all blend together, contributing to the overall harmony of the project.
Guimard also incorporated neo-Gothic towers into the facade and named his building “Castel” rather than “Hôtel.” However, by completely breaking away from Haussmannian architecture, Guimard also took great risks. As you can imagine, his avant-garde approach was not universally acclaimed! Detractors criticised his unconventional style, and they nicknamed the Castel Béranger “Château Dérangé” (Crazy Castle) and “Maison des Diables” (House of Devils), implying that Guimard had lost his mind! Tired of these persistent criticisms, Guimard eventually settled in America, his wife’s country of origin.
Castel Beranger, a historical monument
The Castel Béranger not only testifies to the architectural genius of Hector Guimard, but it is also a perfect illustration of the transition from traditional architectural norms to the avant-garde styles of the early 20th century.
Despite its initial rejection, Art Nouveau is now recognized as a style in its own right.
The Castel Béranger was listed as a historical monument in 1992, completely restored in 1998, and converted into a private residence with apartments. A second restoration project, carried out in 2010 and financed by the Guimard Fund, replaced the missing wrought-iron elements of the facade, including the famous entrance gate.
However, the Castel Béranger is not the only Art Nouveau masterpiece in Paris.
If you are a fan of this style, you will love the magnificent Art Nouveau buildings at No. 29 Avenue Rapp and No. 3 Square Rapp, which earned the architect Lavirotte first prize for the most creative facades in 1901.
Directions: 16th district – 14 rue La Fontaine
Metro stations Ranelagh or Jasmin on Line 9
