ME Paris: Finest Historical Architecture

Style. Iconic. Timeless

MIDDLE AGES ARCHITECTURES

There is some Middle Ages architectural wonder that has survived in the city of Paris. The majority, if not all, of them, may be found on the Île de la Cité, one of the Seine River islands in the heart of Paris. Here are a few that we could observe:

• PALAIS DE LA CITÉ: From the sixth until the fourteenth century, the king of France resided in this palace. From the fourteenth century till the Revolution, it held the treasury, the legal system, and the Paris Parliament. It is now known as the Palais de Justice and houses the Paris Court of Appeal.
• THE CATHEDRAL OF SAINTE-CHAPELLE: A former royal church with the world’s largest collection of 13th-century stained glass windows.
• THE HOTEL CONCIERGERIE: A former prison where Marie-Antoinette was imprisoned during the French Revolution. It now has law courts.

The Middle Ages also saw the construction of the first Gothic-style cathedrals in Paris. The Notre-Dame, Sainte-Chapelle, and Tour Saint-Jacques are all still standing in the city and are fantastic sites to visit if you want to see this kind of architecture.

Other mediaeval relics may be seen in Le Marais and the neighbourhood around the Châtelet metro station. The old residence of Nicolas Flamel, the alleged alchemist, is one in especially that I find intriguing. His previous residence, which was established around 1407, is the oldest mansion in Paris!

RENAISSANCE ARCHITECTURES

Hundreds of years to the 17th century, when Renaissance architecture dominated Europe, and Paris was no exception! The city may credit Queen and Benefactor Marie de’ Medici for the surge of upgrades. The Louvre was extended, and a new style dubbed “Baroque” arrived from Italy. The style was defined by extravagance, and Parisians enjoyed the new extravagant buildings that supported it.

Royal and public squares were very popular during the period, and some of them may still be found in the city:

• THE DAUPHINE PLACE: A public area at the far end of the Île de la Cité, connecting to the recently constructed Pont Neuf.
• THE PLACE ROYALE (later renamed PLACE DES VOSGES): This is the city’s oldest building, situated in Le Marais and built-in 1612. In the 17th and 18th centuries, the square was a popular area to dwell and to be honest, it almost completely remains! Visitors can visit forget to see Victor Hugo’s house, which is situated on the square.

The 17th century also saw the introduction of the dome, which may be found in architecture around the city. Just to name a few, there are the Invalides, the chapel of La Sorbonne, and the Institut de France.

HAUSSMANNIAN ARCHITECTURES

After 17 years, Haussmann was removed. He mainly was chastised for converting Paris into a massive and costly building site, disrespecting its heritage, and obliterating the mediaeval elegance of old Paris, which has never totally vanished, particularly in the Marais area. But his work had already revolutionised Paris, and his impact lasted until approximately 1910 when many of his stone structures were adorned with the type of ornate stone and wrought ironwork that is admired presently.

Key Characteristics of Haussmann Architecture

• Massive, majestic, imposing structures with varying sizes and features but shared qualities
• Facades made of stone.
• On chosen levels, mainly the 2nd, 4th, and 5th, plain or decorative black wrought iron window grills and balconies.
• Grey zinc Mansard roofs are inclined at 45 degrees to enable maximum sunlight to reach the city streets below.
• Chimneys formerly utilised for heating are now symbols of Paris’s renowned rooftops.
• Top-floor attic apartments with dormer windows and occasionally little balconies provide some of the loveliest sights of Paris.
• Double French windows.
• Large wooden entrance doors, single or double, with bronze or iron doorknobs.
• Stone paved carriage entrances lead to a central courtyard in many structures.
• Traditional interiors feature herringbone hardwood floors or straight plank oak flooring, ornate mouldings and millwork, marble fireplaces, inlaid fireplace mirrors, and French doors and windows.

RYAN ADDA ME PARIS INSPIRED BY THE RICH HISTORICAL PARISIAN ARCHITECTURE

Paris is a city full of history, and the city’s iconic architecture reflects many of its events.

The ME Paris has a unique etching of the bar linking two frames, representing Paris’s rich, beautiful architecture. With the addition of ME Paris’s round eyewear design, this customised frame will provide a contemporary yet vintage touch to your overall outfit.

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