Lavirotte Building & Square Rapp
The Lavirotte Building is an Art Nouveau masterpiece, dripping in sculptural detail, fine ceramics and sexy connotations and if that isn’t enough to seduce you, door lovers beware, the Lavirotte Building has one of the most beautiful doorways in Paris.
A hop, skip and a jump away you can find the often missed pretty and secret Square Rapp that offers a photo opportunity of the Eiffel Tower that will become one of your most cherished souvenirs of Paris.
Lyon born architect Jules Aimé Lavirotte, together with ceramist Alexandre Bigot created this unique and striking apartment building a mere 300 metres from the Eiffel Tower in 1901.
This was not the only building that Lavirotte designed for the 7th arrondissement but certainly his most extravagant.
It is a work of art and also contains some innovative features including double walls with an airlock to provide soundproofing and an early form of reinforced concrete, whereby Lavirotte had the hollow bricks filled with iron and concrete in the same way that Besser Blocks are utilised.
Please click on the image for a larger view and take a moment to admire all the detail.
And you will discover one oval window, defying balance and uniformity and above that, green glazed ceramic columns supplying support and beauty to the almost Gaudiesque balcony and of course, that impressive door.
The sculpture work and ceramics are beautiful and intricate.
Adam and Eve languidly flank the window above the entrance with Lavirotte’s wife at the centre, an animal draped over her shoulder with one claw dangling above the door.
Although the building won the annual contest for the most beautiful building in Paris for this fabulous façade, it had Paris up in arms. They thought it way too sensual and erotic for their liking, even to go as far to claim that the shape of the door resembled an inverted penis!
Whether or not this was the architect’s intention, the attention to detail is extraordinary but some of the elements will have you scratching your head and wondering about the symbolism. Like these two bulls heads.
Closer inspection shows that this corbel, in the form of bulls, support the central balcony.
And another cheeky sexual connotation is this exquisite sculptured door handle. At the time of construction, the word lizard in French was slang for men’s private parts.
Fans of Art Nouveau regard Hector Guimard as the king with his wrought iron, twisted beauties that still adorn Paris metro entrances but Jules Lavirotte definitely stood up to the challenge at a time when the uniform Haussmannian buildings were regarded as monotonous and boring and people wanted something new and exciting, he certainly delivered.
Lavirotte’s work will never be considered boring and his eight remaining buildings in Paris are now all heritage listed.
A mere two doors down from 29 Avenue Rapp is the often missed Square Rapp. It offers another, yet more sober example of Jules Lavirotte’s work, where the man himself once lived at #3 on the 5th floor.
With his trademark, recognisable door design.
Hugging the curve on the dog leg shaped ‘square’ and opposite Jules Lavirotte’s former apartment is this unusual building built between 1912 and 1915 and is the headquarters for the Theosophical Society, the Embassy of Costa Rica, and the Salle Adyar a small theatre that has recently changed its name to the Theatre of the Eiffel Tower and you will see why.
At the end of the square or dead end street is a very small garden with a fountain and elegant black iron gate designed by no other that Jules Lavirotte and from behind this gate is an exquisite view of the Eiffel Tower, flanked by the surrounding buildings of Square Rapp enhanced by ornate balcony balustrading.
While the hoards of tourists are are struggling to get a people free shot of the Eiffel Tower from Place du Trocadéro to no avail, you can stand quietly and smugly, tucked behind the iron gate and snap away until your hearts content and marvel at how many people walk by without a glance at Square Rapp.
It will be our secret.
Paris has many hidden treasures, you just need to know where to find them.
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Paris Adèle’s Information Nécessaire:
Lavirotte Building
29 Avenue Rapp
Paris 75007
Square Rapp
Between 33 & 35 Avenue Rapp
Paris 75007
Theatre de la Tour Eiffel – Official Website
4 Square Rapp
Paris 75007
More Paris Adèle Secrets :
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Secret Garden Hôpital Hôtel-DieuA secret garden in an unusual location, right in the centre of Paris that thousands of tourists pass by each day without knowing it exists.
La GalcanteVintage periodicals and books fill this small quirky, off the beaten path shop in a secluded courtyard where you may find the perfect Parisian souvenir.
Lavirotte Building and Square RappExquisite Art Nouveau building with one of the most beautiful doors in Paris & a tiny square that offers a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower.
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Bibliothèque Sainte-GenevièveA remarkable and historic reading room with its spectacular ceiling, books lining the vast long walls and rows of green reading lamps.
St. Sergius Orthodox Theological InstituteHidden away on a leafy hill is the oldest Russian Orthodox Theological Institute in Western Europe.
Restaurant Foyer de la MadeleineLurking deep in the cellars of L’église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine is one of Paris' best kept secrets, Restaurant Foyer de la Madeleine.
An Angel in ParisSoaring high above, with it's delicate wings nestled under a fourth floor balcony and yet remarkably this rare Paris secret often goes unnoticed.
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The Secret PassageThis lush and adorably sweet top secret passageway is a pure delight. Let me show you where to find it and how to gain entry. But sssh ... it's our secret.
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Cité FloraleA secret micro village hidden away, in a small pocket, off the beaten path in the 13th arrondissement of Paris. Discover why it is called the Floral City.
La Butte aux CaillesA secret hideway with cobbled streets, a sweet village square, interesting street art and friendly, affordable cafés, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement.
Rue de MouzaïaOff the beaten path, Rue de Mouzaia will make you feel blessed that you discovered this secret hideaway and it’s surrounds in the 19th arrondissement.
Rue des ThermopyleApart from locals taking a short-cut, or Parisians on a quiet stroll, what you will find here is a wisteria filled, rustic cobbled pathway.
Square Saint-Gilles Grand VeneurHidden away behind the Hôtel du Grand Veneur in the Marais is a little known secret square with a surprising artistic connection.
Salvador Dali SundialMany people pass this hidden gem by Salvador Dali tucked away on the Left Bank of Paris unaware that they only need to look up.
I loved finding this as our apartment during our stay is on Avenue Rapp. How wonderful to know that I’ll be able to take all the photos (without tourists) of the Eiffel Tower. Some night shots will be spectacular. Merci beaucoup. The Lavirotte Building is fabulous…can’t wait to see it.
Donna
Hi Donna
thanks so much for your lovely comments both here and on my post about Jim Hayne’s dinners. It is a wonderful building and I am so glad you found this information. Have fun taking photos, Square Rapp is such a great spot and enjoy your stay in Paris, thanks once again for taking the time to leave your comments, I really appreciate it. Bon voyage!
“The Door” is indeed fabulous — thank you for sharing so many facts and fotos!
Thank you so much for sharing .Im always looking for new places to see in Paris,your pictures always so beautiful.
Paris is a place I can nevwr get enough of.
I love all your pictures and the interesting facts. I can’t wait to visit Paris next year and look for some of these places!