An Angel in Paris …
You may wonder why a sculpture of an angel deserves an entire special page and why it is filed under my ‘Paris Adèle’s Secrets’ section but when you see this beauty, you will understand.
Take a closer look at this photo, can you see her?
She is unique, one of a kind and a rare Paris secret.
Despite her size and beauty, you could easily walk passed this large sculpture. I did and I knew where to find it and what to look for.
That is the very reason why I have dedicated a page to this sculpture so you can find it too. I not only believe she is worthy but even though she is located near a museum, if you don’t know where to look, you may very well miss this special treat.
The winter’s day I decided to venture out and track down the angel sculpture was a chilly but brilliant, blue sky day. The icy wind smacked me fair in the face and travelled straight up my nostrils. Shivers, well literally shivers, it was cold.
The weather application on my computer predicted 0 but it was -2C. Shivers, indeed.
Walking down the street with my neck craned high, the cool wind was finding the small gaps under my scarf, biting at my neck. Bewildered passersby looked up also, wondering what it was that I was looking at – it was funny, because there was nothing to be found!
What happened to this elusive angel?
Had I gone too far?
Turning around, I headed back to where I came from with my almost frozen fingers crossed that she would be on the right side of the street, where the sun was bouncing a golden glow off the buildings.
Standing nine metres tall and soaring above from the first floor to the fourth, gracing an otherwise unremarkable Haussmannian building on Rue Turbigo, there she was!
I laughed out loud upon my discovery, feeling slightly embarrassed. I had completely missed her. How could you miss that? But I did.
There you are, I said out loud, with a warm and affectionate, hell – ooo to the massive sculpture adorning the façade of the building. I had been excitedly looking forward to standing in front of this sculpture for quite some time.
Located across the road from the Arts et Metiers Metro station and a stone’s throw from the nearby Arts et Metiers Museum, she may be a little more difficult to see in the spring or summer when the trees are in full bloom.
But finally, I found ‘my’ giant angel and now you can too!
The tall, yet graceful angel appears as if it had inconspicuously fluttered up, tucking its wide delicate wings underneath the fourth floor balcony, protecting itself from the elements, keeping close to the façade and nuzzling the slight curve in the building.
Perhaps this is why this great Parisian secret is often missed.
I have research almost in vain to try to find out the history behind this grand sculpture but here is the small amount of information I have managed to gather.
The building, where the angel appears to be holding up the span of balcony by her wide wings, and may well do, was designed by Eugène Demangeat in 1860.
The angel, was designed by Emile-August Delange, who at the time was an art student at the school of fine arts and architecture; école des Beaux-Arts et Architecture.
Similar to a number of Parisian wonders around the city, he entered an architectural competition but it was in fact meant to be the design for a lighthouse!
Somehow, it managed to grace this building instead. I often wonder if it was chosen for this particular building because of its slight angle, which may have left, in Baron Haussmann’s eyes, an unsightly gap or seam in the façade and required something of this magnitude to disguise it, or perhaps it is, in fact structural.
Maybe we will never find out but one thing is for certain, she is an absolute wonder and well worth a visit.
Choose a sunny day and be prepared to crane your neck up high to admire the long tassels hanging from the ears, the perfect lines in the pleats of the tunic. The large tassel that hangs from one of the angel’s hand, running down a half length of the French window and the way in which the cuff of the fabric falls around the wrist of the raised hand, holding possibly an olive branch.
Sometimes, when strolling around Paris it is just the little things that can fill your heart and put a spring in your step. Always remember to look up.
There are many special treats to be discovered in Paris … you just need to know where to find them.
If you have found this information interesting or useful please leave a comment or follow me on facebook for daily tips, photos and anecdotes. Your feedback encourages me to keep this site up to date. Merci!
Paris Adèle’s Information Nècessaire:
The Angel of Rue de Turbigo – MAP
57 rue de Turbigo
Paris 75003
Nearest Metro:
Arts et Metiers
Opening Times:
24 hours, 7 days a week
Below are places nearby, up to 1km from the Angel of Rue de Turbigo which could be incorporated with a visit to Musée Arts et Metiers and a pleasant stroll along Rue Réamur admiring the magnificent architecture along the way to the very unusual Sentier Metro Station:
Ambassade d’AuvergneMashed potatoes whipped into a silken white purée, delivered to the table and spectacularly stretched, as high as the arm will go.
MerciSitting at the end of a cobbled lane-way, is a tiny red car with the number plate; Merci. You have just arrived at the stylish and innovative concept store.
Passage du CaireA unique façade, a magnificent glass ceiling, 360 metres in length, Passage du Caire is the oldest and longest Passage in Paris
Le Cochon à l’OreilleA friendly welcome and good food is what to expect in this gorgeous tiny ancient cafe with six tables, a zinc bar, tiled murals adorning the walls. An absolute treat.
Sentier MétroThe unique and striking blue and red signage of Sentier Métro, suspended from a spectacular façade on Rue Réaumur is the only surviving sign of two ever produced.
Passage du Grand CerfNatural light drenches this elegant passageway from its 12 metre high glass ceiling with unique boutiques.
Passage de l’AncreWho would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
Explore more Paris Adèle Secrets :
Belle Époque BrothelsLavish brothels dotted around Paris during the Belle Epoque were easily identifiable, some relics exist today, if you know what to look for.
Square de MontsourisA hidden jewel, begging to be discovered. Eclectic maisons wrapped in greenery, unseen by most tourists to Paris.
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.
Passage de l’AncreWho would know a delightful, tranquil little piece of paradise could be hidden away behind an unassuming crooked doorway in the heart of Paris.
Rue CrémieuxA tiny paved street, that oozes charm, lined with pretty colourful houses that will take your breath away, still one of Paris' best kept secrets.
Musée des Arts ForainsTransport yourself back in time. Ride spectacular antique carousels, play ancient fair-ground games and admire colourful memorabilia.
Villa Olivier-MétraPretty cottages with colourful shutters line this serene leafy path with quaint personal touches added by residents who have a playful sense of humour.
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.
Bibliothèque RichelieuMillions of books line the walls of this historic library under monumental ceilings and finally, it is open to the public.
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.
Passage BoudinCreeping vines, colourful flower boxes and an unusual semi-circular building that would be more at home in the Mediterranean is just some things you will find.
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.