Boulogne, a charming neighborhood in Paris, offers a captivating glimpse into the architectural gems of the 1930s. With an expert architect as your guide, you’ll embark on a 2-hour tour that delves into the neighborhood’s stunning Art Deco structures, designed by renowned architects like Le Corbusier and Robert Mallet-Stevens. From iconic buildings to the influence of the automobile and cinema, this insightful journey promises a memorable exploration of Boulogne‘s rich history and innovative designs. Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this tour provides a chance to uncover the hidden gems that define the neighborhood’s enduring appeal.
Key Points
- Explore Boulogne’s iconic 1930s architecture, including works by renowned architects like Le Corbusier and Robert Mallet-Stevens, during a guided 2-hour tour.
- Discover the Art Deco style prevalent in the neighborhood, characterized by simple ornamentation, pure lines, and geometric figures.
- Visit significant architectural sites like the Hôtel Lombard, villas by Le Corbusier, and the Hôtel de Jean-Léon Courrèges.
- Experience the natural beauty of Boulogne wood and learn about the architectural influences from the automobile, aeronautics, and cinema industries.
- Opt for an additional visit to Le Corbusier’s studio apartment to gain deeper insights into the renowned architect’s life and design philosophy.
Tour Overview
What does the 1930s architectural tour of Boulogne entail? The 2-hour guided tour explores a typical 1930s neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris.
Participants will admire new houses and apartment buildings featuring white concrete and colored bricks, as well as stroll through Boulogne wood.
Key architectural sites include Hotel Lombard by Pierre Patou, villas by Le Corbusier and others, and Hotel de Jean-Léon Courrèges.
Boulogne’s vibrant 1930s atmosphere, influenced by industries like automobile and aeronautics, is reflected in the Art Deco architectural style characterized by simple ornamentation, pure lines, and geometric figures.
The tour begins at 3 Av. Jean Baptiste Clement and ends at Résidence de la Tourelle.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Boulogne Billancourt.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore a typical 1930s neighborhood on the outskirts of Paris during the guided architectural tour.
The experience highlights include:
- Admiring new houses and apartment buildings featuring white concrete and colored bricks.
- Strolling through the Boulogne wood.
- Seeing key architectural sites like Hôtel Lombard by Pierre Patou, villas by Le Corbusier, Robert Mallet-Stevens, and Raymond Fischer, as well as Hôtel de Jean-Léon Courrèges.
- Exploring Rue du Belvédère, a charming street showcasing the Art Deco style characterized by simple ornaments, pure lines, and geometric figures.
The tour provides valuable insights into the vibrant architectural landscape of 1930s Boulogne, influenced by the automobile, aeronautics, and cinema industries.
Architectural Context
Boulogne in the 1930s was a vibrant community, with influences from the automobile, aeronautics, and cinema industries shaping its architectural landscape. The dominant style was Art Deco, characterized by simple ornaments, pure lines, and geometric figures. Influential architects like Le Corbusier and Robert Mallet-Stevens were known for their innovative designs, which often evoked ocean liners and retro palaces.
| Architectural Style | Notable Architects | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Art Deco | Le Corbusier, Robert Mallet-Stevens | Simple ornaments, pure lines, geometric figures |
| Modernist | Le Corbusier | Minimalist, functional, use of concrete and steel |
| International Style | Robert Mallet-Stevens | Emphasis on volume, glass, and lack of ornamentation |
| Streamline Moderne | Le Corbusier | Smooth, aerodynamic lines, rounded corners |
| Retro-Futuristic | Robert Mallet-Stevens | Combination of historical and futuristic elements |
Accessibility and Pricing
The guided architectural tour of 1930s Boulogne is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for visitors of all mobility needs.
Priced at $22.39 per person, the 2-hour tour offers excellent value. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility.
For those wishing to visit Le Corbusier’s studio apartment, the admission fee is an additional €10 during the following hours:
- Thursday and Friday: 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The tour’s accessibility, pricing, and flexibility ensure a memorable architectural experience in Boulogne.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyGuided Tour Details
Embarking on this 2-hour guided tour, visitors can expect an immersive exploration of Boulogne’s vibrant 1930s architectural landscape.
The tour starts at 3 Av. Jean Baptiste Clement and ends at Résidence de la Tourelle, showcasing the neighborhood’s distinctive white concrete and colored brick buildings.
Highlights include iconic structures like Hôtell Lombard, villas by renowned architects, and the charming Boulogne wood.
Offered in both French and English, the tour is wheelchair accessible. Priced from $22.39 per person, it allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
With an enthusiastic guide and a wealth of architectural insights, this tour promises to be a captivating journey through Boulogne’s Art Deco-influenced past.
Le Corbusier’s Studio
Although the guided tour of Boulogne’s 1930s architecture doesn’t include an internal visit as a standard feature, visitors have the opportunity to explore Le Corbusier’s studio apartment during specific hours.
The studio apartment can be visited on:
- Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Admission fee for the studio visit is €10 per person.
This optional tour add-on provides a unique chance to see the living and working space of the renowned architect, offering deeper insights into his life and design philosophy.
Participant Information
Participants of the 1930s Boulogne architectural tour can be adults aged 18 to 99 years old, as well as children aged 17 and younger.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, accommodating visitors of all abilities.
Booking options include reserving now and paying later, allowing flexibility. Participants can check availability for the desired dates and times.
The tour is offered in both French and English, catering to a diverse audience.
With a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, guests can plan their visit with confidence.
Customer Feedback
According to customer reviews, the 1930s Boulogne architectural tour has earned an impressive overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewers consistently praise the tour’s engaging content, knowledgeable guide, and valuable insights into the neighborhood’s architectural significance.
The highlights of the customer feedback include:
- "Fascinating exploration of Boulogne’s rich 1930s history and design."
- "Our guide brought the buildings to life with their expert commentary."
- "I never realized how influential Boulogne’s architecture was during this era."
- "Highly recommended for anyone interested in 20th-century European design."
The overwhelmingly positive customer reviews underscore the tour’s ability to captivate and educate visitors about the remarkable architectural legacy of 1930s Boulogne.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Those With Hearing Impairments?
The guided architectural tour of 1930s Boulogne appears suitable for those with hearing impairments. The tour is described as wheelchair accessible, suggesting it may accommodate other accessibility needs as well. However, specific details about accommodations for the hearing impaired are not provided.
Can We Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are welcome to take photos during the tour to capture the architectural highlights of 1930s Boulogne. The guide encourages photography as it helps participants remember the unique details they’ll see along the way.
Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?
The tour does not offer any discounts for students or seniors. The standard price is $22.39 per person, with no reduced rates available. However, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.
How Do We Get to the Starting Point From the Nearest Public Transportation?
The starting point for the tour is located at 3 Av. Jean Baptiste Clement, Boulogne-Billancourt. Visitors can take the metro or bus to the nearest station and then walk approximately 5-10 minutes to reach the meeting location.
Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?
The guided architectural tour of 1930s Boulogne does not allow pets. The tour is focused on exploring the historical buildings and neighborhood, so bringing pets is not permitted for the safety and comfort of all participants.
Recap
Enjoy the captivating 1930s architecture of Boulogne with an expert guide. Discover iconic Art Deco designs, modern structures, and the influence of the automobile and cinema on the era’s styles. This insightful tour promises a memorable glimpse into Boulogne’s rich history and innovative architecture, making it a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.
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