The metal architecture of the left bank
When you hear about “metal architecture”, you may spontaneously think of the Eiffel Tower. Still, when it was built in 1889, it was rather a dedication to metal than an innovation.
The metal construction adventure began as soon as the 19th century in France. It deeply changed the country, Paris and its inhabitants’ lives.
Thanks to this walk, you will discover a surprising train station, a gigantic greenhouse, a magnificent library, a department store and eventually an unusual church. All those buildings were built during that century, and benefited from the use of the new material. Some of those works are little known and sometimes well hidden, and you will be surprised to learn that metal structures stand behind some of those so classical stone frontages.
It is an original and fascinating way of discovering an aspect of Paris’s left bank, far from the usual touristic tours.
9€ - Format PDF - 40 pages
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Starting point :
Cours Seine de la gare Austerlitz, outside, in front of the main building where you can read “Départ” (departure) and “Chemin de fer d’Orléans” (Orléans’ railway) on the frontage.
(Gare d’Austerlitz station of the metro lines 5 and 10 or the RER C)
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Duration :
3H00
- Public : All
- Means of transport : By foot and bus or subway
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Access for persons with reduced mobility :
none.
- Total distance : 6 km
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Advices :
The indicated distance is the one made by foot.
This circuit is not playful enough to be made together with young children. -
Covid-19 Informations :
This circuit is accessible. However, the Sainte-Geneviève library is still closed. Remember to check the conditions of access to the Jardin des Plantes.