A scandalous Art Nouveau collaboration that set Paris all atwitter at the turn of the century

Ave Rapp on the Left Bank is one of my hidden treasures that I always visit when in Paris. The avenue is home to several examples. It was built in 1901 by Jules Lavirotte, this seven-story creation is probably the most extreme example of the ornamental delirium that is Nouveau that the French capital has hidden away. Lavirotte didn't do it alone, but collaborated with his friends, the ceramist Alexandre Bigot and other fellow sculptors to create this flamboyant and voluptuous façade, making them winners of the annual architectural frontage of Paris that same year. It was also used in the film Gigi, as her aunts home.

A Secret Find on the Left bank................

One of the joys of having the time to meander in Paris is discovering a hidden garden, a tiny vest-pocket park or a building you’ve never seen before. One of my favorite finds in the 7th, is avenue Rapp and this asymmetrical Art Nouveau apartment house at 29, avenue Rapp that was constructed in 1901. It was designed by Lavirotte, The artist Salvador Dalí stated he thought the façade was the most erotic in Paris. There are a few on this street that have the Art Nouveau desings on the door fronts.

                        ( The MGM Film "Gigi" used ave rapp for one of It's Locations)