Gorgeous Structures from the Belle Époque Era that Still Stand Today

The Belle Époque era was a time of great cultural expression where the arts flourished in France and throughout Europe. Translated directly as 'The Beautiful Age,' the period roughly began around the late 1870s and early 1880s and ended in the early ’10s.

As its name suggests, the era was jam-packed full of talented painters, writers, musicians, and especially architects which beautified various cities with their incredible masterpieces.

Although the Belle Époque era rose to prominence well over 100 years ago, there are many structural examples from the historic period which both tourists and locals can see today. These show off the many styles of Belle Époque such as Art Nouveau, neo- Byzantine, Art Deco, classicism, and more.

Grand Palais, Paris

The first of these worth noting is none other than the Grand Palais situated in the heart of Paris, France. First constructed for the Paris Exposition in 1900, the site contains all of the major stylings of the era with a gorgeous, dome-style glass roof and intricately carved columns which line the building's exterior. Inside, metalwork represents the typical ornamental designs of the period, commonly seen in Art Nouveau architecture.

Nowadays, the Grand Palais serves as a venue for important international events and as a history and science museum. Visitors can choose between a diverse selection of exhibitions, discovering its architecture while learning about interesting subjects. In fact, just this past summer, an immersive  allowed guests to discover the fascinating archaeological site up close and personal.

Casino de Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo

The Casino de Monte Carlo is one of the best and most famous examples of Belle Époque architecture located outside of France. Upon viewing, it's clear to see how the structure's façade easily communicates glamour, elegance and luxury. The casino first  , making it one of the oldest in the entire continent of Europe. Its interior design is characterized by the excessive use of marble, artistic murals, and low-hanging chandeliers which light up the entire space.

Today, visitors come from all over the world just to have a look inside, admiring the glass ceiling of the atrium and the entire Place du Casino where the building is situated. The Casino de Monte Carlo remains to be one of the most important landmarks for both tourists and locals in the microstate.

The Belle Époque architectural style is immediately recognizable in the façade of the Casino de Monte Carlo

Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest

The Museum of Applied Arts in Hungary's capital of Budapest is an opulent, lavish sight through and through. Originally designed by local architect Ödön Lechner, the structure was built at the height of the Belle Époque era, making it the third oldest museum of its kind in the entire world.

It stands out as extremely unique when strolling through the city streets, especially because of its stunning and intricate green and yellow tile roof. Inside, its atrium  which is easily seen in the details of the walls and columns.

Hôtel Hermitage, Monte Carlo

Venturing back to Monte Carlo, the magnificent Hôtel Hermitage is another strong example of Belle Époque architecture in Monaco, designed by the genius Nicolas Marquet. Today, the hotel is a national monument and still invites guests to stay in one of its 278 luxury rooms overlooking the French Riveria.

Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, Paris

Finally, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées is a historic French theatre whose design of marble and stucco represents that of Art Deco, one of the first buildings in Paris to use this style that appeared near the end of the Belle Époque time period. Nowadays, when tourists visit the 'City of Love' it is easy to see how this Parisian Art Deco architecture is prominent in various buildings throughout the city's different neighborhoods.

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