If you're dreaming of purchasing an apartment in Paris from America, Canada, Australia, or another location, you're likely seeking an apartment in a typical Parisian Haussmann style building with stone facades, balconies, parquet floors, moldings, and a fireplace. But are you familiar with the rich history behind this iconic Parisian architectural style? Let's travel back in time.
🥐 A Style for All Social Classes
Contrary to what one might think, the Haussmannian concept was not originally designed for the wealthiest classes—they already had or were building their private mansions. Haussmann’s vision was to accommodate the emergence of a new civil society, with each building housing multiple families from different social backgrounds under one roof.
The second (French) floor ("l'étage noble") was the most prestigious, reserved for the wealthiest families. It featured a balcony—either spanning the entire facade or centered (if the building had four windows). Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Haussmann saw balconies as practical: they reduced noise from the street and provided a platform for the military to stand out of reach of potential insurgents.
The fifth floor, in contrast, was not prestigious at all and was designated for lower-income residents. If it had a balcony, it was purely for facade symmetry. The ironwork on the fifth floor was also less elaborate than that on the second floor.
The third and fourth floors housed the petite bourgeoisie, who were often tenants renting from the property owner on the second floor.
The sixth and top floor was entirely dedicated to domestic staff, leading to the term “chambre de bonne” (maid’s room). Located under the roof, these small compartments shared water facilities in the hallway. Accessible via a service staircase, they also provided direct access to the kitchens of the larger apartments.
🥐 Why Do Haussmann Style Ceiling Heights Vary?
The first (French) floor (historically the mezzanine) was typically reserved for merchants who owned the ground-floor shops. Its ceilings were lower (about 2.60 meters) to maintain symmetry with the building’s high entrance porch. In contrast, the second floor, the noble floor, had ceilings up to 3.20 meters high.
From there, ceiling heights progressively decreased as one ascended the building—a direct reflection of the era’s social hierarchy. This is the opposite of today’s trend, where higher floors are often the most desirable. In Haussmann’s time, elevators were not common; they only appeared in France around 1870 and were initially reserved for prestigious buildings like grand hotels.
🥐 What Defines a Classic Haussmann Style Layout?
Haussmann style buildings are inseparable from the idea of an interior courtyard, which provided ventilation and natural light—a priority for the hygiene-conscious urban planners of the time. Buildings were often designed in L or U shapes, interlocking to form cohesive urban blocks.
Inside, Haussmann style apartments typically feature:
A spacious entrance hall (also called an "antichambre").
A long hallway leading to rooms arranged in a row along the facade, with large windows. These include a dining room, living room, and bedrooms.
A separate kitchen traditionally positioned in the courtyard-facing section of the apartment, often located at the end of the hallway and accessible via the service staircase.
A bathroom, usually a converted former water closet, also located near the courtyard.
The hallmark “PMC” (parquet, moldings, and fireplace "cheminée") remains central to Haussmannian charm:
Parquet flooring, often arranged in herringbone, Hungarian point, or broken-stick patterns, gives these apartments undeniable character. However, its age can lead to creaking sounds.
Moldings, whether Greek-style, Louis XV volutes, or Art Deco geometric designs, embellish ceilings, walls, and door frames.
Fireplaces "cheminée), often made of marble, were initially functional but today serve as decorative elements—perfect for a cozy evening by the fire .
🥐 Why Do Haussmann Style Facades Look So Similar?
Haussmann prioritized order and architectural uniformity. While he never personally designed a single building, his strict regulations ensured strong visual cohesion across the city.
Key rules included:
Mandatory stone facades, made from limestone sourced from quarries near Paris, facilitated by advancements in transportation and cutting technology.
Consistent building heights within a block, proportional to the width of the street. Facades were capped at 18 meters and six floors, preserving the balanced aesthetic that still defines Paris today.
Zinc rooftops, chosen for their affordability, ease of installation, and light weight, which enabled the creation of the top-floor "chambres de bonne."
Standardized decorative elements, such as rusticated stonework on lower floors and carefully crafted cornices, moldings, and iron railings.
🥐 Even Today Paris retains nearly 60% Haussmann Style Buildings
Haussmann had ambition, determination, and the full backing of Emperor Napoleon III, who had near-absolute power. His aggressive expropriation policies (earning him the nickname "Attila of Expropriations") allowed him to reshape entire districts.
He surrounded himself with talented architects and engineers, including:
Victor Baltard, known for designing the Les Halles market pavilions.
Charles Garnier, the architect of the iconic Opéra Garnier.
Eugène Belgrand, who revolutionized Paris’s sewer system.
Financially, Haussmann was a pioneer of public-private partnerships, securing funding from major banking families like the Péreires and Rothschilds. His “Haussmann loan” was an early example of large-scale urban financing. However, his ambitious vision had a cost—both financially and politically. In 1870, he was dismissed amid criticism over the astronomical expenses and rampant speculation, just months before Napoleon III’s downfall.
Despite this, his work transformed Paris:
64 kilometers of new roads
20,000 buildings demolished, 30,000 new ones built
80,000 trees planted
600 kilometers of sewers constructed
More than just a historical legacy, Paris' Haussmann style continues to inspire modern urban planning—some even consider it a precursor to smart cities.
With its adaptability to contemporary renovations, Haussmannian architecture remains a dream for most my international clientele.
And next time you step into a Haussmann style building, perhaps your own, remember the fascinating history behind its elegant facade!
Happy property hunting, and may your French real estate journey be as smooth as a buttery croissant! 🥐 🇫🇷
As always, I love to read your comments and answer your questions.
Tomette Paris® is a Registered Trademark in France. INPI certificate number 24 5023079 dated 21 January, 2024.
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