DISCOVER THE BELLE ÉPOQUE - PARIS CULTURAL CAPITAL

A golden age in Paris

Between 1880 and 1914, Paris had a global influence. The capital established itself as the centre of artistic, scientific and cultural modernity, attracting creators, thinkers and inventors.

Why take an interest?

The Belle Époque was one of the most flamboyant periods in the history of Paris. It was a time of great inventions, universal exhibitions and legendary entertainment venues that still shape the image of the City of Light today.

A brief history and anecdotes

The Eiffel Tower, erected in 1889, became the symbol of this bold, modern Paris. The metro opened in 1900 to coincide with the Universal Exhibition, making daily life easier for Parisians. Cafés and cabarets, such as the Moulin Rouge, welcomed artists and intellectuals for debate and entertainment. This was also the age of Art Nouveau, which adorned the façades and stations of the metro.

Landmarks of the Belle Époque

- Universal exhibitions of 1889 and 1900
- Inauguration of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris metro
- The rise of the Grand Boulevards and cabarets
- Artistic influence with Picasso, Toulouse-Lautrec and the Impressionists

Tips for further study

- Discover the Musée d'Orsay for art of the XIXᵉ and early XXᵉ centuries
- Explore Montmartre and its historic cabarets
- Observe the Art Nouveau architecture of the façades and entrances to the metro
- Read newspapers and posters from the period to relive the atmosphere

Through the audio guide

🎧 Listen to our immersive account of the Belle Époque, between modernity, festivities and innovation, on History Guide City Paris!
Download the mobile application: