Auteil is one of these districts annexed to Paris that still conserves specific features of its past. This area was once a town famous for its vineyards and even for its spa water. Initially the land belonged to the church, specifically to the Genevieve brothers, who controlled these lands from the 11th century until the Revolution. It was not until 1860 when it was annexed by Paris, along with Passy and Chaillot.

The aristocracy converted Auteuil into an exclusive area of luxury residences, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, and its thermal springs made the area even more popular, since figures such as Molière, Racine, Napoleón and Proust came here to soak up the waters.

One of the best streets to observe the architectural style of Auteil is surely the Rue de la Fontaine, where Proust was born, at number 96 to be precise.

Here it is possible to admire grand mansions, many of which are the work of Hector Guimard. You must surely be aware of this art-nouveau artist, author of the famous entrances to the Paris metro.

The most outstanding building in this street is the Castel Béranger, a masterpiece of art-nouveau built in 1898 as a low-rent residential building. In this project, Guimard was able to give free rein to his creativity, mixing materials such as metal, brick, stone and ceramics. With this brilliant work, he obtained the prize in the first competition for façades in Paris.

You will find other buildings designed by him at numbers 17, 19 and 21 in the same street, as well as at numbers 8 and 10 of Rue Agar and number 43 Rue Gros. For this reason, it is no surprise that many people call it “the Guimard district”. He took so much care of the details that he even designed the signs and numbers of Rue Agar, among other things.

If you are interested in architecture or interior design, you can make an appointment to visit the inside of the Hôtel Mezzara, at number 60 Rue La Fontaine, where you will be able to admire the large vestibule illuminated by beautiful French windows as well as other original decorative details by Guimard. We highly recommend it.

Among so many buildings, you should not forget to pass by number 17 Rue La Fontaine. You will see a beautiful café with the burgundy-coloured façade that has survived hardly any alterations since it opened. We assure you it is well worth going inside, having something to drink and enjoying the details of its interior.

If you are walking around the area you will come across small surprises such as the series of neo-Gothic buildings that form the work of the Orphans of Auteil; the Byzantine church Notre-Dame-D’Auteil begun in the 14th century; and even a small obelisk in the Place D’Auteil that reminds us that here was the city cemetery.

Without doubt, this is an area for wandering around without haste and enjoying the details of its architecture. From here you can go on to the district of Passy or Chaillot to continue discovering Paris.