As art deco turns 100, here’s how to see Paris’ most iconic design landmarks in a single day

Of all the materials associated with art deco style (lacquer, lustrous metals, glass, hardwood) concrete surely isn’t one of them. But it is thanks to this decidedly unglamorous composite that so much significant architecture from this period still exists.

The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris is one shining example. Designed by architect Auguste Perret, every single seat in its sweeping auditorium enjoys a view unobstructed by pillars thanks to its concrete-frame construction, an innovation for the time.

This is just one of the many illuminating insights architectural historian Jacob Simpson dispenses during the city’s first dedicated art deco tour, curated by the Prince de Galles, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Launched to mark a century since the 1925 Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs took over Paris and gave a name to art deco, the bold new style of decorative arts and architecture, the three-hour amble takes in the city's most iconic period landmarks.

The auditorium of the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées

Bas reliefs by sculpture Antoine Bourdelle on the theatre’s exterior

Next stop is the Palais de Tokyo to admire the grand terraces and towering Grecian bas-reliefs by prominent art deco sculptor Alfred Janniot. Inside the Musée d’Art Moderne, which occupies the east wing, is a dedicated art deco room. It is a treasure trove of pieces by iconic designers, like the furniture-maker Émile-Jacques Ruhlmann, whose designs exemplify the use of luxurious materials such as animal skins and exotic woods typical of the period.

The exterior of the Palais de Tokyo featuring Grecian bas-reliefs by Alfred Janniot

A short stroll away is another masterpiece by Auguste Perret, the Palais d’Iéna. Groundbreaking for its neoclassical-meets-modernist design, the elegant sweeping stairwell inside is yet another example of how reinforced concrete was a true innovation for architecture and construction.

Of course, a trip to Paris wouldn’t be complete without a café au lait, and the stylish upstairs café at storied auction house Sothebys is the perfect caffeine pitstop. Beyond the treasures up for auction, the building itself is a significant piece of design history. In 2024 the Paris flagship moved to 83 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, into a period building brimming with original details such as mirrors, mosaics, wood cladding and parquet flooring, that was also a former location of the pioneering Bernheim-Jeune gallery.

The staircase inside Auguste Perret’s revered Palais d’Iéna

Pieces on display in the art deco room at the Musée d’Art Moderne

In October the Musée des Arts Décoratifs will open a landmark exhibition celebrating the art deco centenary, but ahead of the opening, the museum remains one of the world’s foremost locations to explore art, furniture and objects from the period. You could easily lose an afternoon drifting from one burl-wood-clad salon to another – particularly delightful is the luxurious apartment of the great, late fashion designer Jeanne Lanvin, its bathroom featuring his’n’hers toilets topped in matching animal skin seats.

The tour wraps up at the iconic Printemps department store (which just opened a buzzy New York outpost), with a journey up its iconic curved stairwell – all mirrors, marble and metalwork – to reach the shimmering, coloured glass domed rooftop.

The sweeping marble art deco stairwell inside Printemps

At the very top of the department store is the jaw-dropping glass dome ceiling

Back at the Prince de Galle and the grandeur of art deco is a constant, dazzling companion. The hotel’s interior courtyard is a marvel of palm trees, mirror and thousands of carefully laid mosaics which run the entire length of the heritage-listed building. At the very top is the jewel of the hotel’s art deco crown: the Lalique penthouse suite.

The contemporary art deco interior of the Lalique suite designed by Patrick Hellman

This luxurious suite is a paean to the era, albeit through a contemporary lens. Designer Patrick Hellman has merged gleaming metallics and geometric forms with a minimalist mindset and, of course, Lalique crystal glassware. Special mention must go to the marble-clad bathroom with views from the bathtub directly across to the Eiffel Tower.

The mosaic terrace is one of the hotel’s most striking original features

A swirling mosaic underfoot on the terrace at Prince de Galle 

Elsewhere, period-specific motifs can be found in the Prince de Galle lobby, which is rich with gleaming macassar ebony, suites with original mosaic bathrooms and the spacious ground-floor dining room where, at night, Prince of Wales wall sconces are dimmed for dinner at Akira Back, the first namesake European restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef. The playful menu fuses Korean and Japanese techniques with pan-European flavours (the tuna sashimi pizza is a must).

Afterwards, there’s no better way to revel in this living piece of design history than by enjoying a digestif on the terrace among the palms and taking in those sky-high mosaics. After all, you’ve just experienced a hundred years of design in a single day.

'Unlocking Art Deco' tour starts from €2,400 and includes:

• A one-night stay in Mosaic Suite for two including à la carte breakfast.
• Three-hour expert-guided tour: Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, Palais d’Iéna, Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Printemps department store
• As part of 'Unlocking Art Deco' guests will also be able to book a private shopping session at Printemps.

To book, see marriot.com