Did you know that there are fake buildings in Paris?
Yes, the title sounds wild, but let us explain.
Paris has some of the most magnificent architecture in the world, largely thanks to Baron Haussmann, who demolished some 10,000 houses and built grand boulevards and avenues lined with large, elegant buildings with stone facades and wrought-iron details, transforming the formerly cramped, dark and slum-like city into a light-filled metropolis of uniform beauty.
There are few greater pleasures than indulging in the quintessential Parisian pastime of flâner – wandering aimlessly, taking in the surroundings. You may have noticed a few architectural gems on one of these walks. But have you ever looked at a building and thought that something was just not right?
The secret behind the Parisian ghost buildings
Let’s take number 145 on Rue La Fayette, just a few steps away from the Gare du Nord. At first glance, it appears to be a normal, if not particularly pretty, building, just like its neighbors. But if you look closer, you’ll notice that something is wrong. There is no digital code to open the door, just a strange handle. Then the windows: opaque, as if hiding the inside. Notice that there is never any light behind them. Is this simply an abandoned house, as the neglected facade suggests?
The answer is no. They’re not abandoned because no one has ever lived there. In fact, there aren’t even any apartments inside. You see, the building at 145 Rue Lafayette is a dummy, built by the RATP to hide a huge chimney that functions as a ventilation shaft for the RER that runs underneath.
There are several such ‘ghost’ houses in Paris that hide ventilation shafts. For example at 3 Rue de l’Aqueduc, a neighboring street of Rue La Fayette. Here, however, only the first floor is a trompe l’oeil. The other floors contain normal apartments. Voilà, mystery solved!
From fake houses to real Parisian experiences
Sure, the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are nice. But wouldn’t you rather feel the authentic soul of the city? With our 100% customized, personalized guides, you can find the best of Paris in every way and experience it like a local.
