Immeuble Art Nouveau Les Chardons

The building you are approaching is known as Les Chardons, a name that translates to The Thistles. It earned this title from the hundreds of ceramic thistles that cover its entire exterior. Completed in nineteen oh three, the structure is an extraordinary example of Art Nouveau architecture that treats the building facade like a canvas. The architect, Charles Klein, collaborated with the master ceramist Emile Muller to coat the exterior in ochre and almond-green stoneware panels. This design won the top prize in the City of Paris facade competition the very year it was finished.