7 Rue Rembrandt: The Mansion That Shattered the Rules
Some architectural gems in Paris refuse to play by the rules. The hôtel particulier at 7 rue Rembrandt in the 8th arrondissement, for example, is a bold, extravagant, and unapologetically decorated mansion built in 1896.
It came to life thanks to Gustave Rives (1858-1926), one of the most sought-after architects of the time. If you’ve never heard of him, he was a heavyweight in late 19th-century Parisian design.
Beyond building mansions, Rives worked as Chief Architect for the City of Paris, overseeing both civic and national buildings. He shaped entire cityscapes, from grand apartments to entertainment hotspots like the original Lido and the Grands Magasins Dufayel, a colossal department store that once rivaled Galeries Lafayette.
See also: 9 Superb Hôtels Particuliers in Paris Hiding in Plain Sight
Breaking Paris’s Building Rules
Before 1893, Paris had some pretty strict urban planning laws. No protrusions, no architectural extras, just flat, rigid façades. Then, suddenly, the city loosened up.
Architects were finally allowed to build oriels, or bow windows, in brick or stone, adding dimension and flair to buildings.
The mansion at 7 rue Rembrandt is a post-Haussmann masterpiece that takes full advantage of the loosened building regulations of the 1890s.
Its most striking feature is the stacked oriel windows, which extend outward in two distinct sections – rectangular on the left and curved on the right, creating a dynamic and asymmetrical façade.
Unlike the rigid symmetry of earlier Haussmannian designs, this building embraces movement and contrast. Adding to its uniqueness, the structure also features real glass greenhouses extending onto the street, a rare architectural choice that blends decorative artistry with functional elegance.
The façade is further enhanced by intricate stone carvings, sculpted details, and ornamental flourishes that showcase Gustave Rives’ flair for highly decorative, theatrical design.
The Daredevil Who Lived Here
This fancy mansion was once home to Hubert Latham, a name that aviation buffs will recognize instantly.
Latham was a true daredevil. In 1909, he attempted to become the first person to fly across the English Channel. He tried twice, but Louis Blériot beat him to it.
He then went on to set a world altitude record in 1910, reaching 1,384 meters in an airplane at a time when just getting off the ground was considered an achievement.
Latham died at just 29 but in his brief career, he proved himself as one of the most daring pilots of his era.
What’s The Property Worth
Fast forward to 2025, this address remains one of the most desirable in Paris. The average property price is 13,391€ per square meter. Renting costs around 35.5€ per square meter per month.
That’s premium pricing even for the 8th arrondissement, but you’re buying into a piece of architectural rebellion and a mansion designed by a man who helped shape modern Paris.
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Cover photo: Jeanne Menjoulet (CC BY 2.0)