Art & History Abroad Tours
Art Deco & Modernism in Paris
We look at Paris through Art Deco and Modernism, focusing on Boulogne-Billancourt and the architectural world around Le Corbusier. With Professor Anne Anderson, visits include the Museum of the 1930s, Le Corbusier’s apartment, Villa Savoye, the Le Corbusier Foundation and the Musee Bourdelle.
Paris embraced the architecture and design of the early 20th century with particular energy, and this tour considers that legacy through Art Deco, Modernism and the work of Le Corbusier.
Based mainly around Boulogne-Billancourt, we explore a district that was especially dynamic in the 1930s, when filmmakers, architects and artists chose to live and work there. Professor Anne Anderson’s guidance brings warmth, clarity and context to this creative period.
what’s included
At A Glance

Meet Your Expert Guide
Professor Anne Anderson
Anne is an author, broadcaster and Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries, with a first degree in archaeology and a PhD in English. She was a senior lecturer in Art and Design History for fourteen years, specialising in the Aesthetic Movement, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Modernism.
An experienced international speaker and published author, Anne has inspired Travel Editions travellers for more than fifteen years with her wit, wisdom and enthusiasm. Her tours reveal the connections between architecture, interiors and design, bringing the artistic revolutions of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries vividly to life.
itinerary & excursions
Your Itinerary
Explore this incredible tour in detail and discover what makes each day so special. Below, you’ll find a full day-by-day breakdown of your journey, from the moment you arrive to your final farewell. Learn more about the highlights you’ll experience, the unforgettable places you’ll visit, and the unique moments that bring each destination to life. Whether you’re drawn by rich history, stunning landscapes or unforgettable cultural encounters, this itinerary gives you everything you need to picture your adventure and look forward to every step of the way.

Day 1: Arrival in Paris and the Birth of Art Deco
Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and transfer by coach (15km) to Le Parchamp Hotel in Boulogne-Billancourt for check in for our stay.
We then walk to the nearby Museum of the 1930s whose extensive collection includes some 800 sculptures, 2,000 paintings, furniture, ceramics and models of 1930s buildings.
Return to the hotel for a welcome reception, lecture by Professor Anne Anderson: ‘Paris 1925: The birth of Art Deco’ and dinner with wine at the hotel.

Day 2: Art Deco Icons of Paris
Enjoy a full day exploring Paris, beginning with a morning coach journey to the Palais de la Porte Dorée. Here, our guide Anne introduces the magnificent exterior, highlighting Alfred Janniot’s celebrated bas-reliefs, often described as a true jewel of Art Deco.
We then drive on to the Church of Saint Jean Bosco, a rare and striking example of an Art Deco church in Paris and a designated French National Historic Monument. After a short journey, we arrive at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs (MAD), where there is free time to enjoy lunch before a visit to the collections.
The late afternoon is at leisure to explore Paris independently, before we meet again for an early dinner at the historic La Coupole restaurant in central Paris. After dinner, we return by coach to the hotel.

Day 3: Boulogne-Billancourt and Le Corbusier’s Home
A day in Boulogne-Billancourt, starting with a walk around the exteriors of the Art Deco buildings in the area, led by Anne Anderson, including Rue Denfert-Rochereau, whose house numbers 2, 4 and 6 form a nice triptych of modern architecture, with no. 6 being the work of Le Corbusier.
The tour includes a visit to Le Corbusier’s home from 1934 to 1965, housed on the top floors of the Immeuble Molitor, an apartment building designed between 1931 and 1934 by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, the first glass apartment block in the history of architecture and now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Second lecture from Anne tonight: ‘Art Deco versus Modernism’ and dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 4: Villa Savoye, Modernist Paris and Hotel Molitor
We head away from Boulogne-Billancourt today by coach, to Villa Savoye at Poissy, a Modernist “manifesto” designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret and built in reinforced concrete from 1928 to 1931. It became a national monument during the architect’s lifetime and one of 16 of his buildings to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016.
Next we drive to Église Sainte‑Odile, a quietly impressive example of Parisian Art Deco, and the city’s tallest church tower, offering a fascinating blend of 1930s modernity and sacred tradition. We then coach to Central Paris for a visit to the Le Corbusier foundation and archive honouring the architect’s work, consisting of Villa La Roche and Villa Jeanneret, that were Le Corbusier’s third commission in Paris.
We’ll also walk by the Modernist buildings on Rue Mallet-Stevens and see some of the lovely Art Nouveau buildings on Avenue Mozart and Rue Jean de la Fontaine. Take the Metro back to Boulogne-Billancourt in your own time. This evening we have a guided visit to Hotel Molitor with its 1930s indoor pool, followed by a farewell dinner here.

Day 5: Musée Bourdelle and Return to London
Morning visit to Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the French sculptor who was an important figure in the Art Deco movement and the transition from the Beaux-Art style to modern sculpture.
After exploring the museum, transfer to the station for return Eurostar to St Pancras.
our guests say
Recent reviews
“A special thanks to Gill for her excellent work throughout, particularly for patiently addressing all my linguistic queries. Prof Anne -what can we say, the main reason for going, redoubtable as ever, press-button encyclopaedic knowledge – and opinions and interpretations and background history. genius under a pink beret. was, as always, the highlight and did not disappoint: her formidable knowledge, insightful interpretations, and engaging delivery made the experience truly memorable. The company was equally wonderful, with plenty of lively conversation along the way.”
David, February 2026
“A real highlight was visiting the 1930s museum on our first afternoon; it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the trip.”
Mrs Southhall, February 2026
“A highlight for me was visiting the Le Corbusier studio and his houses: really fascinating to see his work up close.”
Mrs Devonport, February 2026
Availability
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HOTELS
Tour Accommodation
Le Parchamp, Paris
Located in the historic area of Boulogne-Billancourt, Le Parchamp is a stylish and comfortable hotel featuring Le Corbusier-inspired colour block ceilings and bespoke artwork. Facilities here include a restaurant and bar, and comfortable bedrooms with private bathroom, TV, WIFI, and tea and coffee making facilities.
Hotel Website
our regular tours
Mobility Information
This tour has a demanding fitness rating and is designed for travellers who enjoy a more active pace of exploration. While it is not a walking holiday, you should expect busy days with extended periods on your feet and visits where conditions may be more varied. These may include uneven terrain, cobbled streets, archaeological sites, steep paths, steps, stairs, limited handrails or fewer opportunities to sit and rest.
A good level of fitness and mobility will help you enjoy the full experience of the itinerary. Please read the day-by-day itinerary carefully, as we highlight specific practical details wherever possible. This may include notes about ground conditions, stairs, walking distances, coach access or sites where lifts are not available.
If you have any questions about whether this tour is suitable for you, please contact our team before booking. We are always happy to talk through the itinerary and help you make the right choice.
Your questions answered
Tour FAQ
If you have a question, we are more than happy to answer it via email or phone, but you may find your answer below more quickly.
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