Knock knock who’s there? Today I’d like to show you some beautiful and extravagant Paris door knockers and handles. After years strolling through the city of Paris, I have compiled a few of my best photos of knockers and handles. I’ve shared their exact location so you can also see them for yourselves!
[lwptoc]
Paris door knockers and handles
Before the invention of door bells, many mansions and houses in Paris used large iron, bronze and brass door knockers. It’s so much fun to go in search of the most beautiful examples of these Paris door knockers and handles. On your next visit to Paris, take a closer look at the doors you walk past and you will eventually discover some beautifully ornate door knockers and handles. Like me you’ll be amused and entertained when you see how much attention to detail has been given to these door features.
For those of you who are learning French, here is a bit of useful vocabulary:
| door | porte (f) |
| door bell | sonnette (f) |
| handle | poignée (f) |
| key | clé, clef (f) |
| knock knock | toc toc |
| knocker | heurtoir (m) |
| lock | serrure (f) |
| portal | portail (m) |
Examples of ornate Paris door knockers and handles
You’ll find the address for each of these door handles at the bottom of the photo.
Classic door knocker with a somewhat country-ish design:
Paris door knockers and handles can feature beautiful sirens or women
Some were crafted with an intricate snake design
Many feature lions and strong animals
They sometimes take the shape of a man, a Greek god or cherubs
I’ve found some depicting fish, lezards or even dogs!
I love these ones that represent a hand
A hand for a handle!! There is apparently a very similar one in Orléans.
Mere decoration without any definite shape
Finally others are just mere decoration without any definite shape.
You might be interested in reading my article on the most beautiful doors of Paris.
Have you found some beautiful Paris door knockers and handles too? Please leave us a comment with their address! 🙂
Read more about door knockers on these blogs
- A brief history of Door Knockers – Indian Shelf
- Door knockers in Southern France – Life on La Lune
- Italian Door Knockers – Life in Italy
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Pierre, I also love looking for distinctive doors while I travel. This article has given me more to look for in Paris! Merci!
Merci beaucoup Ellen !! 👋
Thank you Pierre, great photos. My sister and I also have a fascination for knockers and doors and have taken many photos as we travelled around France. Jill Aust
You’re welcome Jill! Thanks for the comment! 👋