As a fan of Art Nouveau architecture, I had to stop by the Agoudas Hakehilos Synagogue, which was designed by Hector Guimard around 1913. Guimard is perhaps most well known for his Metropolitain entrances at select Metro stops as well as his Castel Berenger in Paris. Situated on a narrow street, snug among other buildings of similar height, we saw only the exterior of this Jewish synagogue building. Activity and light from within indicated it is still in use. There are five stories, curved white stone facade, two-story entrance, tall skinny windows, tablets top center. It has survived a fire and attempted WWII bombing. But it needs some TLC. Nonetheless, the Art Nouveau elements are of sufficient interest to warrant a visit for an architecture fan. Note the building's cornerstone showing the architect's name and the building's date.

This is a Jewish point-of-interest; I can't quite call it a tourist attraction- that's for sure. it's a building- an active Jewish synagogue for prayers and study. There are listed times of the 3 daily prayer services, but according to our experience; those times are suggestions. The outside is as seen from other photos. Reminder is made here of the Paris law to clean the outside of structures (at least residential) once every twenty years- has the time come for this place? The inside is quaint and old-time old style- quite dated and not elegant. It is an orthodox facility with two balconies- functional and not for the general tourist- no tours, no explanations. The place is always locked- the only chance to get in is before the scheduled times and when a member or prayer supplicant or student enters with the codes to the digital locking mechanism- if that person agrees to give you access..... maybe one of those Jewish theme oriented tours can get you in too. Inside and in the adjacent building, there are many students of the ancient texts- they are known as bukkrim and wear the white shirt and dark suit jacket and black hat. They also don the black boxes for their daily prayers. Certainly do not photograph them- that's very rude and invasive and intrusive But again- don't go here as a tourist with a camera: go here only to get a glimpse of active ultra-orthodox life in the old Jewish quarter of Le Marais. Contrary to what I just wrote- I am posting photos of the empty sanctuary- from ground level and from the two balconies.