The Glass Roof of the V, a Masterpiece by Gustave Eiffel

 

Behind the walls of Hôtel Vernet lies an extraordinary work of art: the glass roof that crowns the fine-dining restaurant Le V. This iconic structure is the result of the combined genius of two masters: Gustave Eiffel, renowned for his architectural brilliance, and the glassmaker Charles Champigneulle. More than just bathing the restaurant in light, this glass roof is a symbol of unrivaled craftsmanship and embodies the very essence of French decorative arts. Discover the fascinating history of our glass roof and the remarkable journeys of its two creators.

 

 

 

THE GENESIS
of an art piece

CHARLES CHAMPIGNEULLE: A VISIONARY MASTER GLASSMAKER

Born in 1836, Charles Champigneulle quickly established himself as one of the most renowned glassmakers of his time. A specialist in the art of stained glass, he mastered the balance between tradition and modernity. Influenced by the Art Nouveau movement, his artistic sensibility enabled him to integrate organic motifs and vibrant colors into his creations. Thanks to his innovative approach, his works transcended simple windows to become luminous paintings in their own right.
 

GUSTAVE EIFFEL: THE ENGINEER OF EXCELLENCE

Born in 1832, Gustave Eiffel is best known for the iconic tower that bears his name. Yet, his genius went far beyond this emblematic monument. A pioneer of metal engineering, his bold vision revolutionized construction. With a preference for light and airy structures, he helped redefine the architectural landscape of his era. His collaboration with Champigneulle on the glass roof of Hôtel Vernet perfectly illustrates the harmony between art and technique.

 

A FEAT OF ARCHITECTURE
and glasswork

AN INNOVATIVE DESIGN

The design of Hôtel Vernet’s glass roof demonstrates both technical mastery and refined aesthetics. The idea was to create a luminous space that would serve as both an atrium and a reception hall. Champigneulle conceived a design that allowed natural light to filter through beautifully decorated stained glass. The resulting play of light creates a warm and inviting atmosphere—essential for a luxury hotel.
 

EIFFEL'S FRAMEWORK, CHAMPIGNEULLE'S SOUL

The techniques employed by Champigneulle, combined with Eiffel’s engineering expertise, led to the creation of this unique glass roof. The use of metal for the structure significantly reduced its weight while ensuring overall solidity. It was within this context of emerging modernity that Eiffel’s contribution became clear: his mastery of metallic frameworks allowed for a structure that was both light and strong, capable of supporting intricate stained glass without overwhelming the space.

If the metal framework is the skeleton of the glass roof, its soul lies in the stained glass crafted by Charles Champigneulle. Celebrated for his ability to blend colors and forms in perfect harmony while preserving traditional techniques, he elevated artisanal craftsmanship to the level of fine art. His work on Hôtel Vernet’s glass roof is a tribute to French savoir-faire. The floral motifs and delicate hues of the stained glass add a poetic dimension to the space. Through the use of colored and textured glass, natural light is transformed, creating a unique atmosphere within the hotel’s restaurant.

 

A GLASS ROOF
between heritage and modernity

Far from being a mere relic of the past, the hotel’s glass roof embodies a living heritage. It bears witness to an era when craftsmanship and industry came together to create works of art that combined sophistication with the functional demands of modern architecture.
 

PRESERVING HERITAGE

Hôtel Vernet has carefully preserved and restored this glass roof so it continues to shine. Restoring such a structure requires exceptional expertise, particularly to ensure that Champigneulle’s stained glass retains its brilliance and that Eiffel’s framework remains solid and stable.

The restoration techniques used respect both the original materials and the artisanal methods of the period. The stained glass was cleaned and restored, while the metallic structure was reinforced to ensure its longevity. This meticulous preservation is essential to maintain the integrity of the work while making it accessible to future generations.
 

THE GLASS ROOF IN A MODERN CONTEXT

Though deeply rooted in the history of art and architecture, the glass roof integrates seamlessly into the contemporary setting of the hotel. This union of tradition and modernity is one of the defining features of this Parisian establishment. The glass roof fits perfectly within an environment that combines modern design with respect for heritage, creating a harmonious dialogue between past and present.

This ability to evolve without losing its essence makes Hôtel Vernet’s glass roof a timeless symbol of Parisian elegance. It represents the perfect alliance of traditional craftsmanship and innovation, while remaining true to the spirit of its creators. Its exceptional setting and fascinating history make it one of the jewels of Parisian hospitality.