Hôtel de Ville

Even from a distance, the bold facade and grand scale of the Hôtel de Ville in unmistakable. This exquisite example of French Renaissance architecture is situated on the Right Bank of the Seine in the chic Marais district of Paris. While its name suggests that it might be a hotel, the Hôtel de Ville was actually designed as the town hall of the French capital, and has been home to the mayor’s office since 1977. The site of the current Hôtel de Ville has long been associated with city government and has been used to hold municipal offices of Paris since 1357. Rebuilt in the late 19th century following a devastating fire, the building features a magnificent interior with grand reception rooms, including one that is a replica of the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles.

Visiting

The Hôtel de Ville is a public building, but visits are available by appointment only. Guided tours (in French) are available once a week throughout the year and twice a week in the summer months. You can also arrange for a free weekday tour of the Hôtel de Ville’s reception rooms by contacting its Protocol Department at +33 (0) 1 42 76 54 04. Tours last one hour and commentary is available in English.

Ice Rink
The picture perfect ice rink outside the Hôtel de Ville is an annual winter traditional in Paris. Arguably the most popular rink in the city, it stretches 1,365 square metres (14,700 square feet), and includes separate sections for beginners and small children. The scene here is especially beautiful after sunset thanks to a generous dose of holiday lighting. A spin around the ice is a great way to get into the holiday spirit during a trip to Paris. Make a day of it by visiting the beautiful Christmas Market at nearby Notre Dame Cathedral.

History

The site where the Hôtel de Ville currently stands was used as a river port for early Parisians. Municipal offices for the city first moved into the area back in the mid-14th century. As Paris blossomed into a vibrant and thriving world capital around these first offices, in the 16th century it became apparent to King Francis I that Paris’ administration required a grander home, befitting of the city’s importance. The king enlisted the help of architects Dominique de Cortone and Pierre Chambiges to draw up plans for a new city hall. Completed in 1628, the result of the architects’ effort was a magnificent Renaissance-inspired structure.

For centuries the Hôtel de Ville stood as a symbol for the wealth and importance of Paris. The building bore witness to several notable events in the city’s history. Maximilien Robespierre, a prominent figure in the French Revolutions, was shot and arrested at the Hôtel de Ville before his execution at the Place de la Concorde. In 1871 protesters against France’s surrender in the Franco-Prussian war set fire to the building, leaving nothing but the Hôtel de Ville’s shell behind.

The Hôtel de Ville as it stands today is largely a reconstruction of the original 16th century building. Architects worked in and around the surviving stone facade, recreating the Renaissance look on the exterior and rebuilding the interior to represent the opulent style of the late 19th century.

Paris Perfect's Personal Tip

The Protocol Department recommends booking your tour of the Hôtel de Ville at least two months in advance. However, they’re often able to accommodate visitors who arrive without a booking. If you’re in the neighborhood, it doesn't hurt to try!

Essential Information

• Address: Place de l'Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris, France
• Closest Metro: Hôtel de ville
• Opening Times: Varied. Contact the Protocol Department for tours. Closed on weekends