Hôtel de Ville
Hôtel de Ville
4.5
About
This beautiful, 19th century building is now the seat of the French government, and features a number of displays on French history.
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< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Le Marais
The Marais is a winding maze of multi-faceted streets that beg to be explored. It bursts with small boutiques, historic buildings, cozy traditional restaurants, and hidden parks. Around each corner, you'll come across little gems of architecture spanning the centuries, from understated medieval towers to classical libraries and 17th century splendor. This neighborhood unites a rich mix of people of all ages, but it's best known for the gay scene mostly in the south and the Jewish community around Rue des Rosiers.
How to get there
- Hôtel de Ville • 2 min walk
- Cité • 4 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
4,081 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Vacationer7784034 contributionsSpecial friendly treatment at La Poste at the Place de l'Hotel de Ville, 75004 Paris.We were staying at Le Marais, on rue Saint Martin and rue Pernelle. Looked for a Post Office not wanting to place mail in a street box. We found out there is a small post office branch at the Place de l'Hotel de Ville, 75004, Paris. Being a stamp collector, I requested from one of the employees, a very nice lady, to postmark by hand several letters and postcards decorated with a variety of colorful French stamps. She took care of my request with a smile of her face on three different visits to that post office. I rate that post office branch 5 Stars! Of course, speaking French to her must have had a friendly impact... We also purchased recently issued French postage stamps: Notre Dame Treasures and La Fee Melusine, art postage stamps.Written November 2, 2022
- Terry MHamilton, Canada4,307 contributionsA GRAND SEAT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTThe third buildig on the site, Louis XVI and Charles de Gaulle are among the historic personalities to make speeches from the building. The size of the 19th c building is massive. You can tour the building by prior arrangement. The Olympic rings were in front of the building, the 2024 Summer Games in the offing.Written November 9, 2022
- FLnurseERBoca Raton, Florida2,671 contributionsOfficial apartments of the mayorThe south wing of the building was originally constructed by François I in the 16th century. The north wing was later built by Henry IV and Louis XIII in the 17th century. The Hôtel de Ville had been the headquarters of the French Revolution, the headquarters of the Paris Commune. When defeat became imminent, the Communards set fire to the Hôtel de Ville, destroying the building and almost all of the city archives. Reconstruction of City Hall lasted from 1873 through 1892 (19 years). Today, the Hôtel de Ville is home to the official apartments of the mayor of Paris and functions as Paris' city hall. It stands on the Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. We had admired the beautiful building from the almost empty square as well as from the cruise on the river. The fountain section is covered and some type of upkeep is being done.Traveled as a coupleWritten October 7, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,542 reviews
Excellent
721
Very good
690
Average
114
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Bryan W
Chattanooga, TN320 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We had an unbelievable experience. We were in the plaza on a walking tour two days before bastille day and got front row viewing of the practice air show fly over. A beautiful piece of French history and exceptionally fortunate timing.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nicolas C
Limassol City, Cyprus891 contributions
Jul 2021
The Hôtel de Ville in Paris, France, is the building housing the city's local administration. It was initially constructed in the 15th century, and it has since been expanded in its today's glory.
If you want to see this magnificent building in its true colours, go for a walk in the evening, making a stop after your walk at the river - La Seine. The real glory of this building comes to surface in the evening with the special lights effects, in the city of light!
If you want to see this magnificent building in its true colours, go for a walk in the evening, making a stop after your walk at the river - La Seine. The real glory of this building comes to surface in the evening with the special lights effects, in the city of light!
Written July 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,604 contributions
Jun 2022
This is Paris' city hall and it best seen from the river, although there is another good view from the plaza outside. The building was rebuilt after it was gutted during the Commune, and it looks even better now. We have been to a reception and lots of special art expos here. A monument.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
yiannos973
Limassol City, Cyprus588 contributions
Jul 2022
Impressive ,huge Neo Renaissance building ,amazing architecture, full of history. Maybe the most impressive building of Paris, very picturesque, close to Marais. There is a large square in front with a large fountain where people sitting, admiring and taking photos of the Town Hall. The area around is very nice with cafes, restaurants ,brasseries to relax and the famous department store BHV just opposite.
Regular exhibitions held inside Hotel de Ville with a fee. A must see.
Regular exhibitions held inside Hotel de Ville with a fee. A must see.
Written August 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Acineto
Auckland Central, New Zealand19,852 contributions
Jan 2020
I came out of the Hotel De Ville stop to get to Notre Dame Cathedral. It looked like the train station is connected to the building but it was all closed off when I was there so I ended up outside instead. I was on the back end of the building and was fascinated with the architecture. As I moved towards the front of the building towards the bridge to Note Dame, I noticed a statue on horseback on the side of the building.
As I neared the bridge I noticed that there was a festival of some sort in the front area of the hotel. It looked like a winter festivalwith free rides for kids. It was New Year so it could also have been related to that. Apart from rides there were a few stalls for food and shops of items. There were also a few photo areas. The building looks quite amazing from afar and does look nice closer up when you are able to see some of the intricate details.
I was able to get close to the building but not inside since it looked like it was closed. The colourful lighting around the area made it quite festive and interesting. It was an unexpected but really enjoyable find.
As I neared the bridge I noticed that there was a festival of some sort in the front area of the hotel. It looked like a winter festivalwith free rides for kids. It was New Year so it could also have been related to that. Apart from rides there were a few stalls for food and shops of items. There were also a few photo areas. The building looks quite amazing from afar and does look nice closer up when you are able to see some of the intricate details.
I was able to get close to the building but not inside since it looked like it was closed. The colourful lighting around the area made it quite festive and interesting. It was an unexpected but really enjoyable find.
Written May 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,604 contributions
Oct 2019
The design is from the 19th Century. It burned during the Commune time but was re-built and houses the City Hall functions. We come here for the museum space where there is often a very good expo, usually free. Also good if there is a special function to which you are invited.
Written January 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA14,604 contributions
Feb 2020
We've been to much here, a reception and lots of art expos. This massive and impressive building was torched during the Commune uprising 1870, but was quickly rebuilt is sort of the same style. Now it's administrative, but pay attention to notices for art and history exhibits because they are excellent and free.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia42,211 contributions
Oct 2019
Hotel de Ville was built in the 16th century but had to be rebuilt in the second half of the 19th century following fire damage. It is a splendid building and quite ostentatious. It is very beautiful and it is worth spending part of your day on a visit here. It is also the seat of the Paris city government.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
I visited this place🇦🇪🇨ðŸ‡ðŸ‡³ðŸ‡±ðŸ‡¬ðŸ‡§ðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸
Israel13,645 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
Yes- I visited this place... but by chance. We were on our way from here to there, and stopped to eat our bagged lunches. We admired the building from the outside- many sections, turrets, statues, towers... you name it- this place is worth looking at... but what isn’t in Paris?
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia15,561 contributions
Dec 2019
The City authorities have their seat here since the 14c, but the edifice didn't have that look. It was torched down during the Commune revolution, and rebuilt later in this magnificent French neo-Renessaince style.
It's a perfect photo op in the heart of Paris and one of Europe's most beautiful city halls.
It's a perfect photo op in the heart of Paris and one of Europe's most beautiful city halls.
Written January 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonjour
À qui m'adresser pour un contrôle d'hygiène d'un restaurant ?
Merci d'avance
Walter Lescano
Las Vegas, NV2 contributions
Hello, I am visiting Paris in March and would love to tour the Hotel de Ville. Can you please let me now if there are any tours availability? I was told tours had been suspended last year, but am hoping they are available now. Thank you!
bayarea57
San Francisco, CA60 contributions
Hello. Once a year they open it for free but it is September, 3rd weekend. Now must be closed due to the pandemia.
Julie Y
8 contributions
Since the Notre Dame fire, I understand that the crown of thorns has been moved here. Can you see it as a visitor?
BradJill
Hong Kong, China153,577 contributions
Might be better to ask this question on the Paris forum here at TripAdvisor. The local experts there might be able to answer this question quickly.
Comment contacter le service hygiène de la ville de Paris?
Stephane D
Brussels, Belgium709 contributions
En téléphonant au service hygiène de la ville de Paris ! Tout simplement
Diego Pertuz
Mexico City, Mexico260 contributions
Valérie, Thanks.
Do you know if visits to the building are available for april 2019?
Merci beaucup.
Please disregard my previous enquiry. it was a mistake as it was supposed to be to a hotel. too many tabs open.
thanks.
Tonibennett70
Seattle168 contributions
It's the Mayor's offices, very big
hi there. i would like to know if there is any flexibility in relation to leave the luggage there after checking out for a last stroll around. Do you happen to know about this please?
thanks.
Silvana
BrotherYo
Surrey, Canada249 contributions
Good morning Silvana, Doubtful that in such a public place they will allow you to store luggages. Yoland
DrT187
North Salem, NY6 contributions
Hello all, Does anyone know if there will be an ice skating rink this winter/2018? I believe they did not have skating last year? Thank you in advance.
startedthepuzzle
Chicago, IL132 contributions
No, there is no ice skating there this winter, I'm in Paris now. Try Tracadero.
Hôtel de Ville, Paris
Frequently Asked Questions about Hôtel de Ville
- We recommend booking Hôtel de Ville tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 51 Hôtel de Ville tours on Tripadvisor
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