The Hôtel de Ville in Paris is often considered one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. Its elaborate architecture, white stone façade, and soaring towers catch the eye, especially as the sunlight shifts at dusk. The magic of the building can sometimes go unnoticed from the busy square in front, but it comes alive in the evening light.
Watching the colors change on the Hôtel de Ville’s rooftops and spires is a favorite activity for many. Some choose to admire this view from a café on the Ile de St. Louis, such as the Lutece, where the sunset transforms the cityscape into a painting. Others head to the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV) department store on Rue de Rivoli. From the store’s roof terrace, just a short climb by stairs, visitors are rewarded with sweeping views of the Hôtel de Ville’s dramatic roof, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the Seine River below.
The current Hôtel de Ville is not the original. The first building, dating from the 16th century, was destroyed by fire in 1871 during the Paris Commune. The present structure, completed mainly by 1882, is a grand reconstruction designed by architects Ballu and Deperthes, chosen after a competition. Larger than its predecessor, the building features lavish decorations inside and out. The use of brilliant white stone links it visually with other Paris landmarks, such as the Sacré-Cœur Basilica.
A statue along the south garden wall honors Etienne Marcel, a historical figure who served as "provost of merchants," an early version of the city’s mayor. His story ended tragically in 1358 when he was lynched by an angry crowd for attempting to increase the city’s power. Over the years, the Hôtel de Ville has played host to major figures and events. It was famously the power base for Jacques Chirac, former mayor of Paris and later president of France, whose tenure brought both political success and scandal. The building was also the scene where General de Gaulle greeted joyful Parisians after the city’s liberation in 1944 and where Robespierre was seized in 1794 during the French Revolution.
Those who admire the grand style of the Hôtel de Ville may be interested to know that Théodore Ballu, one of its architects, also designed the Church of La Trinité in the 9th arrondissement. Ballu’s hand can also be seen in the belfry of the town hall of the 1st arrondissement, located across from the Louvre’s eastern façade. He is also responsible for the restoration of the Tour St Jacques, a medieval tower that was uncovered after many years of careful work.
Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C3%B4tel_de_Ville,_Paris
There are a number of famous occupants, but the real reason to visit this cemetery is to see the ornate tombstones, sculptures, and other sometimes macabre, sometimes touching memorials Parisians have left here for their dead.
The largest French museum of Jewish art and history
The museum is located in a 17th century house with a garden, and features the history and culture of Montmartre. Several famous artists had lived in the house including Renoir.
The bridge is widely regarded as the most ornate, extravagant bridge in the city. It is classified as a French Monument historique.
A little district within the district. Very charming little streets on a hill on the west end of the 13 district. Nice for lunching/dining activities. This is the place where the band "Mano Negra" was hanging around.
Private collection of French, Italian, Dutch masterpieces in a typical XIXth century mansion.
The Stade Charlety is a massive multi-sport arena, hosting football (soccer), tennis, rugby and squash matches.
Tourists cross this park with the large fountain on the way to the Place du Trocadéro viewpoint to the Eiffel Tower.
Housed in a 15th-century abbey, alongside 1st century Gallo-Roman baths, the museum has an extensive collection of medieval art and artifacts. Highlights include the medieval "Lady and the Unicorn" tapestries, a papal golden rose, and the original heads from the facade of Notre Dame.
This charming scientific museum preserves the offices and laboratories of Pierre and Marie Curie, pioneers in the discovery of radioactivity. Their instruments, equipment, and furniture is arranged as it was during their critically important research. Guided tours in English available.
A controversial church serving as de facto headquarters of the arch-traditionalist Society of Saint Pius X, who occupied the church in 1977 and have ignored subsequent eviction orders.
A must for anyone interested in the history of the American Revolution. This small cemetery includes three mass graves from the French Revolution, plus a section that includes many of France's most noble families that lost members during the French Revolution and consequently have a continuing right to be buried there. In the farthest right hand corner is the tomb of General Lafayette, the friend and fellow soldier of George Washington. Beside him is his beloved wife plus other members of her family, the de Noailles, who were almost completely wiped out during the French Revolution because of their closeness to the Court. Since 1834 the American flag has apparently flown continuously over his grave, even during the German occupation of Paris during World War II. Well worthy of a visit.
Most of the works by Picasso and others which were in the master's possession at the time of his death are now on display here.
The massive parish church of the Les Halles area is a notable example of late Gothic interspersed with Renaissance details (including the entire front façade), as it was only completed in the 17th century. Its unique form results from a combination of relatively short length and impressive height of over 30 metres inside. The latter allows room not only for an array of stained glass windows and paintings, but also France's largest church organ of 8,000 pipes. The sculpture Écoute, depicting an oversized human head, was placed in front of the church's southern facade and has become a favourite photo spot.
Probably the most visited graveyard in any Western city, the vast Père-Lachaise features literally thousands of often elaborately decorated graves separated by narrow lanes and avenues. The roll call of famous burials includes: Chopin, Champollion, Sarah Bernhardt, Edith Piaf, Oscar Wilde, Delacroix, Bizet, Proust, Balzac, Colette, Molière, and Jim Morrison of The Doors.
The official residence of the President of France since 1848. Dating to the early 18th century, it contains the office of the President and the meeting place of the Council of Ministers. It is located near the Champs-Élysées in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, the name Élysée deriving from Elysian Fields, the place of the blessed dead in Greek mythology. Not open to the public, except occasionally during the annual National Heritage Days (usually a weekend in mid-September). Important foreign visitors are hosted at the nearby Hôtel de Marigny, a palatial residence.
The oldest church in Paris, founded in the year 542 by King Childebert. The church as it exists today dates mainly from the 11th century, the period in which it became the center of a powerful Benedictine abbey. The Revolution witnessed the suppression of the abbey in 1794, when most of the monastic buildings were put to the torch. Earlier, 318 priests had been hacked to death nearby by a mob on 3 September 1792. The church underwent significant restoration in the 19th century, ensuring the preservation of the building, which by that date represented a fascinating mix of styles: 6th century marble columns placed alongside Gothic vaults and supported by Romanesque arches. Famous burials within the church include René Descartes (philosopher), Nicolas Boileau (poet) and King John Casimir of Poland, who had become (in 1669, before his death) abbot of the church's monastery.
Beautiful round "square" with an equestrian statue of King Louis XIV and matching 17th century buildings.