In many cities, the buildings housing the city government have a standardized and impersonal appearance. In Paris, the mayor’s office occupies a beautiful palace Hôtel de Ville, whose facade stretches for 110 meters along Greve Square. And the municipal administration settled here back in 1357. However, the palace, like many other architectural monuments, was subjected to difficult tests during the Paris Commune. The building was partially burned down, and magnificent paintings, sculptures and tapestries perished in the fire. The current appearance of the Renaissance facades was acquired after the reconstruction completed in 1882. The roof and the central tower are decorated with statues of famous Parisians, symbols of French cities, allegorical sculptures representing Science, Culture, Education and Labor. The interior decoration of the City Hall is made in full compliance with the luxurious Empire style: the halls are flooded with light by tiered crystal chandeliers, the walls are covered with frescoes, the ceilings – stucco and paintings. The most pleasant thing for tourists is that they have a great opportunity to admire this splendor on any day, except Sunday, and the entrance to the palace is free of charge. During the tour visitors are shown the room where many crucial decisions for France were made – the Chamber of Consuls. No less impressive is the Fêtes Reception Hall, the interior of which repeats the Hall of Mirrors of Versailles. Its ceiling is decorated with an inscription that means so much to all French people: “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité”. At Christmas time, an ice rink is poured near the City Hall, which the residents of the French capital enjoy visiting. And employees of the City Hall do not mind to join them in their free time. In order not to miss anything from the eventful history of the Hôtel de Ville Palace, we suggest you use the services of a Russian-speaking guide.
Recommended visit:
- Excursion to the Chateau of Fontainebleau
- Excursion to Vaux-le-Vicomte
- Excursion to Mont Saint Michel from Paris
- Bruges sightseeing tour
