Hôtel de Ville

The Basics

Hôtel de Ville—the Paris City Hall—dates to 1357. Initially housed in Maison aux Piliers, the landmark was rebuilt and expanded between 1533 and 1628. Considered a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, that building was burned to the ground by the Paris Commune government. Following a period of renovation that lasted from 1873 to 1892, its facade was reconstructed and its interiors redesigned.

Today, the monument is home to some of the city’s most important government offices, including Paris city council and the mayor of Paris. It can be seen on hop-on hop-off bus tours, as well as on bike and walking tours. Given its location on the Seine, Hôtel de Ville can also be admired on river cruises.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Individual visits to the monument are currently suspended, though tour groups can file an application, preferably two months in advance.

• The building is outfitted with elevators, disabled bathrooms, and other features that make it accessible to visitors with limited mobility.

• Though much of the landmark is closed to individual visitors, Hôtel de Ville opens its doors during European Heritage Days, held each September.

How to Get There

Located in the Fourth Arrondissement, the Hôtel de Ville Métro station—served by lines 1 and 11—is just steps away from the monument, while the Châtelet – Les Halles station (served by lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14, as well as the RER A, B, and D), is less than a 10-minute walk away. Alternatively, take bus lines 38, 47, 67, 69, 70, 72, 74, 75, 76, 85, or 96.

When to Get There

The Hôtel de Ville is currently best seen from the outside, as only planned group tours can enter. The interior is open to these groups every day except Sundays and bank holidays. It often hosts free Paris–themed temporary exhibitions and comes alive during the festive season with its annual outdoor Christmas market.

The Hôtel de Ville’s Interior

Although the landmark is only open to planned group tours, the interior is worth seeing as it’s filled with elegant murals painted by prominent 19th-century artists. The landmark is also famed for its extravagant function room, designed to resemble Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors.

Ways to explore

The inside of Hôtel de Ville is often closed to individual visitors, but even if you aren’t able to tour the interior, its decorative facade is well worth a look. You can learn more about the attraction on a number of Paris tours, from bike tours of the city’s highlights and hidden gems to themed walking tours focused on Le Marais’ Jewish heritage and French Revolution history. Given its location on the Seine, Hôtel de Ville can also be admired on river cruises.

Accessibility

Hôtel de Ville is wheelchair accessible; the square surrounding the site is flat, and the building has elevators and accessible restrooms.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, city guide

What to wear

Hôtel de Ville is located in Paris’ highly walkable historic center, so dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

Not allowed

If you snag a reservation to tour the building, don’t bring bulky bags, tripods, selfie sticks, or outside food and drink.

Address

Hôtel de Ville is centrally located along the Seine River in Le Marais. Major attractions—including the Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Centre Pompidou—are a short walk away, though you can also get there by bikeshare, car, or public transportation.

Driving

Rather than deal with the stress of driving (and parking) through bustling central Paris, take a taxi or rideshare to Hôtel de Ville—it’s within a 25-minute drive of most attractions.

Public transportation

The Hôtel de Ville Métro station—served by lines 1 and 11—is just steps away from the monument, while Châtelet station (lines 1, 4, 7, 11, and 14) is less than a 10-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Hôtel de Ville is especially scenic in the early morning when crowds are minimal and at sunset for golden-hour photos.

Best days to visit

Group visits must be arranged in advance, so contact the attraction at least two months in advance to see if a tour date during your trip is available.

Best months to visit

If you’ll be walking by Hôtel de Ville en route to other outdoor attractions, visit between June–October when Paris’ weather is pleasantly warm.

Special events

The annual European Heritage Days in September are a highly anticipated occasion to see the city’s more exclusive attractions, including Hôtel de Ville’s library and council chambers.