Hôtel de Ville, Paris, Renaissance Revival town hall in 4th arrondissement, France
Hôtel de Ville is the city hall of Paris located in the 4th arrondissement, a large building made of pale stone with sculptural decorations on the facade and a central clock tower. The long front stretches along the square and displays numerous windows, statues of historical figures, and architectural details in the Renaissance style.
A first city hall stood here since 1357 but was destroyed by fire in 1871 during the Paris Commune. The new building was constructed between 1874 and 1882 following plans by architects Ballu and Deperthes, echoing the original Renaissance style.
The Hall of Festivities on the upper floor displays ceiling frescoes by late 19th-century artists that depict everyday life in Paris. These decorative paintings portray craftsmen, market vendors, and other figures from the city, offering a window into urban life from that era.
Temporary exhibitions on Parisian themes are held on the ground floor and are free to enter. The square in front offers a good spot for photographing the facade, especially in the late afternoon when the light is favorable.
During winter, the square in front is transformed into an ice rink where you can skate directly in front of the illuminated facade. This seasonal attraction draws families and visitors who want to glide beneath the historical walls.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
