Fodor's Paris 2024 by Fodor's Travel Guides

Author:Fodor's Travel Guides [Fodor’s Travel Guides]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Fodor's Travel
Published: 2023-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Hôtel de Sully (Hôtel de Béthune-Sully)

NOTABLE BUILDING | This early Baroque gem, built in 1624, is one of the city’s loveliest hôtels particuliers. Like much of the area, it fell into ruin until the 1950s, when it was rescued by the institute for French historic monuments (the Centre des Monuments Nationaux), which is based here. The renovated headquarters aren’t open to the public, but you’re welcome to enjoy the equally lovely garden. Stroll through it, past the Orangerie, to find a small passage into nearby Place des Vosges. Sully’s best buddy, King Henri IV, would have lived there had he not been assassinated in 1610. An on-site bookstore (with a 17th-century ceiling of exposed wooden beams) sells specialized English-language guides to Paris. E 62 rue St-Antoine, 4e, Marais Quarter P 01–44–61–20–00 w www.hotel-de-sully.fr C Bookstore closed Mon. m St-Paul.

Hôtel de Ville

GOVERNMENT BUILDING | Overlooking the Seine, City Hall contains the residence and offices of the mayor. The original Renaissance structure was built by François I in 1535–51 and added to by both Henry IV and Louis XIII in the early 17th century. In 1871 it was sacked and burned during the final days of the Paris Commune. Rebuilt in an almost exact replica of the original in 1874, it is one of Paris’s most stunning buildings, made all the more dramatic by elaborate nighttime lighting. The adjoining public library stages frequent free exhibits celebrating famous photographers like Doisneau or Atget and their notable subjects, often the city itself. (The entrance is on the side across from the department store BHV.) Alas, the impressive interior of the main administrative building, with its lavish reception halls and staircases, is open only for independent visits during Patrimony Weekend in September. If your French is good, however, free guided tours are given biweekly in summer, weekly in other seasons (call two months ahead for information and reservations). The grand public square out front is always lively, playing host to events and temporary exhibitions. There’s a carousel and a beach volleyball court (or similar) in summer, and an ice-skating rink (with skate rental available) in winter. E Pl. de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, 4e, Marais Quarter P 01–42–76–43–43 tours w www.paris.fr A Free C Closed weekends x Access for visits at 29 rue de Rivoli m Hôtel de Ville.

Lafayette Anticipations

ART GALLERY | In 2018, at the behest of the Fondation Entreprise Galeries Lafayette, Rem Koolhaas and his OMA studio transformed this 19th-century industrial space into a streamlined, six-floor “laboratory of innovation” that supports and exhibits the work of up-and-coming contemporary artists and designers. Each year, the foundation choses three or four artists and presents their work over a span of three months, enhanced by live performances and discussions. The space also features a branch of the popular café Wild & the Moon, with healthy, ethically sourced snacks, juices, and artisanal coffee, plus Atelier E.B., a chic boutique full of limited-edition clothing, objects, and gifts by artists and designers. E 9 rue du Plâtre, 4e, Marais Quarter P 01–57–40–64–17 w www.

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