Hôtel de la Marine
4.7
(5.6k)The Hôtel de la Marine is a historic building on Place de la Concorde, originally designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel between 1757 and 1774. It first housed the royal Garde-Meuble, managing furnishings for royal properties, and later became the Ministry of the Navy until 2015. After extensive renovation, it now displays restored 18th-century apartments and salons, offering a glimpse into French luxury and history.
Address
2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
Opening Hours
10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Thu)
Worth it?
Worth it if you're looking for a mini-Versailles experience with fewer crowds and an immersive audio tour
Skip if you're expecting a quick, cheap visit
Location
2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008 Paris, France
Nearby places
See more
Highlights
The restoration of the Rococo interiors is stunning, with delicate Chinoiserie details visible in the Cabinet of Mirrors.
The interactive audio guide provides snippets of what happened in each room, rather than just describing furniture, making the history come alive.
You can explore the restored 18th-century apartments of Marc-Antoine Thierry de Ville-d'Avray, the King's Intendant of the Garde-Meuble.
Nearby eats
See more eats
Who it's for
This spot is perfect for history buffs and anyone who appreciates 18th-century French luxury and Rococo interiors. It's also a good alternative for those who want a taste of historical grandeur without the crowds of larger chateaus outside Paris.
Know before you go
The building is wheelchair accessible, including entrances and restrooms.
Nearby stays
Reviews
4.7
Exceptional
5 ReviewsVisitors are consistently impressed by the grandeur of the restoration and the immersive audio guide, often comparing it favorably to Versailles for its historical experience without the crowds. The main point of contention is the perceived high price for a smaller venue.
Fun facts
The Hôtel de la Marine was originally the home of the royal Garde-Meuble, the office responsible for furnishing all royal properties.
In 1772, the Garde-Meuble became the first museum of decorative arts in Paris, with galleries open to the public on the first Tuesday of each month between Easter and All Saints' Day.
On July 14, 1789, two cannons from the Hôtel de la Marine fired the first shots at the Bastille, marking the start of the French Revolution.
