Tucked away in the grandeur of Place de la Concorde, L’Hôtel de la Marine is one of Paris's most remarkable cultural gems- it is one of my most favourite places. It took me 3 years to write this blog post as every time I visit I am mesmerised by the beauty of the decor and the intricacy of it. While it may once have faded into the background of the city’s better-known landmarks, a meticulous restoration completed in 2021 has reintroduced this 18th-century masterpiece to the public — and it now stands as a must-see for lovers of art, history, and design. Family friends of mine @AtelierdeRicou were in charge of all the mural and ceiling restorations.

Originally designed by Jacques-Ange Gabriel, the royal architect of Louis XV, the building served as the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne — the royal repository for furniture, tapestries, and precious items of the French crown. The interiors offer a rare and beautifully preserved glimpse into Enlightenment-era décor and craftsmanship. The Grand Salons, with their glittering chandeliers, ornate gilded moldings, and sky-blue damask walls, are a feast for the eyes and echo the sophistication of Versailles, albeit on a more intimate scale.

From an art historical perspective, the Hôtel de la Marine is a living study in Rococo and Neoclassical design. The reconstitution of the 18th-century apartments brings you face to face with decorative arts of the period — original furniture, finely detailed paneling, and objets d’art that illustrate the evolution of French taste before and after the Revolution. Particularly striking are the wall-mounted tapestries and the collection of clocks and mirrors, which embody both the technical and artistic excellence of the artisans patronized by the French court.

Also fascinating is the Salon d’Honneur, where echoes of political and ceremonial history still linger. It was here, behind these very walls, that the decree to abolish slavery in the French colonies was signed in 1848 on a beautiful desk.

. The blend of decorative beauty and historical weight makes the Hôtel de la Marine not just a visual delight, but a deeply evocative space that invites reflection.

Don't Miss:

• The intricately recreated 18th-century apartments.
• Original parquet flooring and restored marquetry.
• Displays that highlight craftsmanship from the Mobilier National.
• The immersive sound experience that breathes life into the rooms, blending storytelling with historical context.
• the incredible view on the place the la Concorde and the the Tuileries gardens from the balcony.
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Café Lapérouse: A Culinary Companion

After a rich cultural experience, step into Café Lapérouse, the chic restaurant that adjoins the Hôtel de la Marine. Named after the French explorer Jean-François de Galaup, comte de Lapérouse, the space is a sumptuous blend of old-world elegance and contemporary Parisian flair. Designed by Cordélia de Castellane, it offers both indoor and terrace seating with views over Place de la Concorde.

The menu is refined yet approachable, celebrating French classics with seasonal flair — think delicate tartares, buttery sole meunière, and indulgent desserts. It's the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on the splendours just witnessed, making the entire visit a multisensory journey through time and taste.