Hotel de la Marine – History & Elegance On Place de la Concorde

The royal estate at Versailles is magnificent, there's no doubt about it. So magnificent, in fact, that thousands of visitors flock to it every day, filling its fabled rooms and halls, creating line-ups at every chambre. Imagine, if you will, visiting another magnificent building with the tone and feeling of Chateau de Versailles, but without having to face the madding crowd — and even without having to leave central Paris! That's what we did recently when we spent an afternoon at the restored, renovated, and newly-opened-to-the -public Hotel de la Marine.

A Grand Landmark on Place de la Concorde

Salon of the Admirals at Hotel de la Marine, photo by Mark Craft

Hotel de la Marine is a grand landmark on Place de la Concorde that has stood witness to centuries of French history. Completed in 1774 by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, this majestic building (the twin of the Hotel de Crillon, next door) was originally the headquarters of the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, the royal furniture and art repository. This wasn't just about storing fancy chairs and such — this was where some of France's most precious treasures were kept. From glittering royal jewels to intricately crafted tapestries, the Hotel de la Marine was a keeper of French heritage before the classic building transformed into a symbol of naval power.

The Navy Moves In

Golden hallway connecting the salons, photo by Mark Craft

Just a few years later, in 1789, the French Revolution swept through Paris and the Hotel de la Marine (as it would become known as) found itself at the heart of major events. For instance, the infamous guillotine was set up in front of the building, in Place de la Concorde. Onlookers lining the balconies of the Hotel could watch the grisly spectacle of the deaths of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

That year, under the new revolutionary administration, the Navy Ministry moved in, marking the beginning of the building's maritime legacy. Over the next two centuries, the Hotel de la Marine became synonymous with France's naval might and military prowess. Napoleon himself passed through these halls. Today, a stroll through the Hotel de la Marine feels like walking in the footsteps of revolutionaries, military strategists, and even the last kings and the emperor who shaped the nation's destiny.

A Return to Glory

Dining room of the Intendant of the Garde-Meuble, photo by Mark Craft

With government offices cleared out and recently restored to its former glory, the Hotel de la Marine now offers visitors a glimpse of the past in its grand salons and lavish apartments, meticulously returned to their original splendor. But this is more than a preserved relic — art, history, and immersive exhibitions make the building as vibrant as ever. The gilded rooms, sweeping staircases, and perfectly restored details breathe life into this iconic space, showcasing the elegance of royal Paris with a modern flair.

Fireplace in the Salon of the Admirals, photo by Mark Craft

For us at least, the Hotel de la Marine captures the essence of French grandeur and history in one magnificent location. With spectacular views over Place de la Concorde — the Eiffel Tower and the dome of Napoleon's tomb in the distance — and its layers of history, our experience at the Hotel has stayed with long after our visit ended.

Hotel de la Marine Resources

Place de la Concorde with Hotel de la Marine on the right

Hotel de la Marine is open for visits every day from 10:30 to 7:00, Friday nights until 9:30. Following our visit we had a lovely snack and drinks at Mimosa Restaurant, the Paris branch of a famed Saint Tropez eatery, located off the main courtyard. There's more dining on site at Café Lapérouse, a trendy outpost of the iconic Parisian restaurant.

• Place de la Concorde, 8th Arrondissement
• Hotel de la Marine Website…
• Mimosa Restaurant Website…
• Café Lapérouse Website…