If you’re in Paris and looking for a more original visit than the Louvre Museum, head of the Hôtel de la Marine. Here you’ll discover a large collection of antique objects.
In this article, I give you all the information you need to visit it.
Hôtel de la Marine: the former Garde-Meuble of the Crown
Located on the famous Place de la Concorde, the Hôtel de la Marine is a masterpiece of 18th-century French architecture.
The building is steeped in history, as it was once the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne. It was here that the precious furniture and objects of royalty were stored.
Today, it opens its doors to the public to reveal an impressive collection of furniture, art and valuables. As you wander through the corridors and rooms of the Hôtel, you can almost hear the echoes of centuries past. It’s a real plunge into French history and culture.
Highlights of a visit to the Hôtel de la Marine
- Sumptuous 18th-century architecture
- The incredible collection of furniture and art
- The breathtaking view of Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens
- Majestic rooms such as the Salon des Aigles
- High-quality audio guide
Disadvantages of a visit to the Hôtel de la Marine
- The visit is less pleasant when many school groups are present…
- Lack of information about the period when the site was the Ministry of the Navy
What can you see at the Hôtel de la Marine?
A visit to the Hôtel de la Marine is an opportunity to discover a multitude of fascinating things.
First, there’s the architecture of the building itself. The building is a perfect example of 18th-century elegance and grandeur.
Afterwards, you can stroll through majestic rooms such as the Salon des Aigles. You’ll be impressed by the murals and gilded details adorning the walls and ceilings.
And don’t miss the Cabinet Doré, a splendid room with gilded woodwork housing a collection of clocks from the Louis XVI period.
Among the treasures you can discover is an exceptional collection of period furniture, tapestries and porcelain.
Temporary exhibitions, which vary throughout the year, complete the visit.
How much does it cost to enter the Hôtel de la Marine?
Admission to the Hôtel de la Marine is
- Appartements des Intendants and Salons & loggia: €17
- Al Thani Collection and Salons & loggia tours: €13
- Salons & loggia tour: €9.50
Admission is free for members of the European Union under the age of 25, and for all persons under the age of 18.
Check current prices on GetyourGuide.
How long does a visit to the Hôtel de la Marine last?
Several types of visits are possible at the Hôtel de la Marine. The length of your visit will vary according to your admission ticket. Here is the average journey time:
- Intendant’s apartments and Salons & loggia: 1h30
- Al Thani Collection and Salons & loggia tours: 1h15
- Lounges & loggia tour: 45 minutes.
Where is the Hôtel de la Marine located?
The exact address is 2, place de la Concorde, 75008 Paris.
How to get to Hôtel de la Marine?
As is often the case in Paris, the best way to get around is by cab or public transport. For the latter, the following lines will take you to the Hôtel de la Marine:
- By metro: lines 1, 8 and 12 (Concorde station), line 14 (Madeleine station)
- By bus: routes 42, 45, 52, 72, 73, 84, N11 and N24.
What are the opening hours of the Hôtel de la Marine?
The Hôtel de la Marine is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
On Friday evenings, we close later: 9:30 p.m.
Annual closing days are January 1 and December 25.
Book your tickets with free cancellation on GetyourGuide.
My opinion of the Hôtel de la Marine: is it a good visit?
I didn’t know the Hôtel de la Marine. It was my brother who advised me to visit it. I was not disappointed.
The Hôtel de la Marine’s location is also a strong point. Right in the heart of Paris, on the Place de la Concorde, it’s the ideal place to start or end a day’s sightseeing.
As soon as I entered the building, I was struck by its grandeur. The rooms are simply majestic.
Architectural details, period furniture and tapestries tell the story of France.
The Cabinet Doré is particularly impressive. I also marveled at the Salon des Aigles, even if the presence of a noisy school group hampered the visit a little.
I’d like to mention the audioguide, which is of the highest quality. The information is interesting and the pace is fast enough never to get bored. What’s more, it’s triggered as you enter the rooms. So the information is always consistent with your location.
As for the duration of the visit, it was quicker than I thought. It took us just over an hour to do the grand tour. Still, it felt like we took our time.
This place has long been the property of royalty. This is explained and repeated several times. But it was also the site of the Ministry of the Navy, and there was nothing to indicate this on the tour.
What else can you do near the Hôtel de la Marine?
After your visit to the Hôtel de la Marine, here are a few other things to do in this area of Paris:
- The Tuileries Gardens
- The Orangery Museum
- The Louvre Museum
- Garnier Opera House
- La Madeleine Church
- Along the Seine and admire the Bateaux-Mouches.
- The Musée d’Orsay
- The Rodin Museum.
- Quai Branly Museum
- The Sainte-Chapelle…
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
