Hôtel de Ville

The Paris City Hall has occupied this same spot since 1357. A beautiful example of Renaissance architecture, the Hôtel de Ville has survived fires, riots, and revolution, and remains a gathering place for Parisians today. No longer open to the public, with the exception of occasional temporary exhibits and the European Heritage Days, admiring the building from the outside is worth the trip. The square just in front of the town hall hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including sports fan zones, concerts, an ice rink, and a Christmas market. There’s nearly always something happening here.