What took place at the Hôtel de la Marine

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The abolition of slavery
It was in the office of minister François Arago in the Hôtel de la Marine that the decree to abolish slavery in the French colonies was signed on 27 April 1848 in Paris.Victor Schœlcher, an ardent defender of human rights, was the man behind this historic date and decision.
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Traces of the navy in the Hôtel de la Marine
Over the course of the 200 years during which it occupied the building, the French navy left a considerable mark on the edifice that had housed the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne. Naturally, sailors enlarged and refitted the premises according to their needs and technical changes in work (electricity, telephone, internet, etc.). Yet they also redesigned the decor of this monument, which today still pays tribute to the strength of the French navy.
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The top six unusual spots of the Hôtel de la Marine
There are no dungeons or squalid isolation cells in this monument! However, the Hôtel de la Marine does have its fair share of unusual spots and secret passages. Here we take you on a tour of the building’s six most surprising places.
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The Crown Jewels stolen!
News! In the nights from 11 to 17 September 1792, a band of criminals thieved the Crown Jewels right under the noses of the guards of the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne on Place de la Concorde. Here we take a closer look at what happened.
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The four major balls at the Hôtel de la Marine in the 19th century
Many prestigious balls were held in the salons of honour of the Hôtel de la Marine when France’s navy ministry was headquartered there.Here we look at four balls that were especially significant to 19th-century history.
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Going to a ball at the Hôtel de la Marine in the 19th century
With its luxury reception rooms overlooking Place de la Concorde, next to the Tuileries Garden, the Hôtel de la Marine, the headquarters of the navy and colonies ministry, was a prime venue for holding grand balls in the 19th century. These lavish, elegant events were organised to showcase France’s splendour.But how could you enjoy a ball at the Hôtel de la Marine without making a faux pas? Follow this guide.
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