A must-see
article | Reading time5 min
A reminder of the presence of the Navy for more than 200 years, the state rooms will take you on a journey through the 19th century. All overlooking the Place de la Concorde, they are parallel to the loggia, the large balcony that offers one of the most beautiful views of Paris!
The Salons of honor
In the middle of the XIXth century, a great restoration of this gallery is launched to make of it a living room of reception intended to dazzle all the visitors . The decoration of these rooms is grandiose: white panels highlight the carved and gilded wooden decorations.
The fireplaces on either side of the ensemble are topped with mirrors that reflect the chandeliers and gilding on the ceiling. These rooms were a perfect setting for all the prestigious events organized by the State or the Ministers of the Navy throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.
During your visit, keep your eyes open for the marks of the Ministry of the Navy: anchors, dolphin fish and other horns of plenty...
© Centre des monuments nationaux - Ambroise Tézenas
The diplomatic Lounge
Formerly room of the jewels where one preserved the jewels of the Crown under the old Regime, this part becomes a diplomatic lounge after the Revolution. Since then, it has witnessed long hours of discussion until 2015, when the Navy left the premises for good.
Blended into the decor, a door allowed a spy to hide while listening to what was said in this room. Can you spot it?
On either side of the fireplace, admire the two imposing portraits of Emperor Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie painted by Winterhalter.
In this Second Empire decor, you will notice an intruder: the Louis XV style desk of Victor Schœlcher on which he signed the decree of abolition of slavery in 1848, as under-secretary of State for the Navy.
© Centre des monuments nationaux - Benjamin Gavaudo
The Loggia: unobstructed view on the Place de la Concorde
Discover one of the most beautiful views of Paris from the loggia which has seen many episodes of French history: from the theft of the Crown Jewels to the erection of the obelisk through the execution of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette!
Built in the 18th century as a theater set to decorate the former Louis XV square, the façade of the Hôtel de la Marine is structured around an imposing balcony: the loggia. Punctuated by twelve Corinthian columns It is a beautiful example of classical architecture. On the ceiling, the caissons house the symbols of the great human activities sculpted in bas-reliefs: Agriculture, Commerce, Music, Arts and Equality. On the floor, the checkerboard of black and white stones evokes the peristyle of the Trianon in Versailles. An impressive architectural element, in keeping with the original vocation of the Place de la Concorde: a royal square.
© Agence Foxy