Hôtel de Ville & Alabama Room
Paris's grand Hôtel de Ville, a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, now overlooks a vibrant urban forest, blending history with ecological innovation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rare interior access
Hôtel de Ville & Alabama Room
Best Time
Rare interior access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Paris's grand Hôtel de Ville, a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, now overlooks a vibrant urban forest, blending history with ecological innovation.
"Admire the stunning Neo-Renaissance architecture and the innovative urban forest surrounding Paris's historic city hall."
Admire from Outside
The Hôtel de Ville is an active government building, so interior access is usually restricted. Enjoy its grandeur from the square!
Explore the Green Square
The newly transformed square offers a refreshing urban forest experience. Perfect for a stroll or a break.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hôtel de Ville Facade
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
Admire the grand Neo-Renaissance architecture of Paris's historic city hall, a testament to its reconstruction in the late 19th century.
Urban Forest Square
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
Experience the innovative urban forest with 49 trees, offering a cool, green oasis in the heart of Paris.
Alabama Room (Geneva)
Hôtel de Ville, Geneva
Discover the historic Alabama Room, site of the first Geneva Convention and the birth of the International Red Cross.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Exterior Views & Access
The Transformed Square
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Admire from Outside
The Hôtel de Ville is an active government building, so interior access is usually restricted. Enjoy its grandeur from the square!
Explore the Green Square
The newly transformed square offers a refreshing urban forest experience. Perfect for a stroll or a break. 
Check for Events
Look out for special events like the Journées du Patrimoine for a chance to see inside.
Geneva's Historic Gem
In Geneva, don't miss the Alabama Room, crucial to the Red Cross's founding. [^Reviews]
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire from Outside
The Hôtel de Ville is an active government building, so interior access is usually restricted. Enjoy its grandeur from the square!
Explore the Green Square
The newly transformed square offers a refreshing urban forest experience. Perfect for a stroll or a break.
Check for Events
Look out for special events like the Journées du Patrimoine for a chance to see inside.
Geneva's Historic Gem
In Geneva, don't miss the Alabama Room, crucial to the Red Cross's founding. [^Reviews]
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hôtel de Ville's impressive Neo-Renaissance architecture and the innovative transformation of its surrounding square into a lush urban forest. The historical significance of the Alabama Room in Geneva is also a notable highlight for those interested in humanitarian history. However, limited interior access to the Paris building can be a point of disappointment for some.
"Town Hall is the political heart of the city and the seat of government for the Canton of Geneva. This building houses the famous Alabama Room in which the first Geneva Convention was adopted in 1864, from which was to emerge the International Red Cross. The large paved ramp surrounding the building its most unique feature.
It was built between 1555 and 1578 by Peter Desfosses, the design of the ramp enabled direct access to the upper floors on horseback or on foot.
📷: ©️Chris Brookes Photography"
Chris Brookes Photography
"The town hall is the seat of the political authorities of the Republic and Canton of Geneva. In 1405, the town bought several private residences to build the first town house. Overlooking the current rue de l'hôtel de ville, it was therefore called "anterior", and raised in 1455 by the mason and bricklayer Pierre Mascrot. Until the 18th century, the town hall continued to develop and reached its maximum extension, occupying all the available space. It was necessary to buy the neighbouring house belonging to the widow Turrettini, whose plot of land was essential for building the eastern wing of the town hall. From 1700, under the supervision of the architect Jean Vennes , assisted by the mason-architect Moïse Ducommun, very important works were undertaken, including the construction of the southern wing intended to house the Council of Two Hundred Hall."
antonios varzakis
"Well preserved architecture"
Daniel Wang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hôtel de Ville is easily accessible via the Paris Métro. The Hôtel de Ville station serves lines 1 and 11, placing you right in front of the building.
Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transport or a ride-sharing service. The nearest public parking garages are often a short walk away.
The Hôtel de Ville in Geneva is the seat of government. While you can admire its architecture, interior access is typically limited. The Alabama Room is a key historical feature. [^Reviews]
The Geneva Hôtel de Ville is centrally located and easily reachable by public transport, including trams and buses that stop nearby. Walking from other central Geneva attractions is also feasible.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to view the exterior of the Hôtel de Ville or to enjoy the surrounding square. Interior visits are rare and usually tied to specific events.
Interior access is typically limited to special occasions like the annual Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) in September. Keep an eye on official announcements for these opportunities.
While public interior tours are uncommon, guided tours might be available during special events. Check the official Paris City Hall website for any scheduled public access.
Access to the Alabama Room within the Geneva Hôtel de Ville is generally part of viewing the building's exterior or during specific historical tours if available. There isn't typically a separate fee for viewing the room itself. [^Reviews]
📸 📸 Photography
The entire Place de l'Hôtel de Ville offers great vantage points. Capture the grand facade, especially with the new urban forest in the foreground for a unique contrast.
Photography rules inside the Hôtel de Ville can vary, especially during special access events. It's best to check for any restrictions on the day of your visit.
Generally, photography is permitted in public areas of the Geneva Hôtel de Ville, including the Alabama Room. However, it's always wise to be discreet and respectful of the building's function. [^Reviews]
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
The square has been transformed into an urban forest with 49 trees, creating a shaded, green space for relaxation and enjoyment. It's a significant ecological project.
The Paris Hôtel de Ville is the seat of the city's government and has witnessed many historical events. The Geneva Hôtel de Ville is notable for the Alabama Room, where the first Geneva Convention was signed.
Yes, the area around the Hôtel de Ville is bustling with cafes and restaurants. You can find various options, from quick bites to more formal dining experiences.
The Geneva Hôtel de Ville is located in the heart of the old town, offering proximity to many historical sites, charming streets, and local eateries. It's a great starting point for exploring Geneva's historic center. [^Reviews]
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1In Geneva, the historical significance of the Alabama Room might be more engaging for older children interested in history, particularly the origins of humanitarian aid. The surrounding old town also offers a charming environment for family exploration.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1For those interested in historical architecture, the Geneva Hôtel de Ville, with its Alabama Room, offers a glimpse into significant diplomatic history. The surrounding streets of Geneva's old town also provide ample opportunities for capturing charming cityscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transformation of Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
+1The goal of this greening initiative is to offer a cooler, more pleasant environment, especially during summer months. It aims to create a welcoming public space for Parisians and visitors alike, fostering biodiversity and offering a tranquil respite in the bustling city center. The contrast between the historic architecture of the Hôtel de Ville and the new natural landscape is striking and a testament to modern urban planning.
Historical Significance: Paris and Geneva
+1Across the border in Geneva, the Hôtel de Ville holds a distinct historical importance, particularly for its Alabama Room. This room is renowned as the site where the first Geneva Convention was adopted in 1864, a landmark event that led to the establishment of the International Red Cross. The building itself has a long history, with its origins tracing back to the 15th century and subsequent expansions over the centuries. [^Reviews]
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit