Hôtel de Ville, Paris

Situated in the 4th arrondissement on the right bank of the Seine, Paris city hall is another display of outstanding French architecture. The site, in its various incarnations, is the seat of the Paris City Council and serves the Parisians since the 14th century. The former Hôtel de Ville was burned during the Paris Commune days and the current palatial neo-renaissance building was constructed in the late 19th century.

The large public square in front of the city hall was originally named Place de Grève. In past days, it officiates as a central gathering place and where executions were carried out. Since 1830 the name of the square has changed to Place de l'Hôtel de Ville and is frequently used for demonstrations by the locals.