The Paris City Hall is locally known as the Hôtel de Ville meaning City Hall in French. The location of Paris City Hall is along the Seine River. This hall dates back to almost three centuries. It is the building, where City of Paris's administration functions take place. This municipality foundation of Paris was established in 1357. Some of the main functions of Paris City Hall include all local administrative affairs, as the office of Mayor of Paris and also being a vital venue for large receptions and events. The history of the Paris City Hall can be traced back to the time of Water Merchants, since they transported their goods by river and used this Paris City Hall as their Merchants Trade Guild house.
The Paris City Hall has been the home to many important events of the place. In 1357, the merchants used this mansion as a grounding place for Trade Guilds. A gently sloping beach adjacent to the mansion served as a river port for loading and unloading wheat and wood. Later this area was reformed as the Place de Grève (or Strand), where Parisians usually gathers for public executions. At this place Henri IV's murderer, Ravaillac was hung. Many more notorious prisoners like La Brinvilliers and La Voisin were executed here. François I decided to build this city hall in a proper sense in 1533. The two architects, Dominique de Cortone or Boccador and Pierre Chambiges planned and designed the mansion.
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Boccador exaggerated the Renaissance patterns in his work. The building was completed as a tall, spacious, refined and airy structure. The construction of the building began in 1533 and completed in 1628 during the reign of Louis XIII.
The building had undergone certain changes in the coming years. In 1835, two wings were added to the main building under the guidance of the Prefect of Paris. These wings were linked to the facade by a large gallery. In 1870 and 1871, this hall was completely destroyed by rebellions and fire attacks. The city hall's archives and art treasures were totally demolished. Later the government decided to rebuild the Hôtel de Ville. Two architects, Ballu and Deperthes went forward to give an identical reconstruction. On 13th July 1882 the new city hall was officially inaugurated. This city hall houses the Paris Councilors Election, which happen every 6 years. The northern left wing of the building is situated on the Rue de Rivoli. The nearby Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville is a departmental store named after the city hall. The visitors can also catch a glimpse of the closest church from this city hall - The St-Gervais-et-St-Protais Church.
The best way to reach Paris City Hall is by the metro. Other than the magnificent architecture of the city hall, the visitors can witness the interesting events that the hall houses frequently.
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