In between my medical Scylla and Charybdis — that is, between diagnosis and treatment — I was able to get away with Diane & Alexandre for three weeks in Portugal and Paris. Here is what I saw on just one of those days in Paris, spent at the newly-opened Hotel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde. Everything iP12 x PShop
Hotel de la Marine is a grand landmark on Place de la Concorde and the sister building to the Hotel de Crillon. Built in the 18th century by architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, this majestic palais was originally the headquarters of the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, the royal furniture and art repository.
The streets of Paris, just after a rain, on our way to Hotel de la Marine
In 1789, as the French Revolution swept through Paris, the building found itself at the heart of major events. (For instance, the infamous guillotine was set up in front of the building, in Place de la Concorde!) That year, the Navy Ministry moved in, marking the beginning of its maritime legacy. Over the next two centuries, the Hotel de la Marine became synonymous with France's naval might and military prowess. Napoleon, of course, passed through here.
Recently restored to its former glory, the Hotel de la Marine now invites visitors to step back in time and experience its grand salons and lavish apartments as they originally were. The restoration is impeccable, bringing the gilded rooms and sweeping staircases back to life with a modern touch for the visitor.
The view along Rue de Rivoli from Hotel de la Marine, with the Louvre in the distance
Tourists! Selfies!
The grand courtyard of Hotel de la Marine
A covered courtyard
Rue de Rivoli and the Louvre
Our visit to Hotel de la Marine was only weeks before the Paris Olympic Games and construction was in full tilt. Many of the sites of Paris were being used for Games venues, including Place de la Concorde, onto which the Hotel faces, but which is almost unrecognizable in these views from the Hotel balcony. The obelisk and the dome above Napoleon's tomb are visible.
On the way back to our room at Hôtel Barrière Fouquet's Paris (I don't name these things) I stopped in along the Champs-Élysées for some Parisian specialties.
In the lobby of the hotel, wearing designs from El Tuggle of Palm Springs.
