The inside of a gorgeous, neo-classical, Baroque building on Place de la Concorde was closed to the public until last year. The Hotel de la Marine, across the street from an identical building which is the Crillon Hotel, was designed by Ange-Jacques Gabriel, the chief architect under King Louis XV, and constructed between 1757 and 1774. It was originally named Garde-Meuble and it was used to hold, store and display the furniture collection of the king.
In 1789 during the French Revolution, the building was repurposed and became the naval headquarters of France. After more than 200 years, the naval headquarters moved out in 2015 and it was given to the Centre des Monuments Nationale, a government organization that manages and operates over 150 monuments including chateaus, forts, churches, and other historic sites throughout France.
Centre des Monuments National took on of its largest and ambitious projects by restoring the former apartments of the intendants(stewards) of the original Garde-Meuble. The painstaking renovation and restoration took 36 months, involved more than 40 firms, cost 130 million € and 500 pieces of furniture were fully restored. For the drapes, wallpaper, and fabrics for the furniture, they sought out crimson damasks, brocades and other materials from dealers and auctions as authentically as close to the originals.
The result of the renovation and restoration is stunning. Upon entering the majestic courtyard with the meticulously restored limestone, I knew I was in for a treat. At the entrance you are given headphones to guide you through the two floors, with settings for each room. The exquisite craftsmanship, the sumptuous fabrics, the fantastic architectural details, and the rich colors were front and center and each room presented a gorgeous glimpse into the past.
Another addition to the museum is a café and a restaurant. Café Laperouse Concorde is an outpost of Laperouse restaurant on the Left Bank, known for its private dining rooms, and the outdoor terrace in the courtyard is chicly decorated. The casual menu includes a breakfast menu with pastries, egg dishes, house made granola, and avocado toast and for lunch and snacks there’s croques, salads, burgers, and a lobster roll. Going full tilt American, they serve frozen yogurt with toppings. Mimosa is the more formal restaurant with award winning chef Jean-François Piège at the helm.
Hotel de la Marine
2 Pl. de la Concorde, 75008
https://www.hotel-de-la-marine.paris/en
Eye Prefer Paris Postcards with the Doors of Paris.
I am excited to launch a new series of Eye Prefer Paris Postcards with the Doors of Paris.
The limited-edition series of Eye Prefer Paris Door Collection Postcards are available three different ways.
18 cards: 3 Red Doors, 3 Blue Doors, 3 Green Doors, 3 Wood Doors, 3 Iron Doors, and 3 Door Knockers.
Cost: $65- Free shipping
9 postcards: 3 Red Doors, 3 Blue Doors, 3 Green Doors.
Cost: $35 plus $5 shipping
9 postcards: 3 Wood Doors, 3 Iron Doors, and 3 Door Knockers
Cost: $35 plus $5 shipping
Each postcard is printed on thick matte coated card stock, similar to traditional vintage postcard stock, that enhances the vibrancy of each image. Eye Prefer Paris Postcards come in classic postcard size (6”x 4.25”), perfect for collecting, framing, or sending to that special someone.
Each order is specially hand wrapped with love from Paris and mailed in an elegant, French blue envelope. Postcards take about 4- 7 days to arrive in the U.S.
Just in time for the holidays, the Eye Prefer Paris-Paris Door Collection make a perfect gift for your Francophile friends and family, and I can write a handwritten note for you and include it in the envelope.
CLICK HERE to order 18 cards: 3 Red Doors, 3 Blue Doors, 3 Green Doors, 3 Wood Doors, 3 Iron Doors, and 3 Door Knockers.
Cost: $65- Free shipping
CLICK HERE to order 9 postcards: 3 Red Doors, 3 Blue Doors, 3 Green Doors.
Cost: $35 plus $5 shipping
CLICK HERE to order 9 postcards: 3 Wood Doors, 3 Iron Doors, and 3 Door Knockers
Cost: $35 plus $5 shipping
Wow! Gorgeous, classical elegance!
Posted by: Peggy Bilbro | January 17, 2022 at 11:43 PM