Hotel de la Marine Entry Tickets with Immersive Audio Guide Paris

The Hôtel de la Marine on Place de la Concorde

The Hôtel de la Marine stands on the north side of Place de la Concorde, next to the Hôtel de Crillon, and was built between 1758 and 1774 by the royal architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel. It was first the Garde-Meuble de la Couronne, the royal store of furniture and treasures, and after the Revolution it became the headquarters of the French Navy for more than two centuries. Many visitors ask whether the Hôtel de la Marine is worth visiting: it combines architecture, art and history in one of the city's most beautiful settings.

After a major restoration, it opened to the public in 2021. The default ticket gives access to the Al Thani Collection, the salons and the loggia, while a second option opens the Intendant's Apartments. To get there, take the metro to Concorde on lines 1, 8 and 12. Last access is one hour before closing, and the monument is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December.

The Al Thani Collection and the Ceremonial Salons

The Al Thani Collection presents artworks from many cultures and periods, from ancient jewels to sculptures and objects that show the universal power of art across the ages. The displays are set in the grand salons of the building, whose gilded decoration and high ceilings have been carefully restored. Exhibitions in the collection change from time to time, so what you see may differ from one season to the next.

Your immersive audio guide with a 3D sound headset explains what you see and helps you understand the history of the building. Guests who look for Hôtel de la Marine tickets usually want to enjoy these rooms at their own pace. The audio-guided visit of the Al Thani Collection lasts about one hour, and the guide is available in many languages, including English, French and Arabic.

The Loggia and the View of Place de la Concorde

One of the highlights is the loggia, the great colonnaded balcony that looks directly over Place de la Concorde. From here you see the Obelisk of Luxor, the fountains, the Tuileries Garden and, on a clear day, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées. It is one of the best free-standing views of central Paris, and it is a wonderful place for photographs.

Time your visit with the light in mind: late morning gives a bright view, while late afternoon offers a warmer glow. Because the loggia is popular, arrive at less busy hours. The busiest times at the monument are between 10:30 and 11:30 in the morning and between 2:30 and 4:00 in the afternoon, so a visit early or late in the day can be calmer.

The Intendant's Apartments and Practical Tips

The second option takes you into the Intendant's Apartments, the private rooms of the official who ran the royal furniture store in the 18th century. They are furnished in the taste of the late Enlightenment and give a rare picture of daily life at the time, with panelling, small salons and decorative details. The audio guide for this route lasts about one hour and 15 minutes. Please note that this option does not include the Al Thani Collection or the salons and loggia.

The layout of the rooms in the apartments does not allow wheelchairs wider than 70 cm. Free entry may apply for those under 18 and for EU citizens under 26 with a photo ID, and on some first Sundays and during European Heritage Days. Bring a passport or ID card and avoid large bags, which are not allowed. The best time to visit the Hôtel de la Marine is a weekday morning.