Many still feel that Paris' City Hall is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Indeed, its history in the French collective imagination is intense. After all, this was the backdrop of the proclamation of France's Third Republic in 1870. And this is where Charles de Gaulle made his famous speech to the crowds in 1944 during the Liberation of Paris.

There's quite a lot to do and see in the vicinity of Paris' City Hall, and there are many available apartments in Paris that let you enjoy all the advantages of this central location. The northern portion of the building faces the Rue de Rivoli, where one can stop to enjoy a fresh crêpe as part of a lazy morning stroll, or as a launching point to attractions such as the Notre Dame or Latin Quarter. Or you may opt to simply spend the day at a sidewalk café near the Hôtel de Ville, watching the world go by. Those who love to shop can head to “BHV” (le Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville), the department store across the street that takes its name from the Hôtel itself.

You'll find a world of fun everywhere you turn. The 4th arrondissement is home to quite possibly the most chic part of town, the Marais. The district consists of what was once medieval Paris, and the spirit of antiquity is still very much alive in the narrow streets of this lively zone. In fact, there are more bistros and pubs here than in any other district. (And in Paris, that's saying a lot.) Thee cafes and restaurants brim with chatter from the locals, students from the universities across the Seine and young urban professionals looking to unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.

Art lovers can stroll from their Paris apartment rental Hotel de Ville to cultural centers such as the Centre Georges Pompidou, which houses one of the world's finest collections of contemporary art. Also within walking distance of Paris' City Hall are some of Paris' most famous landmarks, such as the gothic cathedral Notre Dame de Paris and the Tour St Jacques, a gothic church tower located in 150 meters to the west of the Hôtel de Ville.

Le Mémorial de la Shoah (The Holocaust Memorial) is nearby, as is the Maison de Victor Hugo, the house in which the famous French novelist Victor Hugo once lived.

The history of the Hôtel de Ville itself is long and fascinating. Envisioned by King Francis I in 1533, it was intended to be the largest in Europe, to match Paris' stature at the time as Europe (and Christendom's) largest city.

This original 16th century edifice was burned down during the Commune in 1871. The modern version was a replication of its predecessor, but on an even grander scale, constructed by architects Deperthes and Ballu, chosen (as were many of Paris' greatest icons) by a competition. Architecture enthusiasts may wish to know that Ballu also designed the Church of La Trinité in the 9th district and the belfry of the town hall (1st district), that sits opposite the Louvre's east facade.  

Completed in 1882, the Hôtel de Ville is lavish in its design. In fact, some have criticized it for being overly ornate. It was finished in a striking white stone, similar to the Sacre-Coeur basilica of the Montmartre.

After you've settled into one of several available vacation rentals central Paris, you may find yourself taking occasional or frequent walks by the Hôtel de Ville as part of your evening stroll. You may note a statue on the garden wall on the south side. This statue is of Etienne Marcel, the most renowned “provost of merchants,” which was the precursor to the office of mayor.

The Hôtel de Ville was also the site of scandal under Jacques Chirac, concerning illegal jobs awarded to Chirac's party members and an enormous entertainment budget. But history surrounds it at every turn. Robespierre was arrested in the original edifice in 1794, after being shot in the jaw.

Many apartments in Paris bring you into the tableau of history in striking fashion. Come watch the light change across its roofs and towers at sunset, as you sit in one of the cafés on the Ile de St. Louis.