Hôtel Louvre et Paix

The Hôtel Louvre et Paix (a.k.a. Hôtel de la Marine) is a historic building in Marseille, France. Dedicated in 1863 as a luxury hotel, it was used by the Kriegsmarine during World War II. It now houses city administration offices and a C&A store.

Hôtel Louvre et Paix
General information
Address49-53, Canebière
Town or cityMarseille
CountryFrance
Coordinates43.2969°N 5.3785°E / 43.2969; 5.3785
Completed1863
Design and construction
ArchitectJean-Charles Pot

Location

It is located at numbers 49-53 on the Canebière near the Old Port, in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille.

History

The hotel was built in the 1860s, at a time when the Canebière was a meeting place for high society. It was designed by architect Jean-Charles Pot.[1] Sculptor Hippolyte Ferrat designed four caryatids on the front wall (a sphinx for America, an elephant for Asia, a dromedary for Africa, a fish for Europe) as well as two sculptures on the pediment surrounding the clock.[1] The hotel was dedicated in 1863.[1]

During World War II, the hotel played a significant role. It was a used by the French Navy from March 11, 1941 onwards.[2] Later, it was used by the Kriegsmarine, the navy of Nazi Germany.[2]

It now houses city administration offices and a C&A store.

Architectural significance

It has been listed as an official monument since 1982.[3]

References
  1. PSS-archi: Hôtel Louvre et Paix
  2. Adrien Blès, La Canebière dans le temps et dans l'espace, Marseille: Editions Jeanne Laffitte, 1994, p. 54
  3. French Ministry of Culture: Hôtel Louvre et Paix


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