Located in what were two fashionable houses in the heart of the Marais district, this museum tells the story of Paris in a vivid and memorable style. It has been a museum since 1880 and today houses a collection of historical documents and artistic artefacts. On its facade is a sculpture by Jean Goujon and an imposing statue of Louis the XIV stands in its main courtyard.

Inside, there are loving reconstructions of a number of period rooms and the art collection includes paintings which record the history of both urban and rural Paris.

You can visit the museum, Tuesdays to Sunday, between 10 am and 6pm