Centre Georges Pompidou or Beaubourg, as known locally, is in the heart of the Paris Marais district. Built in 1971-77 it is very modern compared to many of the buildings in what is one of the oldest districts in Paris. Housing a library and modern art museum, Beaubourg is used by tourists and students alike, especially on Sundays as it is one of the few libraries that opens.
A Morning in Le Marais - part 4
Surrounded by shops, cafés and restaurants, there is plenty to do and look at without venturing inside for a look. You will often find street performers outside entertaining the summer crowds along with street painters hoping to convince you to pay too much for a portrait!
Take a look at the 360 virtual tour of Beaubourg by day and by night (follow the link inside the tour). For more pictures of Beaubourg check out our Bourbourg page.
On the way to the Hotel de Ville you will see on your left, Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville Homme (BHV Homme) and just to the side of the Hotel de Ville you will find the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville (BHV) department stores. We love BHV Homme because just outside they have a vertical garden by Patrick Blanc.
This store has everything a man ever wanted fashion wise. Clothes from local French names to big international fashion houses can be found here. Check our our BHV Homme page.
Just opposite you will find BHV, the sister department store which covers everything from nuts and bolts, electronic goods to ladies fashion! A one-stop heaven for a shopaholic!
After all that shopping it is a good thing we are at the end of our tour. Welcome to the Hôtel de Ville! The Hôtel de Ville is the Town Hall of Paris. Traditionally it is where the Mayor of all Paris resides, though Bertrand Delanoë, the current mayor of Paris (2010) opted not to use it as his residence. If you would like to see more pictures of the Hôtel de Ville, check out our Hôtel de Ville page.
We hope you enjoyed the tour. Check back soon for more Virtual Tours of Paris.
