Unusual heritage: a guide to quirky town hall treasures

The architecture of this district town hall in Paris is inspired by that of a church.

The former town hall of the 1st arrondissement of Paris boasts a surprisingly striking architecture for a City Hall: it is directly inspired by that of the nearby Church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois, which stands adjacent to it.

Paris: Why is this district town hall the only one featuring modern architecture?

The town hall of the 17th arrondissement of Paris stands out clearly from other city halls across the capital: built in the 1970s with a modern design, it’s the only Parisian arrondissement hall from the 20th century designed in a distinctly contemporary architectural style. But what’s the story behind this choice?

This Parisian regional town hall, with its modern design, has the look of a skyscraper.

In Créteil, Val-de-Marne, the city hall stands out with its unusual design. Featuring a 75-meter circular tower and a glass-paneled base, it captures attention. But what inspired this distinctive architectural choice? Let’s take a look back at the history of a building crafted to symbolize the modernity of a city in transition.

In the Paris region, this town hall with its octagonal architecture is truly eye-catching.

In Vitry-sur-Seine, in the Val-de-Marne department, the town hall is impossible to miss. Built in the 1980s, this modern octagonal building with its red bricks breaks away from the traditional image of municipal offices and exemplifies the architectural evolution of towns in the Île-de-France region.

This town hall in Île-de-France is nestled within former stables, the remnants of a castle that long vanished.

The town hall of Stains, in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, isn’t your typical municipal building: since the late 19th century, it has housed the former stables of a castle that no longer exists. Here’s the story!

In the Île-de-France region, this unexpected town hall resembles a traditional Norman farmhouse.

In Sarcelles, Val-d’Oise, the town hall stands out from the typical government building. Its brickwork, timber framing, and charming proportions give it the appearance of a grand Normandy manor house, rather than a standard administrative office. Let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this former manor turned city hall.

Just outside Paris, this town hall features a striking Art Deco design.

History and Heritage With its striking façade, sleek design, and nostalgic charm, the Montreuil town hall stands out on the cityscape. But what makes it so different from other municipal buildings in the Île-de-France region? Here’s a deep dive into the story of a building that’s truly one of a kind.