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.

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. 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. The hotel was dedicated in 1863.

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

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

Architectural significance
It has been listed as an official monument since 1982.