Overlooking the Seine, City Hall is the residence of the mayor of Paris; the building was rebuilt after a looting in 1873, and its elaborate nighttime lighting makes it a knockout. The building includes an exhibition space (just look for the long line along rue Rivoli) and occasionally opens its reception halls for public events. Parisians come here for the elegant public square in front of the building, often filled with tents for free temporary exhibits. In August there's a beach volleyball court set up here, while in winter an open-air ice rink appears with inexpensive skate rental, making this a particularly romantic spot at night. These days, most locals feel almost fond of City Hall, with popular Mayor Bertrand Delanoë at the helm.
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