The Hôtel de Soubise is one of the grandest mansions of the Marais. Rebuilt in the early 18th century for François de Rohan, Prince of Soubise, it opens onto Rue des Francs-Bourgeois through a vast horseshoe-shaped courtyard lined with columns. Inside, the apartments of the Prince and Princess were decorated in the 1730s by Germain Boffrand, with paintings by Boucher and Natoire — among the finest Rococo rooms in France.
Since the early 19th century the building has been home to the Archives nationales, the memory of the French state. Its museum shows documents from the archives in changing exhibitions, and the gardens behind — shared with the neighbouring Hôtel de Rohan — are a green refuge in the middle of the district.
Top things to do at Hôtel de Soubise & the National Archives
Stand in the courtyard of honour
The colonnaded courtyard, open during the day, is one of the most photographed architectural views in the Marais — and far less crowded than the square.
See the Rococo apartments
The Salon ovale of the Princess, with its gilded woodwork and paintings, is a masterpiece of the style. It is part of the museum visit.
Relax in the gardens
The gardens of the Hôtels de Soubise and de Rohan are open to the public and free — perfect with a sandwich from Rue Vieille-du-Temple.
Look for the Hôtel de Clisson gateway
Round the corner on Rue des Archives, a turreted 14th-century gateway survives from the earlier mansion on the site — among the oldest private architecture in Paris.
How to get to Hôtel de Soubise & the National Archives
- Entrance at 60 Rue des Francs-Bourgeois, about 10 minutes’ walk west of the Place des Vosges.
- Métro: Rambuteau (line 11) or Hôtel de Ville (lines 1 and 11), each about five to eight minutes away.
Insider tips
- Exhibitions have their own hours and fees; the courtyard and gardens are free. Check the Archives nationales website before you go.
- The European Heritage Days in September are the best chance to see rooms normally closed to the public.
Best tours & tickets for Hôtel de Soubise & the National Archives
These top-rated experiences pair well with a visit to Hôtel de Soubise & the National Archives:
Walking tour from €55 Paris: Marais District & Jewish Quarter Guided Tour (max. 12 guests)
A small-group walk of two and a half hours that covers both faces of the district: the grand mansions and royal square, and the Jewish quarter around Rue des Rosiers. The capped group size makes it easy to ask questions.
- Groups capped at 12 people
- The aristocratic Marais and the Jewish quarter in one walk
- Hidden squares like Place du Marché Sainte-Catherine
Sightseeing pass from €110 Paris Museum Pass: 2, 4 or 6 Days
One pass for more than 50 museums and monuments in and around Paris, including the Musée Picasso in the Marais, the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, the Arc de Triomphe and Versailles. It pays off if you visit three or four paid sights a day; note that many museums still require a free time-slot booking.
- The Louvre, Orsay, Musée Picasso, Sainte-Chapelle and more
- Versailles and the Arc de Triomphe included
- Still book time slots where required
