Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville in the historical Marais
The Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, now known as BHV Marais, is one of Paris’s iconic department stores. It is located on the Rue de Rivoli, in the heart of the historic Marais , next to the prestigious Hôtel-de-Ville (City Hall) after which it is named. It was founded in 1855 and underwent significant transformations after its acquisition by the Galeries Lafayette group in 199
BHV Marais rotunda
The visionary behind this iconic establishment was Xavier Ruel, who began as a travelling hardware salesman.
Recognising the commercial potential of the Hôtel-de-Ville district, Ruel rented the ground floor of a building at No.57 Rue de Rivoli, where he opened his Bazar Parisien, a shop offering a wide variety of goods, hence its name, “bazaar.”
Ruel took innovation further by offering fixed-price items and promotions, quickly propelling his Bazar Parisien to success, and also introduced employee benefits and support systems.
Not only did Ruel achieve remarkable success, but he also gained the favour of Emperor Napoleon III. Legend indeed has it that his swift intervention to subdue a runaway carriage carrying Empress Eugénie earned him a substantial reward from the Emperor.
Art Nouveau Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
This good fortune allowed Ruel to invest in and expand his store, and in 1866, he leased the entire three-story building. He renamed his Bazar Napoléon (as he had renamed his store at the beginning of the Second Empire), to Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville after the fall of Napoleon III in 1870.
BHV Marais and Hôtel-de-Ville
The evolution of the Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville – BHV Marais continued over the following decades. Rebuilt in 1913, the building, recognisable by its magnificent Art Nouveau rotunda overlooking the Rue de Rivoli, designed by the architect Auguste Roy. Roy harmoniously integrated metal structures with cement, plaster, and stone, and designed the foundations so that they withstand potential water seepage from the nearby Seine.
The First World War certainly marked a decline in customer traffic at the Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville – BHV Marais. But business rebounded strongly after the war, attracting a diverse clientele, notably an emerging middle class. The store thus expanded its offerings by adding departments dedicated to modern conveniences, such as household appliances, which became one of the store’s major strengths, and ensured its enduring popularity throughout the 20th century.
BHV Marais today
The acquisition of the Bazar de l’Hôtel-de-Ville by the Galeries Lafayette Group in 1991 marked a turning point for this historic establishment. The store indeed underwent a complete rebranding, shedding its popular image to better cater to the evolving tastes and preferences of a Parisian and international clientele. It became BHV Marais, a high-end department store.
While some lamented the loss of this iconic department store, renowned for its accessibility to all, others welcomed this new direction, targeting an affluent and trend-conscious clientele seeking unique and exclusive offerings.
BHV Marais spreads over eight floors. Each floor is dedicated to a specific theme, from women’s fashion to arts and crafts, culinary arts, and interior design.The basement remains a true haven for DIY enthusiasts and hardware lovers, thus perpetuating the store’s heritage and attracting loyal customers in search of tools and specialised items. The sixth floor houses a large restaurant area, complemented by a carefully curated selection of home goods. BHV Hommes opened on the neighbouring Rue de la Verrerie and specialises in men’s fashion and lifestyle.
Despite the transformations, BHV Marais remains Parisians’s beloved store, because it is much more than just a department store; it is an icon. This is why the arrival of the Chinese ultra-fast fashion giant Shein at BHV on November 1, 2025, has caused an uproar. The Galeries Lafayette group justifies this decision as a way to revitalise BHV Marais’ offerings as it seeks a new lease on life. Employees, brands, and elected officials are protesting against this ultra-fast fashion transition, which damages prestige and tarnishes the reputation of the establishment. Worse still, regulars have deserted the industry. We’ll see what happens in the coming months!
Directions: 4th district – no57 Rue de Rivoli Metro: Hôtel-de-Ville on Lines 1, 11 Coordinates: Lat 48.857353 – Long 2.352523
The Pont d’Arcole was the first bridge built in wrought iron in 1854 when it replaced a suspension footbridge linking the Ile de la Cité to the Right Bank
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