On July 1, 2016, I returned to Paris after spending ten years in Zurich.
Zurich left a lasting impression on me. I loved its relaxed way of life, the ease of escaping into nature within minutes, the lake, the Limmat River, walks through the charming old streets of the Niederdorf all the way to Zürichhorn, and the many hours I spent at the Kunsthaus enjoying exhibitions of remarkable quality.
Returning to Paris did not mean leaving behind a city I loved—it meant rediscovering another one. For the past ten years, Paris has once again become part of my everyday life. Often on my bicycle, especially at night, I have crossed its quays, squares, and monuments, sometimes without taking the time to stop and truly appreciate them.
One of those places was the Hôtel de la Marine. For an entire decade, I rode past its magnificent façade without ever stepping inside. In late June 2026, just a few days before the tenth anniversary of my return, I finally decided to visit.
The interior is truly magnificent, made even more memorable by an outstanding audio guide that greatly enriches the experience. The state apartments reflect an elegant way of life, where paintings, sculptures, woodwork, and fine furniture come together in remarkable harmony. I was especially drawn to the engravings depicting French ports, which echo the vision of Claude-Joseph Vernet in his celebrated Ports of France series, commissioned by King Louis XV.
Then comes the loggia.
Its ceiling brings together symbols representing humanity’s great pursuits. Among them is the lyre—the same lyre that accompanies the hummingbird in the trochilArt logo. It symbolizes harmony, the arts, creativity, and everything that connects works of art with the emotions they inspire.
Sometimes we pass by the same place hundreds of times without truly seeing it. Then one day, the time is right, and we discover a beauty that seems to have been waiting for us all along.
A visit I wholeheartedly recommend!
