Hôtel Matignon
Palace Official Paris residence of the French Prime Minister
An 18th-century hôtel particulier on Rue de Varenne, Hôtel Matignon serves as the French prime minister’s official residence and office. Sightseers note the façade and gardens from the street and during occasional public openings such as European Heritage Days.
Hôtel Matignon is an 18th-century hôtel particulier in Paris’s 7th arrondissement that serves as the official residence and working address of the French Prime Minister. It is a government property with formal state and private rooms and a substantial private garden.
From the outside the building and its formal garden are points of interest for visitors exploring Paris’s diplomatic and government quarter. The garden and façades are sometimes shown during annual heritage events, but the interior is not open to ordinary tourists. Photographs from the surrounding public streets are the normal way to view the site.
Originally built as a private aristocratic mansion in the 18th century, the hôtel passed through private ownership before becoming state property in the 20th century and since then has been used to house the head of the French government. The building’s architecture and layout retain features of an urban mansion adapted for official use.
It stands in the 7th arrondissement of Paris on Rue de Varenne, in the government district of the left bank close to other official residences and ministries.
- Public access: Public access is restricted; the building is not normally open for tours but is visible from the surrounding streets and garden perimeter.
- Garden openings: The estate's gardens are occasionally opened to the public during special heritage events in Paris.
How to Get to Hôtel Matignon #
Take Métro Line 8 to Invalides or Line 13 to Varenne; Matignon is a short walk (5-10 minutes) from either station. From the River Seine/Les Invalides area it’s a 10-12 minute walk up Rue de l’Université and Rue de Varenne.
Tips for Visiting Hôtel Matignon #
- Stand on the far side of the iron gates on Rue de Varenne for the best unintrusive view - security is strict and photos through the grille photograph better than from the pavement.
- If visiting during Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (mid-September), reserve well in advance; visits fill quickly and groups are small.
- Combine the stop with the Hôtel de la Marine and Musée Rodin for a compact afternoon in the 7th arrondissement.
Best Time to Visit Hôtel Matignon #
Because Hôtel Matignon is the official Paris residence of the Prime Minister, it is normally closed to the public; the only reliable public access is during official heritage events.
Weather & Climate near Hôtel Matignon #
Hôtel Matignon's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 25°C. Moderate rainfall (645 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with 63 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.