From an island on the Seine to a block in the city.
The site of the former Préfecture de Paris is reinventing itself to start a new life in the city of light. In this condensed version of the city, we explore our hopes for the daily life of tomorrow, where freedom, generosity and serenity abound.
A place resplendent with history
Before 1840
The promise of an island: La Félicité Paris Sully-Morland is located on a forgotten island of the Seine, the Île Louviers. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Île Louviers became a place where shows were held for the entertainment of the Royal Court. In 1700, it was bought by the City of Paris and rented to timber merchants who used it as a storage site. In 1841, King Louis-Philippe ordered that the Grammont branch of the river be filled in so that it could be reattached to the right bank.
1960–2010
An administrative site: The administrative building of the Préfecture de la Seine was designed by Albert Laprade, architect of the Palais de la Porte Dorée alongside Pierre Fournier and René Fontaine. Inaugurated in 1966, this 17-storey and 50 m-high emblem of modernist architecture, offered an exceptional view of Paris. The Morland building housed French state-run services until 2011 and subsequently those of the City of Paris.
2014–2022
Reinventing Paris: In 2014, "Reinventing Paris", a first call for innovative urban projects, proposed the transformation of 23 Parisian sites. Morland, due to its size and location, was one of the most prestigious.
In 2016, the project led by Paris-based developer Emerige and designed by British architect David Chipperfield was named the winner. Work began in 2018.
Harmony and variety are guaranteed
11 things to see and do
There are 11 things to see and do at La Félicité Paris Sully-Morland: a covered market, a nursery, housing, offices, shops, a five-star hotel, a youth hostel, restaurants, bars, urban farming on the roof, an art gallery, a swimming pool and a fitness centre.
An architectural setting
An architectural project that brings together renovation and new construction. The administrative site has thus been completely renovated in keeping with its assured and modernist style. Two sleek new builds, on both the Seine and Morland sides, are juxtaposed with the historic building, the perfect contrast to its structural rigour.
Sustainable by design
A fundamental requirement
Thanks to its energy loop (the calories from IT servers are recovered to heat the housing, youth hostel and hotel), its 70 m2 of solar panels on the roofs and its phyto-purification system for greywater, La Félicité Paris Sully-Morland has attained the top environmental certifications and labels. Its wooded courtyards (200 planted trees) and green roof (urban farm) contribute to biodiversity and reduce the heat island effect.
The spirit of the site
The spirit of the site is firmly focused on sustainability, as demonstrated by the shops it hosts. These include a recycling and responsible fashion hub, Mökki; a shop dedicated soft and active mobility, Zeride; a spot for buying smallholder and sustainable fishing products; and another for loose products. That's not to mention the bakery that primarily uses flour from ancient wheat at Terroirs d'Avenir; the Sous les Fraises urban farm; and, finally, the short food supply chains and fresh, seasonal products championed by La Félicité Paris Sully-Morland's restaurants.
