The other important and beautiful building which faces the Hôtel-de-Ville is the MAISON DU ROI, formerly used as the HALLE AU PAIN or _Broodhuis_. It is of late florid Gothic, verging towards Renaissance (1514, restored:) and is in three storeys, two of them arcaded. The first floor has an open gallery, like the loggia of a Venetian palace, whence ladies could view processions and ceremonies in the square below. The building terminates in a high roof, with projecting windows, and a handsome open tower and lantern. The whole has been recently rebuilt and profusely gilded. Within, is a small Communal Museum (open free daily, 10 to 4). Come again often to view these two noble halls. The third principal building (on the E. side of the Square) known as the MAISON DES DUCS was the Public Weighing House, constructed in a debased Renaissance style, and also profusely gilded. It bears the date 1698, but is now unworthily occupied by sale rooms and shops. The whole of the remaining space in this glorious square is surrounded by magnificent =Guild Halls= of the various corporations. Beginning on the =S. side= (that occupied by the Hôtel-de-Ville), we have, first, L., two high-gabled houses of good 17th century domestic architecture. Next to them, R., comes the =Hôtel des Brasseurs=, dated 1752, and lately surmounted by a bronze equestrian statue of Charles of Lorraine. This was originally the _Guild Hall of the Brewers_. After that, again, rises the house known as “The Swan,” belonging to the _Corporation of Butchers_. The small building at the corner, next the Hôtel-de-Ville, with an open _loggia_, now in course of restoration, is known as the Maison de l’Étoile: a gilt star surmounts its gable. The finest group of houses, however, is that to the =W. side= of the Square (R. of the Hôtel-de-Ville), unoccupied by any one prominent building. Beginning on the L., we have, first, the house known as “The Fox” (=Le Renard=), dated 1699: it is surmounted by a figure of St. Nicholas resuscitating the three boys, and is adorned with statues of Justice and the Four Continents on its first floor. Then comes the =Guild Hall of the Skippers=, or _Maison des Bateliers_, its gable constructed somewhat like the poop of a ship. The symbolism here is all marine—sailors above; then Neptune and his horses, etc. R. of this, we see the house known as “=La Louve=,” bearing as a sign Romulus and Remus with the wolf. This was originally the =Guild Hall of the Archers=. It shows an inscription stating that it was restored, after being burnt down, by the _Confraternity of St. Sebastian_ (patron of archers). Its relief of the Saint with a bow is appropriate. The two remaining houses are “_La Brouette_,” dated 1697, and “_Le Sac_,” bearing on its gable a medallion with three faces.