Avenue de Fromenteau

“A street named ‘Cold Cloak’? How curious!” Avenue de Fromenteau, my friends, may seem unassuming now, but its story is anything but. This street, you see, once stretched from the Place du Palais Royal to the Louvre Museum. It even appeared on Paris maps as early as 1760! But its history goes back even further. We know it existed in 1450, known then as “Rue du Froit-Mantyau” which translates to “Street of the Cold Cloak”. Intriguing, isn’t it? However, Avenue de Fromenteau had a less glamorous side. During the 18th century, it became a well-known spot for, let’s say, “ladies of the night”. Records from 1831 even tell us there were around 60 of them residing on this very street, drawn to its proximity to the Palais Royal. Despite its scandalous reputation, Avenue de Fromenteau also housed notable figures. Messire Jean Galloys, a priest and abbot, resided here between 1670 and 1696. It was also home to the Hotel de Souvre, a popular haunt for artists and entrepreneurs associated with the Louvre during the 18th century. And let’s not forget the historical significance of its location near the ancient Saint-Louis church, formerly known as Saint-Nicolas du Louvre. Avenue de Fromenteau stands as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of Paris, a city where grandeur and grit have always coexisted.