What whispers does Rue de la Barre Nouvelle hold? It is not as famous as the Champs-Élysées. It does not boast the Eiffel Tower views of Rue de Monttessuy. Yet, Rue de la Barre Nouvelle offers a glimpse into the Parisian soul.
Rue de la Barre Nouvelle is a short street with a long history. Barriers once stood along the river. These barres defended against Viking invaders. The street was then named Rue des Barres.
Imagine Paris in 1550. Rue des Barres runs between Rue de La Mortellerie and La Porte Bodes. The Seine flows nearby with islands. Later these islands joined to form Île Saint-Louis.
In 1250 a mansion arose on Rue des Barres. It was logically called Hôtel des Barres. Louis de Boisredon later bought it 150 years later. He captained the Queen’s Bodyguards. Louis became Queen Isabeau’s lover. One day Louis slighted King Charles VI. He gave a small salute without dismounting.
King Charles was not amused. He had Louis arrested. They sewed him in a bag. It was thrown into the Seine. The bag read “Let the justice of the King pass.”
We don’t know if this happened on Rue des Barres. But it is nice to imagine it did.
Rue des Barres now runs from the Seine at Pont Louis-Philippe to Rue François Miron. It sits near Café Louis Philippe with its lovely terrace. Chez Julien is in a tall period building. The street climbs steps toward the Marais.
The Église Saint-Gervais-et-Saint-Protais is on your left as you ascend. A church stood here since the 7th century. The current church was built over 150 years ending in 1650. Admire the stained glass and nave ceiling. Tragedy struck here during Good Friday service in 1918. A German artillery shell killed 88 people. Dozens more were wounded.
Further along Rue des Barres are historic buildings. Number 12 was home to nuns. It was rebuilt in 1540. It features a half-timbered style. Number 15 dates from 1624.
Before leaving wander to the Parc Rives de Seine. It is now traffic-free. Rue des Barres is more than just a street. It is a journey through time. It is filled with stories of love intrigue and tragedy.