Cour de l’Étoile

“A golden star hidden in plain sight?” someone might have exclaimed centuries ago, referring to the Cour de l’Étoile. Cour de l’Étoile, meaning “Court of the Golden Star,” is tucked away in the heart of Paris. This enchanting courtyard is a secret well worth discovering. Stepping into Cour de l’Étoile is like opening a door to the past. You are greeted by a charming passage that leads to not one, but two courtyards. Each courtyard reflects a different era of Parisian architecture, spanning over four centuries. Imagine the clatter of hooves and the creak of wooden carts as you enter the first courtyard. The oldest structure here is a 17th-century pavilion. This pavilion was once a pleasure house, a place for leisure and entertainment. Notice how it has been ingeniously pierced through to create a passage leading to the second courtyard. Look up to find a sundial gracing its facade, a silent witness to centuries gone by. Step inside, and you’ll discover a beautiful wooden staircase adorned with carved figures representing the four seasons. In the first courtyard, a captivating ochre-colored house from the Empire period catches the eye. The second courtyard whispers tales of Paris’s skilled artisans. This space was likely where woodworkers practiced their craft, shaping and molding timber into beautiful objects. The presence of old glass-roofed workshops from the early 19th century adds to the charm. You can almost hear the rhythmic clang of hammers and the rasp of saws. A large, later workshop built in 1882 by architect Chabot, stands as a testament to the area’s industrial past. Today, the Cour de l’Étoile stands as a quiet haven amidst the bustling city. These charming courtyards offer glimpses into the lives and times of those who called this place home.