In 1610 a new street opened. It was Rue de Bourbon-Guise. This street is now known as Rue de Bourbon-le-Chteau. It connected the Porte de Buci to the Saint-Germain-des-Pres abbey. This route shortened the journey between these two important places.
The Rue de Bourbon-le-Chteau is located in Paris’s 6th arrondissement. It’s a relatively short street only 37 meters long. Yet it holds a rich history. Its name connects to powerful figures. Cardinal de Bourbon was one such figure. He was the abbot of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. He had an abbatial palace built near the street. Another figure is Franois de Bourbon prince de Conti. He owned the land where the street was built. He was also the commendatory abbot of Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
The story of the Rue de Bourbon-le-Chteau is intertwined with the history of Paris. The street’s creation involved land sales. Jean de Moucy a royal advisor sold the land. He sold it to Franois de Bourbon-Conti. This allowed the creation of a more convenient route. The street’s name changed several times. It was known as Rue du Petit Bourbon and Rue de l’Abbaye. Finally in 1814 it settled on its current name.
The Rue de Bourbon-le-Chteau has even inspired literature. Guillaume Apollinaire’s “Le Flaneur des deux rives” mentions it. The famous poet describes the street and mentions other poets he met there. This includes Leo Larguier who introduced him to Alfred de Musset. Imagine the literary conversations that unfolded on this unassuming street! The Rue de Bourbon-le-Chteau is much more than a simple street. It’s a testament to the changing nature of Paris. It’s a glimpse into a rich and fascinating past. It remains a silent observer of the city’s evolution. The street’s history continues to intrigue and delight those who discover its story.