“Beauregard,” a beautiful view. It once was a fitting name for this street. Rue Beauregard earned its title from the lovely panorama it offered. Imagine Paris and its countryside stretched out before you. But before we get carried away with idyllic scenes let’s take a stroll down this famous street.
Rue Beauregard is in Paris’s 2nd arrondissement. The street sits in the Quartier de Bonne-Nouvelle. It begins at Rue Poissonnière 14 and ends at Boulevard de Bonne-Nouvelle 5 bis. It also ends at Rue de Cléry 97.
Today, the view might be a little different. Buildings have grown taller over time. Yet the street retains its charm and history. Rue Beauregard is about 274 meters long. Its width varies from 6 to 10 meters.
The street’s history dates back to the 1600s. At that time, the Butte Bonne-Nouvelle began to be divided into building lots. This area was once called “Mont Orgueil”. It consisted of accumulated waste and materials. To encourage people to settle here merchants and artisans were offered tax exemptions. Carpenters were among the first to arrive.
Let’s talk about a curious fact. Rue Beauregard has a connection to the smallest street in Paris. Rue des Degrés consists of only 14 steps. These steps connect Rue de Cléry and Rue Beauregard. Rue des Degrés is just 6 meters long and 3.30 meters wide. The Charles V enclosure once stood here. It was a defensive wall built around Paris in the 14th century.
Now I will tell you an infamous story. Catherine Deshayes lived on Rue Beauregard. She was also known as La Voisin. In 1679, Nicolas de la Reynie arrested her here. He was the Lieutenant General of Police of Paris.
Many notable buildings are along Rue Beauregard. At number 1, you’ll find the former Hôtel de La Faille. Pierre Vigné de Vigny built it between 1730 and 1737.
At number 5, there is an elementary school. In 1930, artists created a fresco here. The fresco depicts scenes from La Fontaine’s Fables. At number 6, you can find the offices of interior designer Pierre Yovanovitch. Numbers 23-25 mark the location of La Voisin’s house. A niche at number 32 holds a statue of Saint Jeanne.
Michel Simon lived at number 37. He was a comedian. He lived here from 1936 until his death in 1975. A plaque commemorates him. Finally at number 52, a plaque recalls Louis XVI’s attempted escape.
At the intersection with Rue de Cléry stands the house of André Chénier. He was a poet. This building is considered one of the narrowest in Paris.
Rue Beauregard is more than just a street. It is a journey through time. Its history is rich. Its stories are captivating. As you stroll along Rue Beauregard remember its beautiful view and stories.