Lost in the labyrinthine heart of Paris a whisper of history echoes. It is Rue des Archives not Rue des Ratraits. A name that conjures images of forgotten secrets and untold tales. This street is more than just cobblestones and buildings. It is a living testament to centuries of Parisian life.
Rue des Archives stretches nearly 900 meters. It runs from Rue de Rivoli to Rue de Bretagne. The street was formed by merging medieval streets. Except for its northern section it was drawn in 1806. This section replaced the Children’s Hospital Enfants Rouges. The Marais neighborhood’s rich architecture is evident along this enchanting path.
Imagine the Templars. In the 13th century they created a new town. It was between their inner and outer enclosures. Their land was guarded by serfs. This made the land safer. From 1282 a network of nine streets appeared. They were 4 yards wide. Eight streets ran parallel. One central axis runs along the current Rue des Archives. The section of Rue des Archives built around 1282 extended from Rue Portefoin to Rue des Francs-Bourgeois.
At number 78 stands the Hotel de Tallard. Architect Bullet built it between 1639 and 1716. He also built the Arch of Saint Martin. The hotel boasts an elegant staircase. Beautiful medallions depict the four seasons.
Numbers 72 74 and 76 house sumptuous hotels. They were built between 1642 and 1647. Hotel Le Peletier de Souzy Hotel Villefix and Hotel Tallemant are among them. Hotel Villefix was altered during the 19th century. Hotel de Montescot at number 70 retains its original three-level main building. It has a two-floor south wing and a garden. Note the portal and its oculus.
Number 62 is Hotel Mongelas. It was erected in 1705. Jules Hardouin-Mansart probably designed it. The Murat Jewellers occupied it from 1861 to 1965. In 2002 it became an annex of the Hunt Museum. The Hunt Museum is in the adjacent building.
Hotel de Guénégaud des Brosses stands at number 60. It is now the Hunting Museum. Francois Mansart rebuilt it from 1651 to 1653. The city of Paris bought it in 1961. It’s the only fully preserved Mansart mansion in Paris. The museum features paintings by masters like Desportes Oudry and Chardin. The paintings feature hunting scenes. A fine collection of preserved animals is also on display.
A neo-classical fountain sits at number 53. It’s at the corner of Rue des Haudriettes. It’s from around 1765 and depicts a nymph. Hotel Navonne once stood at number 49. It was destroyed in 1925. An electrical distribution factory replaced it.
The National Archives are nearby. They consist of seven historical buildings. They surround a courtyard garden. The Hotel de Clisson later de Guise is the oldest building. Its fortified gate is unique. The Hotel de Soubise has a huge courtyard. The Hotel de Soubise and Hotel de Rohan were seized after the emigration of the Princess of Guéménée. Today you can visit the apartments of the Princess. They are a masterpiece by Boffrand and Natoire.
Number 25-27 was Jean Valjean’s residence. Jean Valjean is Victor Hugo’s famous character from Les Misérables. At number 34 Renzo Piano’s building workshop stands. Renzo Piano was an architect of the Centre Georges Pompidou. The area has been a predominantly gay neighborhood since the late 20th century. The first gay bar opened in 1968. The Open Café is a popular spot. The SPYCE bar is also worth a visit.
The Billette church stands at 20-24. Its flamboyant cloister dates back to 1427. It’s an interesting example of medieval Parisian architecture. Finally at Rue des Archives and Rue de Rivoli stands BHV. It’s a favorite Parisian department store. The Cognacq-Jay family founded it. Their art collection is visible at the Musée Cognac-Jay.