Imagine stepping back in time, right here on Rue de Bérn. This street in the 3rd arrondissement whispers tales of royalty and revolution. Rue de Bérn, a recent addition to the Archives district, holds more than meets the eye.
The street pays homage to Henri IV, also known as Henri the Bearnais. He was a beloved king of France. The proximity to Place des Vosges links Rue de Bérn to royal history. Ah yes, the Place des Vosges was formerly named Place Royale.
Originally, Rue de Bérn was known by other names. It was once Rue de la Chaussée des Minimes. Even earlier, it bore the names Rue du Pavillon du Roi and Rue du Parc Royal. These names reflect its past connections to royal properties.
Rue de Bérn begins at Place des Vosges and ends at Rue Saint-Gilles. Its creation dates back to 1607 when it stretched from Place des Vosges to Rue des Minimes. The land belonged to Louis Gallucio de L’Hospital, also known as the Lord of Vitry. This area was once part of the Hotel des Tournelles park. Hence, the street was initially named Rue du Parc-Royal.
Around 1650, its name changed to Rue de la Chaussée-des-Minimes. This referred to the Minimes convent near Place Royale. During the French Revolution in 1792, it was briefly named Rue des Fédérés. Then, it became Rue Nationale, before reverting to Rue de la Chaussée-des-Minimes.
In 1805, the street expanded to Rue Saint-Gilles. This expansion occurred on the site of the old church of the Minimes convent. Interestingly, the convent’s cloister and library were near the gendarmerie barracks. Some exterior elements and a 17th-century staircase still exist in the barracks.
The street received its current name, Rue de Bérn, in 1867.
Archaeological discoveries have occurred here. In August 1896, roadwork uncovered two lead coffins dating back to 1630. These were found on the former site of the convent’s chapel and were moved to the Carnavalet museum.
Let’s look at some notable buildings. Number 2 Rue de Bérn, also 28 Place des Vosges, is the old Hotel d’Espinoy and Pavillon de la Reine.
At number 3, you can still see an old post for an electric line from the late 19th century.
Number 10 was once a “house of help.” In 1895, it provided 783 consultations to 134 tuberculosis patients.
Lastly, number 12 was once the Minimes gendarmerie barracks. In 1904, a statue of the Virgin was present on one of its walls. It was protected by a gate and “in perfect condition.” In 2020, the barracks was converted into social housing with a public garden named Arnaud-Beltrame.
As you stroll down Rue de Bérn, remember its layers of history. From royal origins to revolutionary changes, this street tells a silent story of Paris.