Rue du Monastère

Slipping through time, let’s unravel the story of Rue de l’Abbaye, nestled in the heart of Paris. Rue de l’Abbaye whispers tales of a rich past, intertwined with the grand Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This street, a mere 180 meters long, stretches from Rue de l’Échaudé to Rue Bonaparte and Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Rue de l’Abbaye wasn’t always called that. Born in 1800 from the remnants of the Abbaye’s lands, it first bore the name “Rue de la Paix.” Later, it became “Rue Neuve-de-l’Abbaye” before finally settling on its current name in 1815. The very creation of Rue de l’Abbaye tells a story of transformation. In 1793, after the abbey became national property, plans were drawn for two new streets. One, connecting Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés to the present-day Rue Bonaparte, was fully realized. The other, intended to link Rue de l’Échaudé and Rue Saint-Benoît, faced delays. The western section, where the abbey’s cellars once stood, remained untouched for years. It wasn’t until 1866, with the extension of Rue de Rennes, that this final piece was completed. Sadly, numbers 15 and 17 of Rue de l’Abbaye were demolished to expand Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, now Square Laurent-Prache. Rue de l’Abbaye boasts remarkable buildings. Number 3, originally the abbey’s palace, known as the Hôtel de Furstemberg, was built in 1586. It later served as home and studio to artists like Louis-Alexandre Péron, Pètrus Perlet, and the sculptor James Pradier. Number 4 was once the residence of architect Victor Baltard. Number 6, an elegant apartment building, was designed by Charles Labro in 1901. Number 16 housed the Galerie Zak, a hub for contemporary art, and later the bookstore La Hune. Rue de l’Abbaye also brushed against the world of politics. Number 17 was the initial location of the École Libre des Sciences Politiques, the prestigious Sciences Po. As you stroll along Rue de l’Abbaye, imagine the echoes of history, the artists who toiled, the thinkers who debated, and the monks who once walked these very stones. It’s a journey through time, a testament to the ever-evolving spirit of Paris.