Rue du Regard des Luats

“Did you know that this unassuming street once held a secret fountain?” Rue du Regard in Paris is more than just a charming lane. It holds centuries of captivating history. The name itself Rue du Regard means “Street of the Look”. It refers to a viewing point a water inspector’s peephole. This peephole monitored a fountain located where Rue du Vaugirard meets Rue du Regard. The fountain was moved to the Luxembourg Gardens in 1855. The charming street also houses several historic mansions. Number 1 for instance was constructed for Jeanne-Baptiste d’Albert de Luynes. Born into high nobility she received a strict education. Later she became the favorite of the Duke of Savoy. She eventually sought refuge in Paris at a convent before starting a new life. She cultivated a vast library boasting 18000 volumes. She even wrote her own epitaph. Rue du Regard’s number 7 housed the writer Chateaubriand. The hotel at number 15 originally belonged to the Count of Guiche a descendant of a mistress of Henry IV. Number 6 houses the Seminary of Saint-Sulpice. Its chandeliers once adorned the Palace of Versailles and were used during Napoleon’s coronation. Rue du Regard is far more than just a street. It’s a timeline a testament to a rich and remarkable past. Take a moment to absorb its secrets its elegance its quiet whispers of history. This small street is a microcosm of Paris itself. It holds beauty mystery and a timeless charm.