A captivating Parisian secret unfolds before you. Welcome to Rue Princesse. This narrow street whispers tales of intrigue and artistic brilliance. Its very name hints at royalty. But its history is more complex than a fairytale.
Rue Princesse nestled in the 6th arrondissement boasts a rich past. Originally known as Rue de la Justice it later took on a revolutionary moniker. The current name however is linked to the powerful House of Guise. A princess of this family owned the Hotel de Roussillon. This hotel stood where Rue Princesse now lies.
Imagine the bustling activity within the Hotel de Roussillon. The daughter of the Duke of Guise became the Duchess of Montpensier. She gathered supporters of the League here. They were known as the Guisards. The street’s original name however is a rather dull Rue de la Justice. It carried this name between 1793 and 1807. A far less romantic title than Rue Princesse.
But Rue Princesse has not been merely a political stage. It was also home to artistic giants. The renowned painter Jean Siméon Chardin lived here. He resided at two different addresses on this street. One at number 1 and the other at number 6. One can only imagine the inspiration he drew from these surroundings.
A more dramatic story involves Mademoiselle Clairon. This famous actress resided on Rue Princesse. In 1762 she caused a stir during a performance. Her lines alluded to the disgraced Marshal de Broglie. The audience erupted in applause and protest. The play was immediately banned.
Another resident was the poet de Belloy. He lived near the Foire Saint-Germain. He fell ill here. His illness was marked by both poverty and sadness. The Parisian theater community rallied around him. Even the King himself contributed to his support. De Belloy sadly died the same year as King Louis XV.
Rue Princesse’s past is a mix of political drama theatrical excitement and artistic genius. It’s a small street that packs a powerful punch. It remains a hidden treasure in the heart of Paris. Walk its length and try to imagine the lives of those who once walked here. Their stories echo through the very stones beneath your feet.