Whispers from the past echo here. Rue Saint-André-des-Arts has witnessed centuries of Parisian life. This street in the 6th arrondissement boasts a rich history. It is a vital artery connecting Île de la Cité to the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Originally just a hundred meters long Rue Saint-André-des-Arts led to the old Saint-André des Arts church. The church was also known as Saint-André de Laas. It stood on the Clos de Laas field where Rue Danton is now.
First mentioned in 1179 Rue Saint-André-des-Arts has borne many names. These include Rue de Laas Rue Saint-Germain and Rue Saint-Germain-des-Prés. You might also have heard it called Rue Saint-Andrieu or Rue Saint-André de Laas.
In medieval times Rue Saint-André-des-Arts stretched all the way to Rue de la Harpe. The construction of Boulevard Saint-Michel and Rue Danton in the 1800s transformed the area. The current Rue Saint-André-des-Arts is not the same section of road that bore the name in the Middle Ages.
Place Saint-André-des-Arts is at the street’s beginning near Place Saint-Michel. This charming square is lined with cafes and souvenir shops. Nearby a cobbled street teems with tourists. It is Rue de la Huchette the heart of the Latin Quarter.
Notably Place Saint-André-des-Arts derives its name from the ancient Saint-André-des-Arts church. This church stood here from 1210 to 1808. It was demolished during the French Revolution.
In 1897 and 1898 sewer construction unearthed burials. Pottery dating back to the 13th and 15th centuries was found. Human bones and Gallo-Roman tiles were also discovered. These findings revealed soil levels were much lower in ancient times.
Composer Charles Gounod was born at number 11. The office of the Journal des Artistes was located at number 30. The first meeting of the Société Libre des Beaux-Arts de Paris took place here in 1830.
The picturesque Rue Saint-André-des-Arts ends at the crossroads of several streets. These are Rue de l’Ancienne Comédie Rue de Buci Rue Mazarine and Rue Dauphine. It runs parallel to Boulevard Saint-Germain.
The Cour du Commerce Saint-André connects Rue Saint-André-des-Arts to Boulevard Saint-Germain. The Musée Carnavalet holds a painting of Place Saint-André-des-Arts by Charles Marville from 1865-68. A cinema named Saint-André des Arts has been at number 30 since 1971.
Many artists have called Rue Saint-André-des-Arts home. Charles Méryon lived at number 12. Charles Baudelaire resided at numbers 22 and 30. Octave Guillonnet lived at number 41. Isidore Isou lived at number 42. Nadar and Pierre Larousse lived at number 45. Edward Cummings lived at number 46.
Several buildings have been listed as historical monuments. These include Hôtel Duchesne at number 27 and Lycée Fénelon at number 45. The Hôtel de Vieuville at 47 Hôtel de Navarre at 49 and Hôtel du Tillet de la Bussière at number 52 are also protected. Finally the Cour du Commerce Saint-André at number 61 which houses the famous Café Procope is another treasured landmark.
Rue Saint-André-des-Arts offers a sublime walk. Each building whispers stories. Each corner reveals a piece of Parisian history. Take your time observe the historic plaques. Allow the echoes of the past to envelop you.