The Ile Saint-Louis was formed in 1609 out of two smaller islands, the Ile aux Vaches and the Ile Notre-Dame. Under a project initiated by Cardinal Richelieu and carried out by three contractors, Marie, Poulletier and Le Regrattier, the two little islands were joined, connected with the right bank of the Seine by two bridges and laid out on a rectangular grid with houses in uniform style.
By 1664 the work was completed and the first craftsmen and merchants had moved in; and soon afterwards they were followed by the aristocracy, who built their elegant mansions along the quais. In addition to the noble families illustrious writers such as Charles Baudelaire, Théophile Gautier, Camille Claudel and Emile Zola came to live on the island, and other residents have included Voltaire, Rousseau and such famous statesmen as Léon Blum and Georges Pompidou. And the 6,000 inhabitants of the island still include well-to-do writers and artists.
Much of the 17th century architecture has preserved its character and its dignity. The harmony of the close packed lines of houses, the little cafes where a petit noir can be enjoyed at leisure, the quiet quais and the aura of the past which pervades the island give it a particular charm. Along the island's main street, Rue Saint- Louis-en-l'Ile, are numbers of little shops, cozy crêperies and smart restaurants, often in vaulted cellars, which form an attractive setting for an elegant meal. A stroll along the quais or a picnic on the banks of the Seine offers views of the Hôtel de Ville on the right bank of the Seine, the Quartier Latin and the Panthéon on the left bank and, to the west, the Ile de la Cité and Notre- Dame.
The Hôtel Lambert in Paris (1640), also built by Le Vau, belongs to the Rothschild family and is not open to the public. With its semicircular courtyard and open staircase hall, oval vestibule, Galerie d'Hercule (with scenes from the legend of Hercules by Le Brun and Eustache Le Sueur), it is a consummate example of the art and culture of its period.
The Hôtel Lauzun (1657) is also attributed to Louis Le Vau, Louis XIV's court architect. It now belongs to the city of Paris, which uses it as an official guest house. In the mid 19th C it was the home of Baudelaire, Gautier and the painter Beauvoir, all members of the legendary Club des Hachichins. The house is sumptuously decorated with frescoes, stucco-work and sculptures.
Address: Hôtel Lauzun, 17 Quai d'Anjou, F-75004 Paris, France
Tips: It can be visited only by prior arrangement with the Caisse Nationale des Monuments Historiques (tel. 48 87 24 14).
This museum is dedicated to the Polish romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz. There are manuscripts, letters and portraits. The adjoining library contains the finest Polish collection such as books, archives covering the 19th and 20th centuries. Also, there are important collection of Frédéric Chopin memorabilia which includes his death mask.
Address: Musée Boleslas Biegas / Salon Chopin / Musée Adam Mickiewicz, Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris Société Historique et Littéraire Polonaise 6 quai d'Orléans, F-75004 Paris, France
Hours:
2pm-6pm; Closed: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Always closed on: Easter - Christian
Tips: Closed 10 days at Christmas and Easter.
Combined ticket with the Salon Chopin and the Musee Boleslas Biegas.
Group visit and guided tour reserve one day in advance.
Documentation available in foreign languages.
The Musée Boleslas Biegas displays paintings and sculptures by the Polish artists and life of Biegas. There are excellent works of Franco-Polish art as well.
Address: Musée Boleslas Biegas / Salon Chopin / Musée Adam Mickiewicz, Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris Société Historique et Littéraire Polonaise 6 quai d'Orléans, F-75004 Paris, France
Hours:
am-am; Closed: Sun, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Always closed on: Easter - Christian
Tips: Closed 10 days at Christmas.
Guided tours at 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm, and 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Combined ticket with the Salon Chopin and the Musee Mickiewicz.
Documentation available in foreign languages.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Transit: Metro: Pont Marie; Buses; 24, 63, 67, 86, 87.
Salon Chopin is dedicated to the composer with personal memorabilia.
Address: Musée Boleslas Biegas / Salon Chopin / Musée Adam Mickiewicz, Bibliothèque Polonaise de Paris Société Historique et Littéraire Polonaise 6 quai d'Orléans, F-75004 Paris, France
Hours:
am-am; Closed: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat
Always closed on: Easter - Christian
Tips: Closed 10 days at Christmas.
Guided tours at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m. on Thursday.
Combined ticket with the Musee Biegas and the Musee Mickiewicz available.
Group visit and guided tour reserve one day in advance.
Documentation available in foreign languages.
The church of Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile in Paris was begun in 1664 by Louis Le Vau (1612-70) and completed in 1726 by Jacques Doucet. In the Baroque interior are pictures by Charles Coypel (1694- 1752; "The Disciples at Emmaus"), Pierre Mignard (1612-95; "Rest on the Flight to Egypt") and Francesco Vecellio, Titian's brother (16th C.; "Entombment"). In summer there are concerts of church music almost every evening.
Address: St-Louis-en-l'Ile, 19 bis rue St Louis en l'Ile, F-75004 Paris, France
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), 1945 Victory Day (May 8), May Day / Labor Day (May 1), Bastille Day - France (July 14), Assumption Day - Christian (August 15), All Saints' Day - Christian (November 1), Remembrance Day / 1918 Armistice Day (November 11), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Ascension Thursday - Christian
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View of Ile Saint-Louis in Paris.
The quay of Ile Saint-Louis in Paris.
