Ile Saint Louis’ 17th century Classical architecture
The Île Saint Louis, one of the most elegant and aristocratic districts in Paris, has changed little since its creation.
Let’s go back to the beginning of the 17th century, when the district didn’t yet exist…
Two separate islands then occupied the space: the smaller one, Île aux Vaches, upstream, and the larger one, Île Notre-Dame, downstream. These islands both belonged to the chapter of Notre-Dame Cathedral and were used as pastures.
King Henri IV decided to join these islands to create a new urban district. After his assassination in 1610, his son, Louis XIII, took over the project. In 1614, the two islets thus merged into a single island, known as Île Notre-Dame until the beginning of the 18th century.
The king commissioned the architect Christophe Marie to design this new district, an easy task for the arcitect a she had a blank canvas!
Marie thus created a series of quays encircling the Île Notre-Dame, a main street, and a network of interconnected streets.
The island’s charm drew the French aristocracy, who enthusiastically commissioned the renowned architect Le Vau to build sumptuous private mansions there.
Île Saint-Louis gradually took shape in the space of thirty years, from 1620 to 1650. This rapid construction phase resulted in a harmonious unity of architectural style that gives the island its distinctive elegance.
Rue Saint Louis en l’Isle and Hôtel Lambert
The Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle, the island’s main thoroughfare, runs east to west and is lined with remarkable buildings.
Among them are Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle Church, the prestigious Hôtel Chenizot at No. 51, and the Pavillon des Arbélatriers at No. 1, formerly an annex of the Hôtel de Bretonvilliers.
The Hôtel Lambert, at No. 2, is undoubtedly the most luxurious private mansion on the Île Saint-Louis. Built in 1640 by Le Vau for Nicolas Lambert de Thorigny, this architectural gem underwent five years of meticulous decoration overseen by the painters Lebrun and Lesueur. Its magnificent entrance gate alone hints at the building’s beauty!
The wife of Prince Adam Czartoryski acquired it in 1843 when she and her husband left Poland after the Russian occupation. The Hôtel Lambert still belongs to their family.
While Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle retains a picturesque charm, its atmosphere has certainly changed over time. Where artisans and merchants once thrived, a multitude of trendy restaurants, art galleries, and luxury boutiques now line the street.
Yet, amidst this transformation, one tradition endures: the endless queue for ice cream at the legendary Glacier Berthillon!
Several adjacent streets, each with its own unique character, radiate from Rue Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle. Rue Le Regrattier, Rue Budé, Rue des Deux-Ponts, and Rue Poulletier offer a glimpse into the island’s rich history and architectural diversity.
Rue de Bretonvilliers, in particular, passes under an unusual vaulted structure, a vestige of the mansion’s former splendour.
Quai de Bourbon and Quai d’Anjou
A series of elegant quays encircle the Île Saint-Louis:
The Quai de Bourbon and the Quai d’Anjou to the north, and the Quai de Béthune and the Quai d’Orléans to the south.
The Quai de Bourbon takes its name from the Bourbon royal dynasty.
Champaigne, the renowned architect responsible for the construction of the Church of Saint-Louis-en-l’Isle, lived at No. 11.
As for the Quai d’Anjou, it pays homage to the Duke of Anjou, one of the sons of King Henry II.
Hôtel de Lauzun on Quai d’Anjou
The Hôtel de Lauzun, at No. 17, boasts a grand entrance surmounted by an exquisitely crafted wrought-iron balcony.
Built between 1656 and 1657 by Louis Le Vau for Charles de Gruyn, the townhouse boasts a richly decorated interior. The celebrated artists Lebrun, Monnoyer, Patel, Lepautre, Anguier, and Bourdon contributed to its sumptuous ornamentation.
In 1680, Antonin de Caumont, Count of Lauzun, acquired the mansion. The Hôtel de Lauzun changed hands several times over the following centuries and hosted illustrious tenants, such as Cardinal de Richelieu, the poet Baudelaire and the writer Théophile Gautier.
It also received numerous distinguished visitors, including the painter Eugène Delacroix and the the literary giants Voltaire, Jean-Jacques-Rousseau, and Alexandre Dumas.
The City of Paris acquired the Hôtel de Lauzun in 1828 and has used it ever since for official receptions. Unsurprisingly, the Hôtel de Lauzun is a listed historical monument.
Quai de Béthune and Quai d’Orléans
The Quai de Béthune was named in honour of Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully.
Located on the island’s south bank, it was also known as the Quai des Balcons (Balcony Quay) until the 18th century for the numerous balconies adorning the facades of its private mansions.
In 1729, Marshal-Duke Richelieu resided at No. 16, and President Georges Pompidou until 1974.
Surprisingly, the Île Saint-Louis has remained remarkably unchanged since the 17th century.
Indeed, lacking metro stations, banks, post offices, or cinemas, a deliberate choice, it has preserved its timeless elegance and its character despite the influx of tourists during the summer season.
Bridges on Ile Saint-Louis
Despite its peaceful charm, Île Saint-Louis enjoys excellent transport links to the vibrant heart of Paris.
The Pont Louis-Philippe and Pont Marie (bridges) connect it directly to the Rive Droite – Right Bank, and the Pont de la Tournelle to the Rive Gauche – Left Bank.
The Pont de Sully, unique in its design, spans the eastern tip of Île Saint-Louis and links the island to both banks of the Seine.
Finally, the charming footbridge on the Pont St-Louis provides access to the Ile de la Cité.
Directions: 4th District
Metro: Pont-Marie or Sully-Morland on Right Bank, or Cité on Ile de la Cité on Lines 4, 7
Coordinates: Lat 48.851893 – Long 2.356395
