Rue Volta in the Marais
No3 Rue Volta has long been considered the oldest house in Paris, its architectural style suggesting construction around 1300.
This idea was reinforced by the fact that Rue Volta is located in the historic Marais district, a former marshland (hence its name) formed by a former meander of the Seine. In the 13th century, the Knights Templar and the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Martin des Champs drained the marsh to build their fortified monasteries, thus beginning the transformation of this once inhospitable enclave.
Fortunately, the gigantic renovation works in Paris carried out by Haussmann in the mid-19th century spared most of the Marais from demolition. This district was thus recognised as a “protected zone” in the 1970s, leading to the classification of many private mansions and buildings as historical monuments.
Timber-framed house at no3 Rue Volta
However, the history of No3 rue Volta took an unexpected turn in 1979 when historians unearthed old documents revealing its true origins.
Instead of dating from the 14th century, as previously believed, the house was a medieval-style replica built in 1644 for a wealthy Parisian bourgeois with a passion for medieval architecture!
A particularly intriguing fact is that the use of half-timbering, typical of medieval construction, had just been banned at the time of its construction due to the risk of fire. It seems the wealthy owner has managed to circumvent the regulations!
Regardless of its age, the charm of No3 rue Volta remains undeniable. Although its facade may appear slightly weathered by time, its beauty endures, and the house is now listed as a historical monument.
No3 rue Volta is definitely worth a visit!
Directions: 3rd district
Metro: Arts et Métiers on Lines 3, 11
Coordinates no3 Rue Volta: Lat 48.864637 – Long 2.356845
