Rue François Miron, one of the oldest streets in Paris
Rue François Miron stands as one of the oldest streets in Paris, tracing its roots back to a section of the Roman road connecting Lutetia (antic Paris) to the city of Melun in the east. Nestled within the historic Marais district, just behind the St-Gervais-St-Protais Church, this quaint enclave of the Quartier St-Gervais miraculously avoided demolition during Haussmann‘s extensive renovation of Paris in the mid-19th century.
As you wander along its cobblestone pathways, you’ll encounter a wealth of fine listed mansions and houses, some of which rank among the oldest in all of Paris.
Maison du Faucheur and Maison du Mouton
The Maison du Faucheur at no11 and the Maison du Mouton at no13 , adorned with charming half-timbered facades, derive their names from ancient shop signs. These likely indicated former inns (faucheur meaning reaper and mouton meaning sheep).
Built in the 14th century and subsequently raised in the 16th century, these historic structures offer a glimpse into Paris’s medieval past.
While their upper levels have undergone modifications over the centuries, the ground-floors retain their original character, qualifying them as among the oldest in Paris. Reflecting the former building regulations of Paris, their timber-framed facades were initially covered with plaster to mitigate fire hazards.
In a transformative restoration effort led by André Malraux, the Minister of Culture, in 1967, the plaster was removed, revealing the intricate timber framing underneath.
This initiative coincided with the designation of the Marais as a ‘Secteur Protégé’ (Protected Area), emphasizing the historical significance of the district.
Perched along the narrow medieval Rue Cloche-Perce, the Maison du Mouton overlooks its picturesque surroundings, offering a glimpse into the bygone era of Parisian life.
Both houses stand as remarkable examples of medieval architecture and are classified as Historical Monuments.
Directions: 4th district – nos11-13 Rue Francois Miron
Metro: St-Paul or Hôtel-de-Ville on Line 1
Coordinates nos11-13 Rue Francois Miron: Lat 48.855794 – Long 2.356891
