Rue des Francs-Bourgeois (Bourgeoisie Franks Street), Paris
Bourgeoisie Franks Street, one of the longer streets in Le Marais district, runs along the route of Philippe Auguste's old city walls and marks the boundary between the 3rd and 4th administrative districts of Paris. Known for its blend of historical and modern elements, this street characterizes the transition from the city's traditional architecture to a trendy shopping area of fashion. Dotted with many designer stores, often housed in beautiful old townhouses (some of which are set back in the courtyards), you can find numerous French clothing, jewelry, and perfume brands here.
American novelist and poet Jack Kerouac playfully dubbed it the "street of the outspoken middle class," highlighting its blend of cultural history and bourgeois charm.
Tracing its origins back to the 14th century, the street was initially a weaver鈥檚 lane called Pulley Street. Its evolution over the centuries is marked by significant changes, notably its transformation into a haven for the tax-exempt poor, known as "francs-bourgeois," through the establishment of almshouses in 1334. The street's name has changed multiple times, incorporating roads like New Saint-Catherine Street and Paradise-in-the-Marsh Street in 1868, expanding its reach and influence within the capital.
The street itself and the surrounding area boast a wealth of caf茅s and restaurants set against the backdrop of magnificent mansion facades (such as Soubise, Rohan-Strasbourg, and others). The architectural landscape of Bourgeoisie Franks features an eclectic mix of old-time houses and modern boutiques. Notable buildings such as H么tel Carnavalet, at No. 16, currently a museum of Paris history, and H么tel d'Angoul锚me Lamoignon, at No. 14, illustrate the street鈥檚 rich heritage. The presence of the Swiss Cultural Center and the House of Europe at Nos. 34-37 also emphasizes its role as a cultural hub.
Despite the 19th-century urban modifications that pushed buildings back from their original alignments, creating an irregular street line, Bourgeoisie Franks Street maintains its historical integrity. It is also one of the few Parisian streets that largely ignore France's strong tradition of Sunday closure and is a popular location for weekend brunches, walks, and people watching.
American novelist and poet Jack Kerouac playfully dubbed it the "street of the outspoken middle class," highlighting its blend of cultural history and bourgeois charm.
Tracing its origins back to the 14th century, the street was initially a weaver鈥檚 lane called Pulley Street. Its evolution over the centuries is marked by significant changes, notably its transformation into a haven for the tax-exempt poor, known as "francs-bourgeois," through the establishment of almshouses in 1334. The street's name has changed multiple times, incorporating roads like New Saint-Catherine Street and Paradise-in-the-Marsh Street in 1868, expanding its reach and influence within the capital.
The street itself and the surrounding area boast a wealth of caf茅s and restaurants set against the backdrop of magnificent mansion facades (such as Soubise, Rohan-Strasbourg, and others). The architectural landscape of Bourgeoisie Franks features an eclectic mix of old-time houses and modern boutiques. Notable buildings such as H么tel Carnavalet, at No. 16, currently a museum of Paris history, and H么tel d'Angoul锚me Lamoignon, at No. 14, illustrate the street鈥檚 rich heritage. The presence of the Swiss Cultural Center and the House of Europe at Nos. 34-37 also emphasizes its role as a cultural hub.
Despite the 19th-century urban modifications that pushed buildings back from their original alignments, creating an irregular street line, Bourgeoisie Franks Street maintains its historical integrity. It is also one of the few Parisian streets that largely ignore France's strong tradition of Sunday closure and is a popular location for weekend brunches, walks, and people watching.
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Rue des Francs-Bourgeois (Bourgeoisie Franks Street) on Map
Sight Name: Rue des Francs-Bourgeois (Bourgeoisie Franks Street)
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Paris, France (See walking tours in Paris)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Paris, France
Create Your Own Walk in Paris
Creating your own self-guided walk in Paris is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Champs-Elysees Walking Tour
On this self-guided walk you will witness the grandeur of the 8th arrondissement of the French capital 鈥� one of its busiest and chic neighborhoods, thanks to the presence of Avenue des Champs-Elys茅es, Arc de Triomphe, and Place de la Concorde.
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Your best plan would be to start with the Triumphal Arch and walk up to its viewing area for great sights down the Champs-脡lys茅es 鈥� a lovely... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
St-Germain-des-Pres Walking Tour
This self-guided walk takes you to explore the 6th arrondissement, covering the quarter of St-Germain-des-Pr茅s, the riverside districts and the areas nearby the Luxembourg Garden. It is one of the most expensive districts of Paris, home to posh boutiques, eateries and iconic cafes once favored by philosophers and legendary writers, the likes of Hemingway and Camus. The area is likewise renowned... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Being one of the world's premier shopping destinations, the French capital attracts thousands of shopaholics every year. Even those who hate shopping, enjoy doing it here. Renowned for its luxury and sophistication, Paris is a great place for finding unique and elegant souvenirs to cherish. Here are some must-visit places for souvenir shopping in the City of Light.
Lafayette Galleries... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Lafayette Galleries... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour II
As you continue your acquaintance with Paris driven by its timeless allure, the city's heart reveals itself with an array of places capturing its profound history and artistic legacy. The evolution of Paris is visible on the banks of the river Seine, the linking thread winding its way through the capital as if keeping a watchful eye on its architectural marvels.
The second part of our... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
The second part of our... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.4 Km or 2.7 Miles
Latin Quarter Walking Tour
The Latin Quarter of Paris, nestled on the Left Bank of the Seine, is a district steeped in academic history and artistic fervor, resonating with the echoes of scholarly discourse and bohemian lifestyle. This venerable area derives its name from the early use of Latin as the lingua franca in the universities, a tradition spearheaded by the Sorbonne University. This institution has shaped... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Paris Introduction Walking Tour I
Paris, the capital of France, has a history spanning over 2,000 years back to the Iron Age. The name 鈥淧aris鈥� comes from the Parisii, a Gallic tribe that settled on the bank of the river Seine around the 3rd century BC. Having conquered the Galls, the Romans established on their land a garrison town known as Lutetia. By the end of the 5th century AD, it fell to the Franks and flourished under... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.1 Km or 3.2 Miles
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