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Archives Nationales Review

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Archives Nationales

Address: 60 rue des Francs-Bourgeois, Marais, Paris | Map It
Phone: 01-40-27-60-96
www.archivesnationales.culture.gouv.fr

Category: Libraries
Location: The Marais

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Fodor's Review:

Thousands of important historical documents are housed in these two spectacular buildings, built in 1705 as private homes. Fans of the decorative arts will appreciate a visit to the Hôtel de Soubise, where the well-preserved private apartments of the Prince and Princess de Soubise are among the first examples of the rococo style, which preceded the more somber Baroque opulence of Louis XIV. Many important architects left their mark here. The Hôtel de Rohan, which is not usually open to the public, was built for Soubise's son, Cardinal Rohan.

Also on display are precious documents dating from 625 to the 20th century. Highlights are the Edict of Nantes (1598), the Treaty of Westphalia (1648), the wills of Louis XIV and Napoléon, and the Declaration of Human Rights (1789). Louis XVI's diary is also here, containing his sadly clueless entry for July 14, 1789, the day the Bastille was stormed and the French Revolution was launched. Before you leave, notice the medieval turrets to the right in the courtyard: this is the Porte de Clisson, all that remains of a stately 14th-century mansion.

Outside the wall, at the corner of rues Francs-Bourgeois and Archives, note the alcove with a doorway. Here used to sit an elegant fountain, built in 1710, that was the source of this neighborhood's drinking water. Try to make out the nearly invisible Latin inscription in gold lettering thanking the prince de Soubise for donating the land.

Cost: EUR 3
Open: Mon. and Wed.-Fri. 10-12:20 and 2-5:30, weekends 2-5:30
Metro: Rambuteau

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