Captivating, unexpected, and full of charm, these 18th-century houses invite you to lose yourself in their history-filled alleyways.
Between Rue Royale and Rue d’Anjou, the Carrés Saint-Louis form one of the most picturesque and authentic corners of
...Captivating, unexpected, and full of charm, these 18th-century houses invite you to lose yourself in their history-filled alleyways.
Between Rue Royale and Rue d’Anjou, the Carrés Saint-Louis form one of the most picturesque and authentic corners of Versailles. This unusual urban ensemble was conceived under the reign of Louis XV with the aim of creating an additional market to the one already established in the city center.
These small houses, of simple yet harmonious architecture, were built to accommodate merchants and bring life to this new district. Over time, many of these buildings were transformed into residences, and in the past twenty years, this haven of peace has regained its full splendor thanks to careful restoration.
Although some of the houses located on Rue du Marché Neuf, Rue de l’Occident, Rue de l’Orient, and Rue de la Sainte-Famille were too old and fragile to be preserved, the ensemble still stands today as a living testimony of 18th-century Versailles urban planning.
Listed as historic monuments, the Carrés Saint-Louis are now an integral part of the city’s treasured heritage. Wandering through their cobbled streets, admiring their flowered façades, and breathing in the peaceful atmosphere is an unmissable experience for anyone wishing to discover the secret soul of Versailles.
