If you'd like to learn more about Paris and its history, and the Île-de-France region in general, head for the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris, in the 4th arrondissement!
In 1763, the City of Paris decided to open a public library in theHôtel d'Angoulême-Lamoignon. However, the library was successively relocated to other buildings in Paris, before finally ending up in theHôtel de Ville de Paris. To add insult to injury, the collections were destroyed shortly afterwards, in 1871, when the Hôtel de Ville burned down during the Commune (as reported here)!
A new public library dedicated specifically to the history of Paris was therefore set up in theHôtel Carnavalet, at the same time as the Musée Carnavalet was created. By 1893, it already boasted 100,000 items, thanks in part to librarian Jules Cousin, who bequeathed his personal collection to the city. As the library grew, it was moved to a new private home on rue de Sévigné, then again in 1968 to the Hôtel d'Angoulême-Lamoignon, where it remains to this day!
In all, the Bibliothèque Historique de la Ville de Paris holds no fewer than 2 million items on the history, politics, religion, society and culture of Paris. Prints, maps, works, books, manuscripts, plans, newspapers, photographs, posters - you name it! It's a dream come true for Paris lovers dying to learn more about their beloved city!
Raphaël Métivet
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Location
Paris Historical Library
24 Rue Pavée
75004 Paris 4
Access
Saint-Paul metro station
Prices
Free
