Saint-André des Arts Street

Rue Saint-André-des-Arts, from archers to artists

The Paris audio-guided tour takes you along Rue Saint-André-des-Arts, walked by so many others over the centuries. This street of the Monnaie district, on the Left Bank, already existed in Roman times, under another name.

A twist of language

It took in 1211 the name of the Saint-André church, then, owing to the presence of many sellers of bows and arrows, it became Saint-André-des-Arcs. Through a twist of language, and because artists gradually replaced the archers, it turned into Saint-André-des-Arts. The name thus tells, on its own, the evolution of the district.

What there is to see

The street, narrow and lively, is lined with cafés, bookshops, galleries and small cinemas. It keeps the charm of old Paris, with its old façades and its bohemian atmosphere. It is one of the most pleasant walks of the Left Bank, in the heart of a district marked by the intellectual and artistic history of the capital.

Practical information

Rue Saint-André-des-Arts crosses the Monnaie district, in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, between Place Saint-Michel and the Buci crossroads. It can be walked freely at all hours and on the level; the shops keep their own hours.

Where does the name Rue Saint-André-des-Arts come from?

From the name of the Saint-André church, then the bow sellers who gave it the name Saint-André-des-Arcs, which became des Arts by distortion, as artists replaced the archers.

How long has this street existed?

It already existed in Roman times, under another name, and took the name Saint-André in 1211. It is one of the oldest streets of the Left Bank.