La Rue de Babylone, nestled in the elegant 7th arrondissement of Paris, is a street rich with history, culture, and stories of notable residents. Running through one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Paris, this street has witnessed centuries of Parisian life and transformation.

historical origins

The street's unusual name "Babylone" dates back to the 17th century and refers not to the ancient Mesopotamian city, but rather to a bishop of Luxembourg named Jean de Babylone who owned land in this area. The name stuck, creating an exotic-sounding address in the heart of Paris.
Originally, this area was predominantly rural, sitting outside the city limits of medieval Paris. It was gradually developed in the 17th and 18th centuries as the city expanded, becoming part of the fashionable Left Bank.

Architectural Heritage

La Rue de Babylone features impressive architecture spanning several centuries. One of its most notable landmarks is the Bon Marché department store, which was founded in 1838 and partially fronts the street. This revolutionary retail concept, developed by Aristide Boucicaut, was one of the world's first modern department stores and transformed shopping in Paris.
The street is lined with elegant Haussmannian buildings from the 19th century, with their characteristic stone facades, wrought-iron balconies, and mansard roofs. These buildings reflect the grand urban renewal project of Baron Haussmann that reshaped much of Paris during the Second Empire.

famous residents

The street has been home to numerous notable residents over the centuries:
Yves Saint Laurent, the influential fashion designer, lived at 55 Rue de Babylone for many years. His apartment, decorated with priceless art and antiques, became almost as famous as its owner. After his death in 2008, many of the treasures from this residence were auctioned at Christie's in what became one of the most significant art sales of the modern era.

Catherine Deneuve, the iconic French actress, owned an apartment on this street that she purchased from Yves Saint Laurent.

Serge Gainsbourg, the provocative French singer and songwriter, frequented the area and was known to visit friends who lived on Rue de Babylone.

André Malraux, novelist, art theorist, and France's first Minister of Cultural Affairs under President Charles de Gaulle, resided nearby and was a familiar figure on the street.

Cultural Significance

La Rue de Babylone has appeared in numerous films, books, and songs, cementing its place in French popular culture. Perhaps most famously, it appeared in the 1967 film "Belle de Jour" directed by Luis Buñuel and starring Catherine Deneuve.

The street is also known for the beautiful Square Récamier, a small garden at the corner of Rue de Babylone and Rue Récamier, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city.

Modern Rue de Babylone

Today, La Rue de Babylone continues to be one of Paris's most prestigious addresses. The street maintains its elegant character while housing high-end boutiques, gourmet food shops, and exclusive restaurants.
The street is also home to the Ministry of Armed Forces, housed in a complex of buildings that includes the Hôtel de Brienne, adding a political dimension to this historically rich location.

Walking along Rue de Babylone today offers a glimpse into both Paris's storied past and its sophisticated present, making it an essential street to explore for those interested in the authentic character of the City of Light.