Private car driver from the site of the former Prison de l’Abbaye to Paris airports

History and visit area of the former Prison de l’Abbaye in Paris

The Abbaye Prison, once located at 168 Boulevard Saint-Germain, was built in 1635 on the former moat of the powerful Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. This religious institution exercised wide-ranging judicial authority over the Bourg Saint-Germain and parts of Paris, owning its own court, guards, and prison. Architecturally, the prison was a solid square structure with three floors and turreted corners.

Following the abolition of private jurisdictions by Louis XIV in 1694, the prison became a military detention center. During the Revolution, it gained infamy as the site of the September Massacres of 1792. In a climate of panic over the Prussian invasion and revolutionary rhetoric from Marat and Hébert, mobs stormed the prison. Between September 2 and 6, approximately 1,200 to 1,400 prisoners were executed, including 13 refractory priests and Swiss Guards captured after the storming of the Tuileries on August 10.

The massacres at the Abbaye marked the first large-scale bloodshed of the French Revolution. They occurred as public fear mounted, especially following the Brunswick Manifesto, which threatened to destroy Paris. At the Buci intersection, a crowd attacked a cart carrying prisoners to the Abbaye, killing them and then storming the prison. This initiated a broader wave of executions across Parisian prisons, reminiscent of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre during the Wars of Religion.

The violence was tolerated, if not encouraged, by revolutionary leaders. Justice Minister Danton did not intervene, and the Paris Commune allowed the killings to proceed. Marat used the chaos to target political opponents like Girondin leaders Roland and Brissot. The unchecked violence led revolutionaries to justify creating a centralized and systematic form of terror. The Convention was suspended, and a revolutionary government—known as the Committee of Public Safety—was formed, led by figures like Robespierre, Danton, and Desmoulins.

This period, known as the Reign of Terror (1793–1794), saw the rise of the Revolutionary Tribunal and widespread executions by guillotine. The Abbaye became a political prison, housing prominent Girondins such as Madame Roland, Charlotte Corday (Marat’s assassin), and Brissot. The prison was ultimately demolished in 1857 during the construction of Boulevard Saint-Germain, possibly to erase the memory of its bloodstained legacy.

Discover the surroundings of Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris

Boulevard Saint-Germain is one of the most iconic and intellectually vibrant avenues in Paris, located on the Left Bank. Lined with elegant Haussmannian buildings, historic cafés, and lively bookshops, it offers a true Parisian experience. A stroll along the boulevard leads you past the famous Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, both legendary meeting places for intellectuals and artists like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.

Just a short walk away is the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris, with Romanesque architecture and a rich medieval history. Nearby, you’ll also find the Musée Delacroix, dedicated to the works of the Romantic painter, tucked away in a charming square. The area is also home to the quaint Passage Dauphine and Rue de Buci, brimming with art galleries, wine bars, and artisanal boutiques.

For travelers seeking both convenience and comfort, consider booking a private shuttle car service to explore this vibrant district or transfer to and from the airport without hassle. Boulevard Saint-Germain is not only a cultural corridor but also a perfect base for discovering the historic heart of Paris. Its seamless connection to major landmarks makes it an essential stop on any Paris itinerary.

Transportation service to Boulevard Saint-Germain in Paris

Saint-Germain-des-Prés is around 39 km from Orly Airport, 39 km from Charles de Gaulle Airport, and 94 km from Beauvais Airport. While taxis and public transport are options, travelers often face issues like high fares, stairs, transfers, or crowded trains. After a long flight, navigating these can be exhausting, especially with luggage.

To avoid these stressors, many opt for CDG airport hotel transfer services or Orly hotel shuttle booking which offer direct, pre-booked travel with assistance for luggage. This personalized approach is both cost-effective and comfortable.

For visitors heading to central areas like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, these private driver services in Paris are ideal, providing a smooth start to your Parisian stay.