Shuttle service from Cour du Commerce Saint-André to Paris airports

History and Visit of the Cour du Commerce Saint-André in Paris

Located between 59, rue Saint-André-des-Arts and 21, rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie as well as 130, boulevard Saint-Germain, the Cour du Commerce Saint-André crosses the Monnaies district in the 6th arrondissement of Paris. This public passage, 120 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, was created in 1776. Originally named cour de commerce, it adopted its current name on March 16, 1877. It is accessible through three entrances located on rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie, rue Saint-André des Arts, and boulevard Saint-Germain.

Built on the site of former moats bordering the walls erected by Philippe Auguste between 1190 and 1220, this courtyard has been the scene of numerous historical events. It witnessed the conception of the guillotine by the carpenter Schmidt in his workshop at number 9 and the printing of Marat’s newspaper L’Ami du Peuple at number 8. Georges Jacques Danton, a lawyer and prominent political figure of the French Revolution, resided in this courtyard from 1789. A statue in his honor is located at Place de l’Odéon, marking the historical importance of this site.

Once built on former jeu de paume courts, the courtyard was intended to connect rue de l’Ancienne-Comédie to rue Saint-André des Arts. It developed into a vibrant commercial space from the 18th century, retaining traces of medieval times like the tower located at number 4. In 1987, several elements of the courtyard, including roofs, facades, glassworks, and its three entrances, were listed as historical monuments.

Today, the Cour du Commerce Saint-André remains a captivating vestige of medieval and revolutionary Paris, served by the Odéon metro station and RATP bus lines 63, 86, and 87, inviting exploration of its rich past and many historical shops.

Historical Treasures of the Cour du Commerce Saint-André in Paris

The Cour du Commerce Saint-André stands out for the remnants of buildings erected during the reign of Philippe Auguste. This emblematic site is dotted with charming establishments rich in history, maintaining its commercial and gastronomic appeal through the centuries. Among its jewels, it houses the oldest café in Paris, Le Procope, founded in 1684 by the Italian Francesco Procopio Dei Coltelli. This historic café was a meeting point for illustrious figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, or Diderot. Other renowned establishments, such as the Relais Odéon brewery and the 1900 bistro, also enrich the culinary offerings of this courtyard.

The main entrance of the Cour du Commerce Saint-André, located on Boulevard Saint-Germain, is marked by an arch adorned with refined sculptures. At the top of this arch, the inscription “Cour du Commerce Saint-André” proudly stands. On either side of the arch, statues serving as columns add to the elegance of the passage, which also leads to the Cour de Rohan, extending the exploration of this historic district of Paris.

Transfer to the Cour du Commerce Saint-André in Paris

When departing from Paris airports towards the Cour du Commerce Saint-André, it’s useful to know that Orly Airport is at a distance of 18.2 km. The Cour du Commerce Saint-André is 31.4 km away from Charles de Gaulle Airport and 88.8 km from Beauvais Airport. Travelers have various options for reaching this iconic site, offering a blend of historic charm and contemporary Parisian life. Whether arriving from Orly, Charles de Gaulle, or Beauvais, visitors can choose from a range of transportation methods, including private car transfers, which offer a seamless and comfortable journey into the heart of Paris. These transfers can be especially appealing for those looking to dive directly into the city’s rich cultural tapestry, starting with the Cour du Commerce Saint-André, without the hassle of navigating public transportation after a long flight. This courtyard, a hidden gem in the bustling metropolis, offers a unique glimpse into Paris’s past, from its medieval origins to its role in the intellectual and political movements that have shaped modern France.