Private shuttle transportation from Orly airport to rue Saint-Augustin in Paris

History and exploration of the rue Saint-Augustin in Paris

Rue Saint-Augustin, nestled in the eighth arrondissement of Paris, was known as rue Neuve-Saint Augustine in its early days. It serves as a connection point between the Avenue de l’Opera and Rue de Richelieu. This historic street was opened to the public in 1650, extending the street Gaillon. The major hotels that lined the street featured extensive gardens stretching all the way to the boulevard of the Italians.

To pave way for the street’s opening in 1726, several hotels were demolished, including Hotel de Gramont and the Hotel des Strikes. The latter was home to a family that had contributed significantly to the governance of Paris. Among other notable structures that were brought down were the Desmarets hotel and Hotel Lorges, erected by General Fremont. The Lorges hotel was later sold to Princess de Conti, the daughter of La Valliere.

Where the Lorges hotel once stood, the Michodière street was established. Also of historical interest is the Grand Hotel Richelieu or Dantin, constructed in 1707 at significant expense. It was built with funds provided by Lacour-Deschiens, and was purchased by the Duc d’Antin in 1713.

The Duc d’Antin was the son of Madame De Montespan. The residence came into the ownership of Richelieu in 1737, notorious for his depravity and favor from Louis XV. Richelieu funded various embellishments of the hotel with his ill-gotten wealth. He also commissioned the construction of a house at the corner of the Rue Louis-le-Grand, which still stands today. Richelieu passed away at the ripe age of 92 in 1788. The hotel Lorge was transformed into a site for public festivities and was sold during the revolution by the Executive. Its gardens were modified for the opening of the Hanover Street and Port Mahon. The original building was eventually destroyed in the nineteenth century to make way for the extension of rue d’Antin.