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Société Historique et Littéraire Polonaise
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Cross the Pont St-Louis and turn right onto the Quai d’Orléans. The Société Historique et Littéraire Polonaise will be at No. 6. The romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz, who, like Chopin, lived in Paris in the 19th century, was a major figure in his native country’s cultural and political life, and it is this that forms the focal point for the charming museum. Founded in 1903 by the poet’s son, part of the famous Polish library moved from here to No. 74 rue Lauriston. The archives remain and form the finest collection of paintings, books, maps and emigration information about Poland outside of that country. The archive also contains some Frédéric Chopin memorabilia, including his somewhat macabre death mask.
Société Historique et Littéraire Polonaise
Opening times: 2.15–5.15pm Thur, 9am–noon Sat
Tel: 01. 55 42 83 83
St-Louis-en-l’Ile
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Turn left onto rue des Deux Ponts and then right onto rue St-Louis-en-l’Ile and the church of St-Louis-en-l’Ile will be on your right at No. 19 bis. The construction of this church began in 1664 and ended in 1675, but it was only consecrated in 1726. The iron clock at the entrance was installed in1741. Built to plans from the royal architect Louis Le Vau, who happened to live on the island, it replaces an earlier church dating from 1622. Its Baroque interior is richly decorated and has plenty of gilding and marble. There is also a statue of St Louis holding a crusader’s sword. A 1926 plaque in the church’s north aisle bears an inscription of gratitude from the citizens of St Louis, Missouri, which takes its name from the saintly French king. The church’s most noticeable feature is its pierced iron spire, a remarkable architectural flourish that looks centuries ahead of its time.
St-Louis-en-l’Ile
Opening times: 9am–noon, 3pm–7pm Tue–Sat, 9am–6.30pm Sun
Closed public hols
Tel: 01. 46 34 11 60
Did You Know?
St-Louis-en-l’Ile is twinned with Carthage Cathedral in Tunisia, where St Louis is buried.
Hôtel de Lauzun
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Continue along rue St-Louis-en-l’Ile and then turn left onto rue Poulletier and take a right onto Quai d’Anjou. The Hôtel de Lauzun will be at No. 17. Built by Louis Le Vau in the mid-1650s, this is one of the few hôtels particuliers, or
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