I am again on my beloved Versailles ; wonderful to walk its architecturally and historical stunning streets. Versailles is the capital of the Yvelines dept 78 of the Île de France region, and in my belle France. I again found me older pictures in my cd rom vault that should be in my blog, This is for the antique lover and dwell into the magical world of my Versailles, do the walking and see the best of the City, Let me tell you more on the quartier des Antiquaires of Versailles !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I.
It is composed of the Village of Antiquaries , 50 antique dealers welcome you. Whether you are a lover of beautiful objects, jewelry or silverware, old or art deco furniture, old, modern or contemporary paintings; or collector of weapons, old books, engravings, earthenware and porcelain, old toys or archaeological vestiges; Or simply occasional hunter, you will find here what to satisfy your curiosity and respond to your most reasonable desires to the wildest …
The bailliage or bailiwick is a superb 18C building built in 1724 , first court and first prison in Versailles now houses antiques and galleries which present furniture, modern paintings and art objects in a charming setting. Let yourself be drawn to the village, former outbuildings of the Picardy Hotel where the small houses arranged in horse stables around the well welcome walkers. A picturesque staircase will guide you to other exhibitors and allow you if you wish to join the rue de la Pourvoierie, and the Notre Dame market. The bailiffs mansion orHôtel du bailliagethat housed during the monarchy the local tribunal courthouse ; today the nice courtyard of the neighborhood of antiquaries at 1 cité des Trois-Passages ; rue Ducis ; and rue de la Pourvoierie, The classic and balanced architecture of the 18C hotel, built to be both a court and prison in the city until the end of the 19C.
The passage de la Geôle is established in the old promenade of prison of the jail prison. Samson, who executed Louis XVI, held the office of executioner there until 1788. The Passage de la Geôle is a pedestrian only passage of the rue des deux portes leading to the Place du Notre Dame and to the rue Carnot, itself next to the avenue de Saint-Cloud , and a bit further the Place d’Armes, in front of the central façade of the Palace/Museum of Versailles. My favorite spot here. Created in 1724, it housed the courthouse and, in the basement, the prison, hence the name of the Passage de la Geôle that runs alongside it. Famous prisoners spent time in this prison, such as Robert François Damien, the regicide who attempted to assassinate King Louis XV on January 5, 1757. The famous Madame Du Barry a former favorite of Louis XV, also spent time there during the French revolution. Also, witnessed the massacres of 70 prisoners, including the Duke of Brissac, on September 9 and 10, 1792. The premises remained a prison until 1844, when they were sold and converted into housing and storage. The first market, created in 1978, was such a success that the surrounding premises were annexed as a shop. In 1988, the antique dealers’ quarter was extended to the courtyard of the Geôle, where the prisoners were taken out and which became the antique dealers’ passage. Today, there are 50 shops and 40 antique dealers in this quarter of the Geôle. The Passage de la Geôle, it connects with Rue Baillet-Reviron and a network of courtyards and alleys lined with antique shops. Today, jewelry, ceramics, elegant furniture, contemporary art and window displays are admired by all passers-by. Alleys, courtyards and passages: the area simply invites you to stroll.
The Carré des Antiquaires was originally the stables of the bailiwick, transformed into discounts during the 19C to shelter wines and alcohols intended for the Notre-Dame market, hence the name given Cour de l’Etape aux Vins or from the courtyard to wines. Today transformed into antique dealer or artisan workshops, they reveal the richness of creation and the art of living for past centuries.
The official Antiquaires of Versailles on the passage de la Geôle : https://www.antiques-versailles.com/le-quartier/le-passage/
The Versailles tourist office on the quartier des antiquaires : https://www.versailles-tourisme.com/quartier-des-antiquaires.html
The Versailles tourist office on the pedestrian passages : https://www.versailles-tourisme.com/les-passages-pietonniers.html
There you go folks,, another wonderful spot in my beloved Versailles, a lot more than a Palace/museum I said. Anywhere is glorious , a masterpiece of architecture and history of my belle France, great fun indeed and very educational. Again, hope you enjoy this post on the quartier des Antiquaires of Versailles !!! as I.
And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!
Paris1972-Versailles2003 