[An illustration of a ship, symbolizing the symbol of Paris]

Histoire de Paris

Chapelle Saint-Éloi des Orfèvres
A proximité du pouvoir royal, le quartier situé entre le Châtelet et l’église Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois a longtemps été le domaine des métaux précieux. Jusqu’en 1774, les monnaies du roi étaient frappées dans la rue de la Monnaie. Quant à la rue des Orfèvres, elle était réservée aux échoppes de cette profession, un des six premiers corps marchands de Paris. Recélant des trésors, elle était fermée tous les soirs à ses deux extrémités par des portes, ce qui lui valut aussi le nom de rue des Deux-Portes.

[Illustration of the of the Chapel]

La riche confrérie des orfèvres fit reconstruire sa chapelle entre 1551 et 1566 par Philibert de l’Orme. Germain Pilon exécuta les sculptures de ce chef-d’œeuvre de la Renaissance détruit à la fin du XVIlle siècle.

One of the series of signs describing historical places in Paris. The signs were placed starting in 1992 and are also called sucettes Starck (Starck’s Lollipops) after Philippe Starck who designed them.

The sign describes the chapel dedicated to Saint Eligius - the patron saint of goldsmiths and metal workers. The chapel, also known as the "Chapel of the Goldsmiths", was originally built in 1551. It was destroyed, but parts of it have been preserved to this day (further down the street).

The place where the sign is located was photographed on the same day Click for a larger image

The illustration in the center of the sign is shown here enlarged (the chapel as it looked at the time) Click for a larger image

Translation of the text on the sign:

[An illustration of a ship, symbolizing the symbol of Paris]

History of Paris

Chapelle Saint-Éloi des Orfèvres
Close to royal power, the district located between the Châtelet and the Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois church has long been the domain of precious metals. Until 1774, the king’s coins were minted in the rue de la Monnaie. As for Rue des Orfèvres, it was reserved for stalls of this profession, one of the first six merchants in Paris. Concealing treasures, it was closed every evening at both ends by doors, which also earned it the name Rue des Deux-Portes.

[Illustration of the of the Chapel]

The rich brotherhood of goldsmiths had its chapel rebuilt between 1551 and 1566 by Philibert de l’Orme. Germain Pilon executed the sculptures of this Renaissance masterpiece destroyed at the end of the 18th century.