II.3.3. RUE SAINT-DENIS: THE ROYAL ROUTE

FOLLOWING RUE SAINT-DENIS RECALLS ITS IMMENSE  IMPORTANCE UNDER THE KINGS AND SHOWS THE LASTING EFFECTS OF MEDIEVAL SITES AND RAMPARTS  

Relics make a church on a trade route the kings' mausoleum:  

(Relics 3rd century, mausoleum 7th century) 

                       Plan of Paris, toward 1640, zoom

    Adapted from a Google map

In brief

• Medieval spirits linger

• The street that asserted royal power

• Voids replace rebel localities

• A hinterland for nuns, criminals and nobles

• An arc of triumph hovers over the route

• Echoes beyond the horizon

• Immigrants energize tradition

*    *    *

Next,

II.3.3.1.,

Medieval spirits linger