2.1.3. LORDS STEP OUT FROM THE SHADOWS

MENU: 2.1.3. Lords step out from the shadows 

ANTIQUARIANS ON THE ROUTE TO VERSAILLES  

Adapted from a Google map

Nobles settled in the west to reach the king more easily and their descendants live there still. That is the reason why the Faubourg Saint-Germain* is an antiquarians' haven where one can still encounter subtle grace that their families transmitted. 

*"Faubourg," literally "false burg" or suburb, and "Saint-Germain," the area beyond the rampart that we have just passed through.

 

Austerity that shunned parvenu ostentation hides the spirit of those times... 

Splendid knockers highlight closed portals: Henry James describes the society they protect (The American, 1877).

Except in antiquarians' displays.

Follow the river and the arrows.

Take quai Voltaire to pont du Carrousel.

In brief

• Push open this door to glimpse the nobles' world

• Farther on

• Plaques reveal this river bank's prestige

• More antiquarians

• Return to the river

*    *    *

Next,

Push open this door to glimpse their world