Prison Juliette-Dodu, Historical prison in Saint-Denis, France.
Prison Juliette-Dodu is a former correctional facility in central Saint-Denis that occupied a rectangular plot of land. The site contains remains of walls and structures from different periods of its long operational history.
The facility began in 1718 as a detention block within the Governor's Palace and was transformed into a dedicated prison in 1771. It remained in operation until 2008, when inmates were transferred to a new penitentiary.
The site is named after a French Resistance fighter from World War II, reflecting its deeper historical significance. Walking through reveals traces of how confinement shaped the space and the people held within its walls over generations.
The location is no longer active and has not been fully opened to the public since its closure. Visitors should check in advance whether guided tours or special visiting programs are available.
Archaeological excavations revealed four ancient walls made from volcanic stone, with one structure absent from existing maps. This unidentified construction raises questions about the original layout and how the grounds were actually used.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.