Couvent des Minimes, 17th century convent in Marais, Paris, France
The Couvent des Minimes features remnants of its original façade at 12 rue des Minimes, north of Place des Vosges in central Paris.
Founded in 1610, the Minims order purchased gardens from the former Hôtel des Tournelles to construct their religious establishment with support from Marie de Médicis.
The convent housed a substantial library of 26,000 volumes, making it a center for intellectual gatherings where Father Marin Mersenne hosted numerous scholars.
The convent buildings transformed into barracks in 1798 after the French Revolution, and the site now contains social housing developed in 2020.
Architect François Mansart designed an ambitious façade with twin bell towers and a dome, but financial limitations led to a simplified version completed by Pierre Thévenot.
Location: 3rd arrondissement of Paris
GPS coordinates: 48.85729,2.36591
Latest update: June 23, 2025 11:07
Equestrian statue of Louis XIII
190 m
Pavillon de la Reine
99 m
Square Louis-XIII
180 m
Hôtel d'Espinoy
100 m
Jardin Arnaud Beltrame
63 m
Hôtel de Vitry
144 m
Hôtel de Tresmes
137 m
Hôtel du Cardinal de Richelieu
120 m
Hôtel d'Angennes de Rambouillet
179 m
Hôtel de Bassompierre
109 m
Fontaine de Joyeuse
116 m
Fontaines de la place des Vosges
162 m
Hôtel Marchand
163 m
Bibliothèques des Amis de l'Instruction
151 m
Hôtel de l'Escalopier
102 m
Hôtel de Chabannes
172 m
Hôtel Laffemas
167 m
Hôtel de Montbrun
147 m
Hôtel de Vitry
19 m
50 rue de Turenne, Paris
148 m
Bust of Clotilde de Vaux
188 m
Hôtel de Flesselles
178 m
Fontaine Popincourt
187 m
Hôtel Delisle-Mansart
90 m
Hôtel de Gourgues
158 m
17 rue Saint-Gilles, Paris
102 m
50 rue des Tournelles - 37 boulevard Beaumarchais, Paris
165 m
École des Francs-Bourgeois
77 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes