Quai de Béthune

Quai de Béthune is a riverside street along the Seine on Île Saint-Louis, stretching several hundred meters with a narrow width of about 8 meters (25 feet). The street is lined with grand buildings from the 17th century that define the island's character.

The riverside street was developed in the early 17th century and was originally named Quai du Dauphin. It was later renamed to honor Maximilien de Béthune, an influential French minister of that era.

The street defines the character of Île Saint-Louis through its grand 17th-century mansions that still shape the island's appearance. Visitors can observe elegant facades that reflect how wealthy Parisians chose to live along this riverside.

The street is easily accessible on foot and connects Pont de la Tournelle with Boulevard Henri-IV. Sully-Morland metro station is nearby and offers convenient public transport connections.

Several private gardens of the mansions face directly onto the Seine, creating small green spaces between the historic facades. These hidden gardens are rarely visible to passersby but contribute to the quiet character of the street.

Location: 4th arrondissement of Paris

Location: Quartier Notre-Dame

Inception: 1614

Length: 365 m

Width: 7.8 m

Part of: road network of Paris

Shares border with: boulevard Henri-IV, quai d'Orléans, rue de Bretonvilliers, rue des Deux-Ponts, rue Poulletier, Pont de la Tournelle

GPS coordinates: 48.85062,2.35746

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:04