Quai de Gesvres

Quai de Gesvres is a riverfront street on the right bank of the Seine in Paris's 4th arrondissement, running through the Saint-Merri neighborhood. It offers direct access to the waterfront and connects to surrounding squares and historic districts.

The street was established in 1675 as a waterfront path built on a vaulted gallery that could flood during high water. This design allowed the Seine to maintain its natural flow while creating a passageway for pedestrians along the riverside.

The underground gallery, known as Canal des Cagnards, served as a meeting point for pedestrians during daytime and different activities at night.

The street is easily accessible from the Hôtel de Ville and Châtelet metro stations with connections to several lines. Visitors should note that waterfront access may vary depending on the season and water levels.

Remains of the original vaulted gallery were discovered beneath the current street during the construction of metro line 7 in the 1920s. These archaeological finds reveal how medieval infrastructure lies hidden under modern Paris structures.

Location: 4th arrondissement of Paris

Location: Quartier Saint-Merri

Inception: 1675

Length: 258 m

Width: 23.5 m

Part of: road network of Paris

Shares border with: place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville - Esplanade de la Libération, Place du Châtelet, quai de la Mégisserie, quai de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, rue Adolphe-Adam, rue de la Tacherie, rue Saint-Martin, pont au Change, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville

GPS coordinates: 48.85660,2.34910

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02