Quai de Gesvres, Riverfront street in 4th arrondissement, France
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.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
