Îlot de la Reine Blanche, Medieval city block in 13th arrondissement, France
Îlot de la Reine Blanche is a triangular block bounded by Gobelins, Berbier-du-Mets, and Gustave-Geffroy streets, containing structures that span from the 15th to 17th centuries. The buildings reflect different construction phases layered together over time.
A queen commissioned a manor house in 1290 along the Bièvre River for her daughter, establishing the origin of this site's name. In the 16th century, the Gobelin family built a renowned cloth dyeing operation here that eventually shaped the area's character.
The location carries memories of royal residence before becoming a hub for cloth production and artisanal work. The strong connection to the Gobelin family has shaped how locals understand this neighborhood's identity.
The site sits within a residential area and is easily reached from Les Gobelins metro station. Organized tours operate mainly during summer months, so it is worth checking availability before planning a visit.
The buildings hide vaulted cellars beneath them that reveal construction techniques from different eras layered one atop another. These underground spaces often go unnoticed by casual visitors walking through the streets.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
