General Information

Boulevard des Capucines was named after a convent of Capuchine nuns, whose garden had been located on the south of the boulevard before the French Revolution. The street’s former name, Rue Basse-du-Rempart (which means ‘bottom-of-the-wall Street’), hints that it adjoined the city wall. When the wall was destroyed, the widened street became a boulevard.

History: Highlights

In the 19th century, the street hosted the seat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. On February 23, 1848, the army blocked the boulevard to protect the Prime Minister François Guizot. Protesters tried to break in and soldiers killed a number of them. People took up arms and the revolution began. The reign of Louis-Philippe ended the next day.