Cour des Fermes

The Cour des Fermes is a historic passage in Paris's Quartier des Halles, in the 1st arrondissement. It runs east to west and forms an ensemble of buildings grouped around a central courtyard. A passageway connects the Rue du Louvre with the Rue du Bouloi. The name goes back to the Hôtel des Fermes, which from 1756 was the seat of the Ferme générale, the organization responsible for tax collection under the Ancien Régime.

The history of the site dates back to the 16th century, when the house of Jean de la Ferrières stood here. The place became famous through the death of Joan of Navarre in 1572, just days before the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre. Over time the property changed hands several times and went by names such as the Hôtel de Condé and the Hôtel de Montpensier. After the Ferme générale was abolished in the 18th century, the complex housed a variety of institutions, including publishers, a print shop, and even a theater. Later the grounds also served as the site of a secondary school.

Today the passage invites you to stroll through history. At the center of the courtyard stands a fountain that underscores the historic atmosphere. The architecture reflects the many phases of use, from aristocratic residences to municipal institutions. As part of Paris's lively city center, the Cour des Fermes offers a glimpse into the neighborhood's varied past, away from the main tourist streets yet still centrally located.