Historical postcard of Paris military prison and war council building on Rue du Cherche-Midi from early 20th century

Cherche Midi Prison

Cherche-Midi Prison Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide – Paris

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction to Cherche-Midi Prison and Its Historical Significance

Situated in the heart of Paris’s 6th arrondissement, the Cherche-Midi Prison is a vital landmark in the story of France’s military justice, political struggles, and resistance. Built between 1847 and 1851, its architecture was inspired by the Auburn system from New York, emphasizing solitary confinement and strict discipline. For almost a century, it served as a detention center for military offenders, political prisoners, and members of the French Resistance (dbpedia.org; Tablet Magazine).

The prison played a significant role during pivotal moments in French history, including the Franco-Prussian War, both World Wars, and especially during the German occupation of Paris in World War II, when it became a site of internment for resistance fighters and political detainees (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com; frankfallaarchive.org). The Dreyfus Affair—one of the most controversial episodes in French legal and political history—is intimately tied to Cherche-Midi, further cementing its symbolic weight (Tablet Magazine).

Though the prison was demolished in the 1960s, its legacy endures through memorials such as the relocated prison gates at the Esplanade du Souvenir in Créteil, and the Maison des Sciences de l’Homme, which now stands on the original site. Today, visitors can explore the surroundings, participate in guided walks, or visit the memorial, all offering profound insights into this chapter of French heritage (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com; leftinparis.org).

Historical drawing Ave Maria by Léon Leymonnerye, Paris convent community scene in 1846

Detail of the transom above the portal of the military prison Cherche Midi in Paris photographed by Eugène Atget

Portrait of Commandant Forzinetti in uniform

Lithograph portraying Colonel Picquart in prison cell with allegorical figures of Truth and Justice

Lieutenant Colonel Picquart in his cell at Cherche-Midi prison, caricature by Orens

Vintage drawing of Rue du Cherche-Midi with pedestrians, a cart, and a market stand near the Prison du Cherche-Midi corner Boulevard Raspail in Paris, August 1909

Historical prison building on Rue du Cherche-Midi in Paris, France, 1925

Historic image of the Prison du Cherche-Midi on Rue du Cherche-Midi in Paris, France from September 1925

Historic view of Prison du Cherche-Midi in Paris from 1932

Exterior view of Prison du Cherche-Midi in Paris, France, early 20th century

Prison du Cherche Midi exterior view with historic architecture

Caricature depicting officers detained in Cherche-Midi prison related to the Affair of the Cards

Black and white photograph of the Prison militaire du Cherche Midi at 37 rue du Cherche-Midi in the 6th arrondissement of Paris

Old postcard of Prison du Cherche-Midi in Paris from 1910

Caricature of Georges Picquart getting a beard trim from German military attaché Schwartzkoppen in Cherche-Midi prison

French Red Cross label from 1941 for civilian prisoner book parcels during WWII

Origins and Construction
Dual Military Justice Institutions
Prison Regime and Population
Historical Roles and Major Events
Notable Prisoners and Incidents
Architectural and Penal Significance
Visiting Cherche-Midi Prison Today
Historical Importance and Symbolism
Transformation, Demolition, and Memorialization
Cultural Resonance and Public Memory
Educational and Research Significance
Urban Landscape and Heritage Preservation
Location, Access, and Travel Tips
Nearby Points of Interest
Visitor Experience and Recommendations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations
References and Further Reading

Origins and Construction

Cherche-Midi Prison was constructed on the site of a former convent in Paris’s 6th arrondissement, opening in 1851. Its design followed the Auburn system, with 200 solitary cells arranged to enforce isolation and discipline (dbpedia.org). The prison was intended to serve as a modern military correctional facility, replacing outdated institutions and reflecting contemporary penal theories.

Dual Military Justice Institutions

For over half a century, two distinct military justice institutions operated on Rue du Cherche-Midi: at No. 37 was the military justice house within the Hôtel des Conseils de guerre, and at No. 38, the main Cherche-Midi Prison. This proximity highlighted the area’s central role in the administration of military justice in Paris (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com).

Prison Regime and Population

Cherche-Midi’s population primarily comprised military personnel convicted by tribunals, including soldiers guilty of insubordination, draft dodging, and desertion, as well as some political prisoners. The regime was characterized by strict silence during the day and solitary confinement at night, designed to enforce discipline and suppress dissent (dbpedia.org).

Historical Roles and Major Events

Franco-Prussian War and Paris Commune

Cherche-Midi played a critical role in detaining military and political prisoners in the aftermath of the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune.

World War I

Throughout World War I, it continued as a detention center for military offenders and objectors of conscience.

World War II and German Occupation

The prison’s most infamous period came during World War II, when it was commandeered by German occupation authorities and operated as a site for imprisoning French resistance members, political prisoners, and hostages. Many detainees were executed at Mont-Valérien (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com).

Liberation and Closure

After Paris’s liberation in 1944, Cherche-Midi was briefly used for German prisoners of war and collaborators before being closed in 1947 (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com).

Notable Prisoners and Incidents

François de La Rocque: Imprisoned during the German occupation, he wrote the “Psaume du soldat prisonnier” in his cell (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com).
Jean-Bernard Moreau: Conscientious objector whose imprisonment in 1949 drew international attention.
Marie-Antoinette Duboisdendien-Noël: Among the many prisoners evacuated during World War II (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com).
Captain Alfred Dreyfus: Held here before his infamous trial, linking the prison to the Dreyfus Affair (Tablet Magazine).

Architectural and Penal Significance

Cherche-Midi was a model of 19th-century penal reform, with its Auburn-inspired design focusing on solitary confinement and silence. Its central Paris location underscored its importance in France’s military and judicial systems.

Visiting Cherche-Midi Prison Today

Location and Access

Address: 38 Rue du Cherche-Midi, 75006 Paris, France
Nearest Metro: Rennes (Line 12), Saint-Placide (Line 4)
Bus: Lines 39, 70, 83, 95

The prison no longer exists; the Maison des Sciences de l’Homme now stands on the site. While there is no museum or permanent exhibition, the area is easily accessible for a self-guided historical walk (leftinparis.org; frankfallaarchive.org).

Memorial in Créteil

Address: Esplanade du Souvenir, Créteil (Val-de-Marne)
Getting There: Metro Line 8 to Créteil-Préfecture, then short walk
Hours: Open-air, accessible 24/7, free admission

The Créteil memorial features the original oak prison doors and commemorates prisoners, especially Resistance members (prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com).

Historical Importance and Symbolism

Cherche-Midi is a profound symbol of France’s justice system, military discipline, and the dangers of unchecked authority. Its connections to the Dreyfus Affair and World War II resistance highlight the ongoing relevance of its lessons (Tablet Magazine).

Transformation, Demolition, and Memorialization

The original prison was closed in 1961 and demolished in 1966. The Maison des Sciences de l’Homme was built on the site, while the prison’s gates were moved to Créteil for memorialization (Nautes de Paris). Annual ceremonies at the Créteil memorial continue to honor the memory of those who suffered there.

Cultural Resonance and Public Memory

Cherche-Midi’s story is kept alive through commemorations, public ceremonies, and works of art such as Tim’s statue “Hommage au Capitaine Dreyfus.” The site remains a focal point for reflection on injustice and remembrance.

Educational and Research Significance

The Maison des Sciences de l’Homme fosters research into French justice, memory, and history. Archives and annual ceremonies ensure that the lessons of Cherche-Midi are preserved for future generations (Nautes de Paris).

Urban Landscape and Heritage Preservation

While urban development has transformed the area, preserved elements and memorials maintain Cherche-Midi’s visibility in the city’s historical landscape (Nautes de Paris).

Location, Access, and Travel Tips

Original site: 38 Rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris 6th arrondissement
Créteil memorial: Esplanade du Souvenir, accessible via Metro Line 8
Accessibility: Both the site and memorial are wheelchair accessible; no facilities on-site
Best time to visit: Any time; annual ceremony at Créteil held first Sunday of October
Safety: Both locations are in safe neighborhoods; follow standard precautions

Nearby Points of Interest

Jardin du Luxembourg: A short walk from the original site
Montparnasse: Historic cafés and literary history
Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Iconic district with legendary cafés and art galleries
Musée Zadkine: Sculpture museum nearby (Musée Zadkine)
Montparnasse Cemetery: Resting place of notable figures (Montparnasse Cemetery)

Visitor Experience and Recommendations

Self-guided walks: Explore Rue du Cherche-Midi and imagine the historical events that unfolded there
Combine with nearby sites: Enhance your visit with stops at the Jardin du Luxembourg or Musée de la Libération de Paris (Musée de la Libération)
Annual ceremonies: Attend the October commemoration in Créteil for a meaningful experience

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the original Cherche-Midi Prison building?
A: No, the prison was demolished in the 1960s. The site is now occupied by modern buildings, but you can view the location and visit the memorial in Créteil.

Q: Do I need tickets to visit the site or memorial?
A: No tickets are required. Both are open to the public and free to access.

Q: Is the memorial accessible to those with disabilities?
A: Yes, both the former site and the Créteil memorial are wheelchair accessible.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Some guided historical walks of the Left Bank or WWII Paris may mention the site. Check with local tour operators.

Q: What is the best way to learn more about the prison’s history?
A: Research in advance using resources such as Frank Falla Archive or prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com.

Responsible Tourism

Commemorate respectfully: The site and memorial honor the memory of victims and resistance members.
Support remembrance efforts: Consider supporting local historical initiatives or attending annual ceremonies.

Summary Table: Key Practical Tips

Aspect	Details
Location	38 rue du Cherche-Midi, 6th arrondissement, Paris
Memorial	Esplanade du Souvenir, Créteil (Val-de-Marne)
Access	Metro: Rennes/Saint-Placide (site); Créteil-Préfecture (memorial)
Facilities	None on-site; plan for restrooms and refreshments nearby
Language	French (bring translation tools if needed)
Best Time to Visit	Any time; annual ceremony first Sunday of October at Créteil memorial
Accessibility	Both sites are accessible for visitors with limited mobility
Safety	Standard urban precautions; area is generally safe
Research Resources	Frank Falla Archive, prisons-cherche-midi-mauzac.com

Conclusion and Visitor Recommendations

Cherche-Midi Prison stands as a powerful reminder of France’s turbulent journey through military discipline, political repression, and the struggle for justice. Although the original building no longer exists, its legacy is preserved through memorials, commemorative ceremonies, and ongoing research. A visit to the site or the Créteil memorial offers not just a step into the past but an opportunity to reflect on the enduring themes of justice and resistance.