Entrance of Hospice de la Charité at 47 rue Jacob with perspective view through courtyards, 6th arrondissement Paris, 1917 black and white photograph

Hôpital De La Charité

Hôpital de la Charité Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

The Hôpital de la Charité in Paris is a cornerstone of the city’s medical heritage, renowned for its role in the evolution of healthcare, medical education, and social welfare from the 17th century onward. Established in 1601 at the behest of Queen Marie de’ Medici and managed by the Brothers of Charity, it was among Paris’s first hospitals dedicated to offering free medical care to the poor—a radical mission that set the standard for public health in France. Though the original buildings were demolished in 1935, the hospital’s legacy survives through its neoclassical chapel, commemorative plaques, and the modern Faculté de Médecine Paris-Descartes. Today, visitors can explore this rich history via museums, walking tours, and heritage events, making it a must-see for those interested in medical history or Parisian culture. For up-to-date visitor information, consult official resources like the Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine and Paris Walking Tours.

Image depicting rescue of patients from La Charité hospital during 1910 flood

Historical drawing of a hospital infirmary with doctors and patients

Historical illustration of the infirmary at the Hospital of Charity by Abraham Bosse circa 1639

Historical photo of the arcades of La Charité hospital in 1904

Historic pencil drawing of the Charité hospital dependencies in Paris, created in 1877 by Léon Leymonnerye

Pencil drawing of Charité hospital portal in Paris from 1860 by Léon Leymonnerye

Pencil drawing of Porte de la Charité in Paris by Léon Leymonnerye, 1860

Charité hospital dependencies revealed by demolition of old houses on Rue des Sai, Paris, 1864 pencil drawing by Léon Leymonnerye

Detailed pencil drawing of the Charité dependencies in Paris depicting architectural views after the demolition of a large house at the corner of the streets, created by Léon Leymonnerye in 1873

Interior view of the Charité hospital in Paris after demolition of old buildings along Rue des Saints-Pères, 1864 drawing

Interior view of La Charité hospital in Paris after the demolition of old buildings along Rue des Saints-Pères, pencil and watercolor drawing by Léon Leymonnerye, 1864

Historical map detail showing location of Saint-Germain Cemetery in Paris, 1657

Historic map showing the location of Cimetiere Saint-Germain in 1676

Historical map showing the location of Saint-Germain Cemetery in 1676

Historical map detail showing Rue Taranne in Paris from Boisseau's 1648 plan

Map detail showing rue Taranne on the 1676 Plan of Paris by Bullet and Blondel

Main courtyard of the Charity Hospital painted by Herminie Waternau in 1904

Historical photograph of Hôpital de la Charité medical interns and staff from 1914-1919

Historical photograph of Hôpital de la Charité in 1904 showing the hospital building and surroundings

Photograph of Hôpital de la Charité, former Académie de Médecine, now Église Saint-Vladimir, located at 49 rue des Saints-Pères, Paris 6th arrondissement

Black and white photograph of Hôpital de la Charité, 49 rue des Saints-Pères, former Académie de Médecine, now Église Saint-Vladimir, Paris 6th arrondissement

Pen drawing of Chapelle de l'hôpital de la Charité in old Paris by Henri Chapelle

Paris Hôpital de la Charité and rue de l'Université street view

Hospital map of Paris in 1820 showing locations and illustrations of major hospitals and hospices such as Hospice de la Salpêtrière, Hôtel Dieu, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Hôpital Beaujon, and Hôpital Cochin

Black and white photograph of Porte de l'hôpital de la Charité in Paris by Eugène Atget

Old guard room of interns at the Charité Hospital in Paris

Historic print of Cour de l'Hôpital de la Charité in Paris from 18th century

Aquatint print of the Cour de l'Hôpital de la Charité in Paris, depicting historic architecture, created by Jean-François Janinet and Jean-Nicolas-Louis Durand in the late 18th century

Origins and Foundation
Architectural Development and Expansion
Role in Medical Advancements and the Enlightenment
The French Revolution and Social Change
19th-Century Innovations
Demolition and Legacy
Visitor Information
What Remains: The Chapel and Plaques
Notable Figures
Timeline of Key Events
FAQs
Plan Your Visit
References

Origins and Foundation

Founded in 1601 by the Brothers of Charity, the Hôpital de la Charité was situated on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondissement. The Brothers, invited from Spain by Marie de’ Medici, established the hospital to address the dire need for organized medical care for Paris’s most vulnerable. Their mission was revolutionary: to provide free care to the indigent, operating under strict codes of humility and service, and relying on donations and royal patronage. The hospital quickly gained a reputation for compassionate care and innovative approaches.

Architectural Development and Expansion

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the hospital expanded to include multiple wards, a chapel (completed in 1621), and gardens. The architecture reflected practical considerations—long, ventilated wards helped limit the spread of disease. The chapel became a spiritual and social hub for the hospital community.

Role in Medical Advancements and the Enlightenment

During the Enlightenment, Hôpital de la Charité became a center for medical innovation and education. Under leaders like Jean-Nicolas Corvisart, who later became Napoleon’s physician, the hospital pioneered clinical teaching, emphasizing bedside observation and hands-on experience (Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine). René Laennec, inventor of the stethoscope, was among those who advanced diagnostic techniques here, making the hospital a model for modern clinical practice.

The Revolution led to the secularization of hospitals and the transfer of administration to the state, but Hôpital de la Charité continued its mission of care and education. Its egalitarian approach reflected the revolutionary ideals of equality and fraternity.

19th-Century Innovations

In the 19th century, the Charité was at the forefront of public health campaigns against epidemics like cholera and tuberculosis. Affiliation with the University of Paris solidified its status as a teaching hospital, and figures like Pierre Charles Alexandre Louis advanced the use of statistical methods in medicine (Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris).

Demolition and Legacy

By the early 20th century, medical advances and urban development rendered the hospital’s facilities obsolete. In 1935, the original buildings were demolished to accommodate the expanding medical faculty. However, the surviving chapel and commemorative markers continue to honor its legacy. The site is now home to academic institutions that carry forward the tradition of medical research and education.

Visitor Information

Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine

Location: Near the former hospital site.
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Tickets: Approx. €7 for adults (discounts for students/seniors).
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible.
More info: Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine

The Chapel and Site

Address: 51 Rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris.
Access: The chapel is not open daily; public access is typically during European Heritage Days or by guided tour (Paris Promeneurs).
Tickets: Free on open days; some tours may charge a nominal fee.
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4), Odéon (Lines 4, 10), or Cluny-La Sorbonne (Line 10).
Accessibility: The campus is generally accessible, though some historic areas may be limited.

Walking Tours

Providers: Paris Walking Tours
Booking: Recommended, especially for heritage events.

What Remains: The Chapel and Plaques

The neoclassical chapel, rebuilt in the late 18th century by Jacques-Denis Antoine, is the only surviving element of the original hospital complex. Inside, you’ll find period artwork, altar, and classical columns. Commemorative plaques and markers throughout the site recount the hospital’s impact. The surrounding Faculté de Médecine campus contrasts modern architecture with the chapel’s historical style, reflecting the site’s evolution (Hôpital de la Charité History).

Notable Figures

Jean-Nicolas Corvisart: Advanced cardiac diagnosis and reformed clinical teaching (Science Museum Group).
René Laennec: Invented the stethoscope; revolutionized chest disease diagnosis (BMJ).
Pierre Charles Alexandre Louis: Pioneered statistics in medicine (JAMA Network).

Timeline of Key Events

1601: Founded by Brothers of Charity.
1621: Chapel completed.
Late 18th century: Emerged as a medical education center.
1789–1799: Transition to state administration.
19th century: Major medical innovations and university affiliation.
1935: Hospital closed and demolished.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the Hôpital de la Charité today?
A: The original hospital is gone, but the chapel is viewable from outside and occasionally open for special events or guided tours.

Q: Are there entrance fees?
A: No fee for viewing the exterior; guided tours or special events may have a nominal charge.

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Generally yes, but check with the university or event organizers for specifics regarding the chapel.

Q: What are the nearest metro stations?
A: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4), Odéon (Lines 4 & 10), Cluny-La Sorbonne (Line 10).

Q: What else is nearby?
A: Musée d’Orsay, Luxembourg Gardens, Panthéon, Sorbonne University, and the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: During European Heritage Days (September) for interior access and guided tours.
Accessibility: Area is generally accessible; some uneven sidewalks.
Photography: Permitted outside; interior during events only.
Tips: Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a full Left Bank experience.

References and Further Reading

For further guidance, consider downloading the Audiala app for audio tours and personalized information on Paris’s historical sites. Follow us on social media for updates on events, tours, and Parisian medical heritage.