19th century lithograph titled Les Enfants trouvés by Jean Henri Marlet depicting found children in Paris

Hôpital Des Enfants Trouvés

Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction: Unveiling a Parisian Legacy

The Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés stands as a cornerstone in the history of Parisian social welfare. Established in 1638 by Saint Vincent de Paul, it was one of the earliest institutions in Europe dedicated to caring for abandoned and orphaned children. While the original building on the Île de la Cité no longer survives, its impact endures through successor institutions, museum collections, and archival records. Today, the hospital’s story is woven into the broader narrative of Paris’s humanitarian innovations, reflecting the city’s pivotal role in the evolution of child welfare and public care systems.

This guide provides a detailed exploration of the hospital’s origins, historical development, and present-day legacy. It also offers comprehensive visitor information, including museum hours, ticketing, accessibility, and tips for a meaningful visit. For researchers and history enthusiasts alike, the Musée de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris and France Archives are invaluable resources.

19th century lithograph portraying found children by Jean Henri Marlet

19th century lithography titled Les Enfants trouvés by Jean Henri Marlet depicting children in Paris

Vintage lithograph titled Les Enfants Trouvés by Jean Henri Marlet depicting abandoned children in 19th century Paris

Early 19th century lithograph depicting found children in Paris by Jean Henri Marlet

Four 1750 French lottery tickets for Les Enfants Trouvés with red Musée Carnavalet stamp

Nuns caring for foundling children in a vaulted room with ceramic stove and rose window

Historic lithograph of Paris city life by Marlet

The History of Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés
Visiting Today: Museums, Artifacts, and Memorials
Practical Visitor Information
Summary and Final Recommendations
Sources and Official Links

The History of Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés

Origins and Foundations (Pre-17th Century to 1638)

Prior to its founding, Paris had various hospices and charitable institutions, but few addressed the acute needs of abandoned children. Early establishments like the Hôpital Saint-Esprit-en-Grève and Hospice des Enfants-Rouges provided some support but focused largely on orphans with known parentage. The plight of truly abandoned children, often left in perilous conditions, remained largely unmet.

Founding by Saint Vincent de Paul (1638)

Moved by the dire circumstances faced by abandoned infants, Saint Vincent de Paul, with the help of the Dames de la Charité, established the Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés in 1638. The institution quickly expanded, soon requiring royal support and new premises. Its mission was groundbreaking: to provide organized, compassionate care to those most vulnerable.

Institutional Growth and Royal Patronage (17th–18th Centuries)

The hospital gained formal recognition and support through a royal edict in 1670, becoming part of the Hôpital Général system. It relocated to Rue Neuve-Notre-Dame, adjacent to Notre-Dame Cathedral. The children, often called “red children” due to their distinctive clothing, became a symbol of state protection and charity. Over time, the hospital expanded its services through annexes for infants, children re-entering care, and those with illnesses.

Despite its noble aims, the hospital struggled with overcrowding and high mortality rates—challenges emblematic of the era’s social and medical limitations.

Evolving Operations and Innovations (18th–19th Centuries)

A significant innovation was the introduction of the “tour d’abandon” (foundling wheel), which allowed parents to anonymously and safely relinquish infants, reducing infanticide. Though the hospital was briefly closed during the French Revolution, it was reestablished in the 19th century as the Hospice des Enfants Trouvés, and later, the Hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.

The institution’s record-keeping and welfare systems set benchmarks for child care policies in France and influenced social reforms across Europe.

Legacy and Influence

Though the original Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés was demolished in the late 19th century, its legacy persists. It laid the foundations for modern child welfare systems, shifting responsibility from private charity to public service. Successor institutions and museums preserve its memory and continue to educate the public on the evolution of social care.

Visiting Today: Museums, Artifacts, and Memorials

What Remains and Where to Visit

Original Site: The hospital’s original building on the Île de la Cité was demolished in 1877. Today, the Parvis Notre-Dame occupies this space, with no remaining structures or plaques, but the area itself holds historical resonance.
Foundling Wheel Artifact: The rare foundling wheel is preserved at the former Hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (72 Avenue Denfert-Rochereau). While not generally open to the public, it represents the hospital’s innovative approach to child protection.
Marché des Enfants Rouges: This market in the Marais district commemorates the hospital’s history and provides a tangible connection to the era.
Musée de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris: Located at 47, quai de la Tournelle, this museum houses documents, artifacts, and exhibitions relating to the hospital and the broader history of public health in Paris.

Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Musée de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris

Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. Closed Mondays and public holidays.
Tickets: Approx. €5 for adults; discounts for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours available (advance booking recommended).
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible; check in advance for any special accommodations.

Marché des Enfants Rouges and Parvis Notre-Dame

Access: Open to the public; no ticket required.
Nearby: Easily combined with visits to Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Latin Quarter.

Archives and Research

Archives de Paris: 18 boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris. Open for genealogical and historical research (Archives de Paris).
Archives de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris: Extensive collections of admission registers and administrative files, including digitized resources (France Archives).

Practical Visitor Information

Getting There

Musée de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris: Metro lines 7 (Pont Marie) and 10 (Maubert-Mutualité). Several bus lines and Vélib’ bike stations nearby.
Former Hôpital Saint-Vincent-de-Paul: Closest Metro stations are Denfert-Rochereau (Lines 4, 6, RER B) and Raspail (Line 6).

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with Notre-Dame Cathedral, Sainte-Chapelle, and the historic Marais.
Weekdays, especially mornings, are quieter for museum visits.
Check official websites for temporary exhibitions or special events.
Guided tours and audio guides (French and occasionally English) are available at the museum.
Bring identification for archival research.

FAQ

Q: Can I visit the original Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés site?
A: The original site is now part of the Parvis Notre-Dame; no physical remains are present.

Q: Are there memorials or plaques?
A: No dedicated memorial exists at the original site, but museum exhibitions and commemorative markets such as the Marché des Enfants Rouges keep the memory alive.

Q: How do I access archives for research?
A: Use the Archives de Paris or France Archives for digitized and on-site resources.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: At the Musée de l’Assistance Publique, yes—advance booking is recommended, particularly for English-language tours.

Q: Is the museum accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, with ramps and elevators provided.

Summary and Final Recommendations

The Hôpital des Enfants-Trouvés remains a powerful symbol of Paris’s humanitarian evolution. While the original institution no longer stands, its legacy is preserved through museum collections, successor hospitals, commemorative sites, and rich archival resources. Whether you are a visitor, researcher, or local resident, exploring this history deepens your understanding of Parisian social reforms and the origins of modern child welfare.

Practical tips:

Start at the Musée de l’Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris for exhibitions and guided tours.
Explore nearby sites: Notre-Dame, the Marais, and the Latin Quarter.
Use France Archives and Archives de Paris for in-depth research.
For immersive experiences, download the Audiala app for curated audio tours.

By engaging with these resources and sites, you honor the memory of the thousands of children cared for by this historic institution and gain insight into the roots of social responsibility in Paris.