Historical model of the Temple prison in Paris where Louis XVI and his family were imprisoned

Maison Du Temple

Maison du Temple Paris: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Site Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Paris’s historic Marais district, the Maison du Temple (Temple House) stands as a testament to the city’s layered medieval past and its transformation through the centuries. Once the Parisian headquarters of the legendary Knights Templar, the site echoes with stories of faith, power, intrigue, and revolution. Although the original fortress no longer stands, visitors can explore the Square du Temple–Elie Wiesel and surrounding streets to uncover the Templars’ enduring impact on Parisian culture and identity (knightstemplar.co; paris-capitale-historique.fr). This comprehensive guide details the Maison du Temple’s history, provides practical visiting information, and highlights nearby attractions for a meaningful experience in one of Paris’s most fascinating quarters.

Martyred Saint Catherine with Montfaucon Gallows and Temple Church Tower in Background

Historical map detail of Quartier du Temple in 1734 from Plan Turgot

Historical facsimile engraving of Quartier du Temple in 1652

Overlay of quartier du Temple plans from 1450, 1770, and 1881 showing urban development

Historical maps overlay of the quartier du Temple from 1450, 1770 and 1881

Jean-Charles Pichegru's body after suicide in Temple Prison

Historical Temple Prison facade in Paris

The Orphan of the Temple painting depicting a somber young girl in historical attire sitting alone

Origins and Medieval Significance
Architectural Features and Urban Legacy
Templar Influence and Downfall
From Revolution to Modern Paris
What Remains Today: Monuments and Markers
Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries
Visitor Facilities, Travel Tips, and Etiquette
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Final Tips
References and Official Links

Origins and Medieval Significance

The Maison du Temple, established in the early 12th century, was the principal Parisian commandery of the Knights Templar. Granted land in the marshy northern outskirts of medieval Paris by the monarchy, the Templars drained and developed the area into the Enclos du Temple—a vast, fortified compound spanning over 130 hectares and surrounded by high walls (Travel France Online). This “city within a city” included a massive donjon (keep), a grand round church modeled after Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre, residential and administrative buildings, and bustling workshops and markets.

The Enclos du Temple operated independently of royal control, exempt from taxation and boasting its own laws. By the late 13th century, it served as the administrative and financial heart of the Templar Order in France, attracting skilled craftsmen, merchants, and pilgrims. After the fall of Acre in 1291, the Grand Master of the Templars relocated to Paris, further elevating the site’s importance (Travel France Online).

Architectural Features and Urban Legacy

The Templar compound was defined by its robust military architecture: thick defensive walls, a soaring donjon, and a distinctive round church—hallmarks of Templar style inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The area’s autonomy and protection fostered economic dynamism and social vibrancy, turning the Marais into a thriving hub of medieval Paris (paris-capitale-historique.fr).

Although most original structures were demolished, the neighborhood’s street names—Rue du Temple, Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Boulevard du Temple—preserve the memory of the Templars’ presence. The Enclos du Temple’s layout shaped the Marais district’s urban development for centuries (montjoye.net).

Templar Influence and Downfall

The Knights Templar were not only renowned warriors and religious figures but also pioneers of medieval banking. Their Paris headquarters functioned as a de facto treasury, safeguarding assets for European monarchs—including the French crown itself (knightstemplar.co). The Templars’ economic clout and autonomy, however, provoked the suspicion of King Philip IV (Philip the Fair).

In 1307, Philip IV ordered the mass arrest of the Templars, accusing them of heresy and other crimes. The Paris Temple became the site of imprisonment and torture for many members, including Grand Master Jacques de Molay. By 1313, the order was dissolved and its assets seized. The site was transferred to the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, later known as the Order of Malta (Travel France Online).

From Revolution to Modern Paris

During the French Revolution, the Temple’s donjon was repurposed as a prison for the royal family, including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. In 1808, Napoleon ordered the demolition of the donjon and church to prevent the area from becoming a royalist shrine (montjoye.net). By the mid-19th century, the site had been redeveloped, with public gardens and civic buildings replacing the medieval fortress.

Today, the Maison du Temple’s legacy is woven into the Marais district’s identity—a blend of medieval, classical, and modern influences, celebrated for its rich architectural and cultural heritage (Marais Visites).

What Remains Today: Monuments and Markers

While no original Templar buildings survive above ground, several key sites commemorate the area’s storied past:

Square du Temple–Elie Wiesel: This tranquil public park, open daily, overlaps the former donjon’s location. Informative plaques and interpretive panels recount the Templars’ history and the site’s transformation.
Carreau du Temple: Now a cultural and event center, this structure sits atop part of the medieval compound. Occasional exhibitions highlight the Templar heritage (carreaudutemple.eu).
Commemorative Plaques: Look for plaques on the wall of the Mairie du 3ème arrondissement and in the Square du Temple, marking the vanished fortress’s footprint.
Street Names: Rue du Temple, Rue de la Corderie, and other streets preserve the Templar legacy within the Marais’s urban fabric.

Archaeological excavations beneath the Carreau du Temple have uncovered medieval foundations and artifacts, sometimes displayed in temporary exhibitions (templars-route.eu).

Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Square du Temple–Elie Wiesel

Hours: Open daily (typically 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM summer; 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM winter; check city updates for exact times).
Tickets: Free entry; no reservation required.

Carreau du Temple

Hours: Vary by event (usually open during daytime); check the official website for current schedules.
Tickets: Generally free; ticketed events and exhibitions may require advance purchase.

Guided Tours

Several local tour operators offer walking tours of the Marais that include Templar history. These must be booked in advance and cost €15–€30 per person (Paris Walking Tours).

Accessibility

The park and Carreau du Temple are wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps. Tactile panels and Braille signage are available for visually impaired visitors (Paris Accessibility Guide).

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Itineraries

Musée Carnavalet: Paris’s city history museum; excellent context for the Templar era and the Marais.
Place des Vosges: Paris’s oldest planned square, ideal for a stroll or picnic.
Marché des Enfants Rouges: The city’s oldest covered market, perfect for lunch or snacks.
Musée Picasso: Houses an extensive collection of Picasso’s works in a historic mansion.

Itinerary Tip: Start with the Square du Temple for a peaceful morning, enjoy lunch at the Marché des Enfants Rouges, and explore nearby museums or the vibrant Marais shopping streets.

Visitor Facilities, Travel Tips, and Etiquette

Facilities: The Square du Temple offers public restrooms, water fountains, playgrounds, and shaded benches. The area is family-friendly and suitable for visitors with mobility needs.
Getting There: The nearest Paris Métro stations are Temple (Line 3) and République (Lines 3, 5, 8, 9, 11). Numerous bus lines and bike lanes serve the district (Paris City App).
When to Visit: Early mornings or weekday afternoons are quieter. Spring and early autumn offer comfortable weather and blooming gardens.
Safety & Etiquette: The Marais is generally safe, but stay vigilant against pickpockets. Greet others with a polite “Bonjour,” keep noise moderate, and respect the tranquility of gardens.
Photography: Welcome throughout the park; best light is in early morning or late afternoon. Share your photos with hashtags like #MaisonDuTemple and #MaraisParis.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is there an admission fee for Maison du Temple?
No; the Square du Temple–Elie Wiesel and surrounding historical markers are free to visit.

Are there original Templar buildings to see?
No original structures remain above ground, but commemorative plaques and archaeological finds mark the historic footprint (montjoye.net).

Can I join a guided tour?
Yes; several walking tours in the Marais include Templar history (Paris Tourist Office).

Is the site accessible?
Yes; the park and Carreau du Temple are equipped for wheelchair users and offer Braille signage.

What are the best nearby attractions?
Musée Carnavalet, Place des Vosges, Marché des Enfants Rouges, and the Picasso Museum are all within walking distance.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Though the Maison du Temple’s original edifices have vanished, the site’s layered history—from Templar fortress to revolutionary prison and vibrant urban quarter—remains vital to Paris’s story. Today, visitors can connect with this unique legacy through tranquil gardens, evocative street names, and informative tours. The Marais’s blend of medieval intrigue, architectural beauty, and modern vibrancy makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking to experience Paris beyond its most famous monuments.