Hôpital St. Louis, 10th Arrond., Paris, France

Opened in 1618, its construction was ordered by Henri IV with the purpose of isolating Plague victims from the rest of the city’s population. During this time, as many as 6 patients were assigned to a single bed, conveying to the severity of the situation at the hospital and within Paris at the time. As the Plague subsided, the hospital continued to serve it’s purpose as a place to isolate and treat the victims of various outbreaks.

Over time, Hopital St. Louis has become world-renowned for its specialization in Dermatology. Interestingly enough, while doing research on this hospital I learned that it houses one of the most unusual and unknown museums in the city, the Musee des Moulages or the “Museum of Masks.” This museum, though rarely open to visitors (only by appointment), houses over 4,000 molds/casts of rare and often grotesque skin diseases.

Flowers in the Hôpital St. Louis Courtyard

But if it’s not rare and grotesque skin diseases you’re looking for, have no worries. Hôpital St. Louis has one of the more beautiful and peaceful courtyards I’ve seen in Paris thus far. Far removed from the hustle and bustle (and tourists) of inner-city Paris, Hôpital St. Louis provides its visitors with beautifully manicured lawns surrounded by 17th Century architecture. At the time of my visit (Tuesday @ 4:00PM), there were only a handful of people around, all quietly reading or chatting with friends. This location is ideally suited for a quiet picnic or afternoon of reading and is certainly a place I will return to soon.

Want to see pictures from my visit? Hôpital St. Louis Photos

Want to see a video of my visit? Hôpital St. Louis Courtyard

Want to see this location on a map? Map of My Visits