Clos des Arts

Just to your right, you’ll see an imposing building that’s very hard to miss. It’s the Clos des Arts. Its history stretches back to 1541, when it was built as an Almshouse. This charitable institution accomodated those in need, all while offering them spiritual and religious support. The city bought the building in 1845, and used it as barracks to house transient soldiers. It became known as the Caserne des Passagers, the Passenger barracks. Then, in 1890, it took on a more artistic role, housing the School of Fine Arts up until 1998 – hence its current name, Clos des Arts. Today, it’s listed as a historical monument, and it has a variety of apartments and studios available for short-time rent, all within the walls of this beautiful building that has stood the test of time and marked the city’s history. On the left, you can see that part of the structure has been destroyed, but all the rest is remarkably well-preserved. Be that as it may, you’ll find it on Rue des Lices, one of the city’s most historic thoroughfares built along the old ramparts, which were demolished in the 17th century.