Housing the Musketeers

From 1622 onward the Musketeers were quartered in the Faubourg Saint-Germain, lodged in the homes of residents who were obliged to host these boisterous young soldiers. In 1659 Louis XIV decided to build them a proper barracks on the Rue du Bac.

Designed to house 150 men, the complex included accommodations, stables and various services such as a chapel, a forge and a bakery. However, as the King began favoring Saint-Germain-en-Laye and later Versailles, and as most troops were mobilized outside the capital during military campaigns, the Musketeers’ presence in Paris became less essential.

By the end of the 17th century the Rue du Bac barracks had become outdated and too small for the growing number of troops. A new project along the Quai d’Orsay was at first considered but subsequently abandoned after Louis XIV’s death. The company remained on the Rue du Bac, where renovation work was undertaken around 1720 under the direction of architect Robert de Cotte. After the corps was disbanded in 1775 the building was sold and converted into a marketplace.

In 1665 a second company of Black Musketeers was created which in 1699 received its own barracks near the Bastille. Built by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, this structure was organized around three courtyards and included housing, stables and auxiliary services. After the corps was dissolved in 1775 the complex was sold and became the Hôpital des Quinze-Vingts, which is still active today.