I'm going to tell you about a time when Le Bonbon obviously didn't exist, but when carefully documented tourist guides listed the best brothels in Paris. One of these guides was called "Le guide rose des étrangers dans Paris," written in 1869 by a certain L. Desrousseaux, remarkably well informed. Thanks to the blog Il était Paris.
Firstly, let's set the context. The 19th century was the golden age of prostitution in Paris, a period that earned it the charming nickname of "brothel of Europe," with up to 200 official brothels. They were legalized by Napoleon I in 1804, but their tolerance was dependent on a certain discretion: we shouldn't be able to see what was happening inside, hence the name "maison close" (closed house). Closed shutters, a larger street number plaque than the others, blackout curtains, a red lantern, and bars on the windows. These signs...There are plenty of clues that still allow you to detect former brothels, all of which closed in 1946. You are now ready for a little selection of the "best" debauchery places of the time, according to Mr. Desrousseaux.
The most upscale: Le Chabanais.
It was located at 12, rue Chabanais, in the 2nd arrondissement, and today only two elevators remain, which were used to avoid embarrassing encounters. Founded by an Irishwoman in 1878, this place was until its auction sale in 1951 the preferred place for all ministers and ambassadors of the time. Its rooms were more extravagant (even gloomy) than the others: Japanese, Louis XV, Hindu, Directoire, Napoleon III and medieval or even Moorish. Among them, there was even one reserved for the Prince of Wales; among the furniture in it, a "seat of indulgence" allowed him to enjoy the services of the house without being seen.You might as well question your rank because you sit on it. The most extravagant: the One Two Two. Its name was inspired by the address: 122, rue de Provence in the 8th arrondissement, the old façade can still be seen. The house offered its clients the opportunity to practice "worldwide travel", which consisted of performing Kamasutra-inspired figures in 22 rooms with unusual decor, but not necessarily with good taste. Among them, there were the Medieval torture room (with stocks, chains, and whips), the hayloft, the igloo room, the Provencal room, the hall of mirrors like Versailles (with rotating mirrors), and finally, one that is even more chilling: the torture chamber with a crucifixion scene.
The most exotic: the Sphinx. It had taken up residence at 31, boulevard Edgar Quinet in the 14th arrondissement.The 14th arrondissement of Paris. Through its neo-Egyptian decor, its ambition was to represent Egypt in Paris, and its owner Marthe Le Mestre even called herself "Marmoute". The standard rate was 30 francs, supplemented by tips and gifts from clients. However, this brothel did not take hygiene lightly and was closely monitored by the vice squad through police records, wiretaps, and photographs. This can be explained by its very elegant and trendy clientele, including Jacques Prévert, Colette, Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir...
Bibliography:
CHARBONNEAU Nicolas and GUIMIER Laurent, The Novel of Brothels, Editions du Rocher.
DESROUSSEAUX, The Pink Guide for Foreigners in Paris, 1969.
TEYSSIER Paul, The Parisian Brothels. Immoral Architectures of the 1930s, Parigramme Editions.
PIERRAT Emmanuel., Almanach of the ladies of Paris. Followed by the Dictionary of the nymphs of the Palais-Royal, Paperback, 1999
