This street is a perfect fusion of architectural perfection dating back to the 14th-Century and some original shopping. The great news is that everything is open on Sunday, unlike most of the rest of France
The origin of its name comes from the endowment of a large house in 1344 to house 48 poor residents of the city. Due to their financial status, the residents were not obliged to pay the town's taxes and were therefore named the 'francs bourgeois'.
Over the centuries, many lavish hôtels particuliers (private houses) with grand carriage entrances, were built, though by the 19th century the quartier became unfashionable and most of them were turned into workshops. The street is also close to several museums, such as the Carnavalet museum, the Picasso museum and the Cognacq-Jay museum of 18th-century art.
Besides some stylish boutiques, the western end of the street is full of wine bars and cafes, great for a light lunch or quick terrace espresso.