Bourgeois of Paris

"Bourgeois de Paris" redirects here. For the 15th-century writer, see Journal d'un bourgeois de Paris.
Edict of Louis XI confirming the privileges of the Bourgeois of Paris, National Archives, AE-II-478.
The échevins of Paris, by Philippe de Champaigne, 1648

A bourgeois of Paris was traditionally a member of one of the corporations or guilds that existed under the Ancien Régime. According to Article 173 of the Custom of Paris, a bourgeois had to possess a domicile in Paris as a tenant or owner for at least a year and a day.[1] This qualification was also required for public offices such as provost of the merchants, alderman or consul, but unlike the bourgeois or citizens of other free cities, Parisians did not need letters of bourgeoisie to prove their status.

A bourgeois of Paris had privileges as well as duties. While they were exempt from paying the taille, they were required to pay the city taxes, contribute to a public charity, arm themselves at their own expense, and join the urban militia.[1]

  1. ^ a b Division, Library of Congress European Law division (2006). The Coutumes of France in the Library of Congress: An Annotated Bibliography - Article 173 (in French). The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN 978-1-58477-627-7.