presented by Claude GAUVARD, professor emeritus at the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, specialist in the history of political life and justice in the Middle Ages
Until the 19th century, the streets of the kingdom of France were narrow, congested and dirty, as well as places where people and goods circulated, and where production and trade took place. But during the long Middle Ages, they were also places where the common people could "converse", i.e. exchange ideas and socialize. Each and every one could measure his or her reputation, restore honor in public or, on the contrary, point out the infamy of those who should be excluded: prostitutes, beggars, banished people, those condemned to death? Rumor is king. Far from being anarchic, rumor is the stuff of highly restrictive informal codes.
Until the 19th century, the streets of the kingdom of France were narrow, congested and dirty, as well as places where people and goods circulated, and where production and trade took place. But during the long Middle Ages, they were also places where the common people could "converse", i.e. exchange ideas and socialize. Each and every one could measure his or her reputation, restore honor in public or, on the contrary, point out the infamy of those who should be excluded: prostitutes, beggars, banished people, those condemned to death? Rumor is king. Far from being anarchic, rumor is the stuff of highly restrictive informal codes.
Opening times
Opening times
On 7 January 2026
- 15:00
Location
Location
Spoken languages
Spoken languages
Environment
Environment
- In the town centre
- In town
