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36 Rue Saint Sulpice

An unusual number plate signifies the building's saucy past.

Paris, France

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When walking along the Rue Saint Sulpice, you probably won't notice that the the number plate on building 36 is larger and more colorful than the standard blue-and-white version.

What happened in this building to afford it a marking that stands out among the others?

If you were a Belle Epoque Parisian man, you would automatically recognize this oversized faience plate as a signal for a maison close, a house of pleasure.

This building was Miss Betty's brothel, specializing in "dominatrix role play." The brothel was a very popular address among the extensive ecclesiastic crowd of the Saint Sulpice area. Priests were said to be particularly drawn to the "crucifixion parlor" and the “Satan's Hell” torture room.

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Published

January 18, 2013

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