The authorities of medieval Paris attempted to confine prostitution to a particular district. Louis IX β designated nine streets in the Beaubourg Quartier where it would be permitted.
By law, they had to be run by a woman typically a former prostitute , and their external appearance had to be discreet. The maisons were required to light a red lantern when they were open from which is derived the term red-light district [ 1 ] , and the prostitutes were only permitted to leave the maisons on certain days and only if accompanied by its head. By , Paris alone had officially approved brothels.
During the first half of the 20th century, some Paris brothels, such as le Chabanais and le Sphinx , were internationally known for the luxury they provided.
France outlawed brothels in , after a campaign by Marthe Richard. At that time there were 1, of them across the country, with in Paris alone. Twenty-two Paris brothels had been commandeered by the Germans for their exclusive use; some had made a great deal of money by catering for German officers and soldiers.
Le Chabanais was one of the best known and most luxurious brothels in Paris, operating near the Louvre at 12 rue Chabanais from until , when brothels were outlawed in France. It was founded by the Irish-born Madame Kelly , who was closely acquainted with several members at the Jockey-Club de Paris. The Japanese room won a design prize at the World Fair in Paris.
