Le Chabanais

Le Chabanais

12 rue Chabanais today
Le Chabanais Location in Paris
Address	12 rue Chabanais
Location	Paris, France
Coordinates	48°52′3.41″N 2°20′13.50″E / 48.8676139°N 2.3370833°E / 48.8676139; 2.3370833
Operator	Madame Kelly (Alexandrine Joannet)
Construction
Opened	1878
Closed	1946
Construction cost	1.7 million francs

Le Chabanais was one of the best known and most luxurious brothels in Paris, operating near the Louvre at 12 rue Chabanais from 1878 until 1946, 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. Among the habitués were Albert, Prince of Wales (later Edward VII of the United Kingdom); Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec; Cary Grant; Humphrey Bogart, Mae West and diplomatic guests of the French government.