Learning French: when and why do we say c'est la cour des miracles
Few people today know the origins behind this expression that describes somewhere unwelcoming or chaotic
This curious saying, la cour des miracles, was featured in Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, ‘Notre Dame de Paris’
Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock
C'est une véritable cour des miracles.
If you ever hear a French person describe somewhere as a ‘court of miracles,’ you may want to steer clear of it.
We look at the meaning behind this 17th-Century expression and explore its surprising literary links.
What does c'est la cour des miracles mean?
This slightly obscure saying literally translates as: it is the court of miracles.
While this might sound like somewhere magical and inviting, this French phrase actually describes a place that seems 'dodgy' or 'sketchy.'
It is often used to refer to a run-down street or neighbourhood, with connections to poverty, homelessness or addiction.
Some French people also use this saying to describe somewhere crazy and chaotic.
Read also: Learning French: ne tenir qu'à un fil and other tenir phrases
What are the origins of c'est la cour des miracles?
During the 17th Century, rue de la Cour-des-Miracles was the name of a street in Paris (now rue du Nil), where beggars who seemed to be crippled or blind in the day were suddenly cured, as if by miracle, at night.
The term was used in many big French cities to refer to similarly impoverished areas.
Victor Hugo described “that redoubtable Cour des Miracles” in his book, Notre-Dame de Paris, set in 1482 but published in 1831:
“Cité des voleurs, hideuse verrue à la face de Paris ; égout d’où s’échappait chaque matin, et où revenait croupir chaque nuit ce ruisseau de vices, de mendicité et de vagabondage toujours débordé dans les rues des capitales, ruche monstrueuse où rentraient le soir avec leur butin tous les frelons de l’ordre social.”
“A city of thieves, a hideous wart on the face of Paris; a sewer, from which escaped every morning, and whither returned every night to crouch, that stream of vices, of mendicancy and vagabondage which always overflows in the streets of capitals; a monstrous hive, to which returned at nightfall, with their booty, all the drones of the social order.” (Translated by Isabel F. Hapgood)
Louis XIV's police lieutenant ordered the closure of the last Cour des Miracles in 1667. From then on, the homeless were sent to the workhouse, to the gallows, or to the new general hospital.
The expression continues to be used to this day as a more general reference to places that are not very welcoming.
Read also: Learning French: when and why do we say être habillé comme l'as de pique?
When do you say c'est la cour des miracles?
You can say this to describe an area as sketchy, unsafe or unwelcoming:
You can also use the expression to describe a place where people are behaving erratically:
Read also: Learning French: the origins and meaning of dingue
To whom do you say c'est la cour des miracles?
It is casual colloquial language and can be used with friends and family. It should be avoided in very formal situations.
You will mainly hear this in spoken French rather than seeing it written down.
