The name of this street comes from the occupants of almshouses founded here in 1334, who were exempt from tax due to their limited resources and known as "francs-bourgeois". In the courtyard of n° 8, admire the typical haberdasher's shop. A number of mansions are also worthy of note: Hôtel Carnavalet, the 16C Hôtel d'Albret (n° 31), Hôtel de Coulanges (nos 35-37) with its quiet rose garden, Hôtel de Sandreville (n° 26), and Hôtel d'Alméras (n° 30), whose gateway is adorned with a ram's head.