La Santé prison (Paris 14th)

The only prison still operating inside Paris, La Santé holds many people remanded in custody by the Paris courts. Here is how to visit a relative, bring them clothes and organise their defence.

Is a relative detained at La Santé? Barssie Avocats visits clients in prison and appears before the investigating judge, the investigation appeals chamber and the sentence enforcement judge. +33 7 75 72 74 27, available 24/7. We speak English.

Overview

Built in 1867 in the 14th arrondissement, La Santé closed in 2014 for complete renovation and reopened in 2019. It holds adult men on remand or serving short sentences. Cases are most often handled by the Paris court and court of appeal.

Address and access

Maison d’arrêt de Paris-La Santé
42 rue de la Santé, 75014 Paris

Metro: line 6, Glacière or Saint-Jacques stations.
RER B and metro line 4: Denfert-Rochereau, then a few minutes’ walk.

Visiting a relative

1. The visiting permit

No visit is possible without a permit (permis de visite). For a person on remand (not yet finally convicted), the request is made to the judge in charge of the case; for a convicted person, to the prison governor. The prison has a dedicated visiting permit line: +33 1 83 94 56 58. The documents to provide are listed in our guide to prisons in France.

2. Booking a visit

Book on +33 800 73 01 00, Monday to Friday, 9 am–5 pm.

Visits take place Tuesday to Saturday at 8.30, 9.30 and 10.30 am, and 2.30 and 3.30 pm, for 45 minutes. Up to three visits per week, for remand and convicted prisoners alike.

Important: arrive 30 minutes before the visit.

3. Dropping off clothes

Until you have a permit, you can drop off clothes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10–11 am and 2–3 pm, in a plastic bag with a list and the prisoner’s name and register number.

4. Getting support

The Halte Saint Vincent association welcomes families before and after visits: +33 1 45 44 17 56.

What a lawyer can do

The lawyer meets your relative in the lawyers’ visiting room, confidentially, without a visiting permit and without limits on frequency. For people detained at La Santé, the lawyer mainly appears before the judges of the Paris court.

Pre-trial detention: application for release, if necessary under judicial supervision or electronic tagging; appeal before the investigation appeals chamber; challenge to a refused visiting permit.
After conviction: sentence adjustment (electronic tagging at home, day release, parole), temporary leave.
During detention: assistance before the disciplinary board, challenge to a sanction, transfer or solitary confinement.
Foreign nationals: liaison with the family abroad and the consulate, transfer requests where possible.

The firm visits clients at La Santé. For an initial assessment of your relative’s situation: +33 7 75 72 74 27, 24/7, or contact@barssie-avocats.com.

Frequently asked questions

How many visits per week? Up to three, of 45 minutes.

When should I arrive? 30 minutes before the booked visit.

Can I drop off clothes without a permit? Yes, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 10–11 am and 2–3 pm.

Practical information taken from the official page of the prison in October 2026. Times can change: check before you travel.

See also: all prisons · Fleury-Mérogis · Fresnes