Image courtesy of Wikimedia.
Given the ancient facades that line the winding cobbled paths of Paris, it's almost easy to pass by 51, rue Montmorency, in a secluded enclave of the third arrondissement. It stands serenely in the half-shadows, a narrow stone building carved with strange symbols and images that nod to its famed creator's mystical pastime. Don't be fooled — as the oldest stone house in Paris, this building has its share of colorful tales to tell.
Any Harry Potter fans have probably heard the name Nicolas Flamel (though many might not know he actually existed). Born in 1330 in Pontoise, France, Flamel became a wealthy copyist, notary, bookseller, and philanthropist in Paris. As the legend goes, one day a stranger sold Flamel an ancient manuscript written by "Abraham the Jew" that allegedly contained the secrets of creating the philosopher's stone — a miraculous substance that could provide eternal life and transform base metals into gold. The philosopher's stone was something of a fad from the Middle Ages to the late 17th century, highly sought after by many prominent men. After years of toiling over deciphering the cryptic text, Flamel declared that he had discovered the secret on April 25, 1382, and succeeded in transmuting mercury into gold. In fact, he did come into considerable wealth (though it should be noted that he also married a rich widow, Pernelle), which he turned to charitable causes, financing the building of many hospitals, churches, houses, and schools. Philosopher's stone or not, as far as we know, Flamel died in the 15th century.
Whether or not Flamel created the philosopher's stone, the house at 51, rue Montmorency still stands as a testament to his wealth, charitable spirit, and renown in French history. Built in 1407, the three-floor stone auberge is touted by some as the place where Flamel carried out his alchemical experiments. What we know for sure is that Flamel and his wife operated the house as a refuge for the poor and homeless of Paris. All he asked in exchange for shelter was prayers, evidenced by the inscription on the front molding of the house. That, however, was only the beginning of the house's life. A hotel at the turn of the century, it became a brothel in the '40s and '50s, then a hotel again, and later apartments. Today the first two floors house a restaurant, Auberge Nicolas Flamel, a final nod to its famed creator.
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Image courtesy of Wikimedia.
Image courtesy of Atlas Obscura.
Image courtesy of Atlas Obscura.