This is what the Auberge Nicolas Flamel is, located in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris. Dating back to 1407, the house is classified as a historic monument and offers a delicious menu of French dishes to be savoured in a house that historically welcomed the poorest. Nicolas Flamel, a great philanthropist, was not only the famous alchemist mentioned in the Harry Potter saga.
Born in Pontoise in 1330, he occupied several positions throughout his life, notably as a copyist, a notary and a bookseller. In his last profession as bookseller, he one day came into possession of the manuscript of Abraham the Jew, a spellbook supposed to contain the secret of the making of the philosopher's stone. Obsessed with its decryption, he turned into an alchemist and found a way to transform lead into gold on April 25th, 1382. Motivated by a spiritual impulse and not by greed, he said that he only created gold three times and this wealth was only used to help others: he indeed financed 14 hospitals, built 3 chapels, 7 churches and a few houses!
His house, that was always in very good condition, for a long time welcomed students, labourers or the homeless, who in exchange for a meal, were only asked to pray. On the facade of this 15th century vestige there is a Psalm in Latin that they used for their morning prayers.
Midway between history, heritage and gastronomy, the Auberge Nicolas Flamel is a definitely an unavoidable address for visitors to Paris. For more information.
Valérie from Comme des Français
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Discover other historical addresses :
. The oldest inn in France
. Another Parisian restaurant classified as a historical monument
. The oldest and most gourmet address in Lille
