Paris is a mysterious capital... Between alchemy, astrology and witchcraft, the city and its monuments hide many esoteric anecdotes, for a magical and historic stroll through three Parisian arrondissements!
Ready to discover some of Paris' hidden secrets? Many occult and magical legends can be found in the capital's historic monuments, cemeteries, places of worship and castles. This time, we're taking a stroll through Paris's 1st, 4th and 6th arrondissements, to uncover mysterious and esoteric anecdotes about places you've probably passed before, without suspecting the secrets they hold!
Cour Carrée - Louvre
Today, the
Louvre is best known for its incredible museum and extraordinary collections. But it was once home to kings and queens. From medieval castle to royal residence for Henri II, Louis XIV and Catherine de Médicis, the Louvre has had many owners, each of whom has added
symbols to the building, including mythological or esoteric elements. The Cour Carrée is home to some
superb alchemical sculptures, notably the
rooster and
the ouroboros on the entrance pediment. The rooster is a solar animal, associated with Hermes and Apollo, representing the gods of the Gates and Passages, which explains its location. The ouroboros is a symbol of eternity and secret knowledge...
Opposite, to the right of the Pavillon de l'Horloge, are two figures, not so surprising given that the museum has a department of Egyptian Antiquities: Isis and Osiris. The goddess Isis is said to be linked to the origins of the city of Paris, formerly known as Parisis. These ancient representations mingle with the many sculptures of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses on display at the museum today.
Colonne Médicis - Bourse de Commerce
Classified as a historic monument in 1862, the Colonne Médicis is a superb vestige of Catherine de Médicis ' reign in France. Spared by Baron Haussmann and his monumental works in Paris, the column is attached to today's Bourse de Commerce, formerly the Hôtel de Soissons. This 31m-high pillar was erected in 1574 to enable the queen, who was so close to the mystical arts and astrology in particular, to consult the stars.
A small bridge linked Catherine's bedroom to the tower, where she read her future and that of the kingdom on clear-sky evenings. In 1748, the tower was almost demolished, but was finally donated to the City of Paris, which could no longer remove it. Unfortunately, the glass roof at the top has since disappeared, and all that remains of the tower is its metal frame.
Eglise Saint-Merri - 76 Rue de la Verrerie
This is not a very common church, due to one simple feature: the sculpture of Baphomet at the entrance. Nicknamed theChurch of the Devil, this shrine is one of only two in France to feature a representation of a demon on its main façade. This creature, usually made up of a goat's head, a man's body and bat wings, takes the place of Christ here! The sculpture is said to have been placed in the 19th century, in reference to the district's alchemical and occult past. But according to some interpretations, Baphomet could also mean"baptism of wisdom", and would therefore not be linked to Satanism... In any case, its presence remains a mystery!
Eglise Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais - 13 rue des Barres
The feature we're interested in here is in front of the church, the Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais elm. Located in the 4th arrondissement of Paris, this legendary tree has seen many legends, and remains more famous than the church it shelters. In the Middle Ages, elms were planted in front of religious buildings and at the city's main entrances. They were also the scene of judgments, rallies and executions, because of their Christian symbolism linked to the blood of martyrs and justice. But the elm was also said to have magical powers, bringing good luck and curing illnesses with a simple touch. Unfortunately, the current elm is less imposing than its predecessor, felled in 1794 to make weapons. It was replaced in 1936.
Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church, opposite the town hall
The Eglise Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais is an example of a successful mix of different architectural styles. Classical, Gothic, Renaissance... the building and its impressive façade are a must-see in the 4th arrondissement. [Read more]
St-Jacques Tower
This tower, once attached to the Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie church, is directly linked to
alchemy and the famous
Nicolas Flamel. Situated at the beginning of the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela, the tower is the
last vestige of the church, as it was excluded from sale thanks to a legal fluke - a very practical one, since its beauty and mysteries can be enjoyed today. Under the tower, excavations have uncovered a Gallo-Roman representation of Hermes and a rooster, associated with alchemy. Nicolas Flamel, who lived nearby with his wife and was buried beneath it, ordered the construction of the tower's portal, adorned with esoteric sculptures.
Fontaine Saint-Michel - Place Saint-Michel
Originally, a chapel dedicated to Saint-Michel stood in place of the fountain. Embellished with numerous symbols, the fountain is an allegory of the struggle against the shadow in all of us. Completed in 1860, it was widely criticized as being out of fashion. But it's a real feat, achieved by different artists! It depicts the archangel St. Michael overcoming the devil, in the image of the passage from the Bible. It also features the Philosopher's Stone, from which water gushes out beneath St. Michael's feet. Two dragons add to the scene, spitting out the water from the stone, symbolizing the energy of matter.
Historic Paris, discovering the capital's oldest sites
Are you a history buff? Good news, the capital is full of vestiges and ancient monuments, which have survived through time. Belle Epoque, Antiquity, or Middle Ages, follow the guide to discover the historical Paris! [Read more]
Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais church, opposite the town hall
Tour Saint-Jacques, the ancient bell tower with its sublime view over Paris, open from May to November
Historic Paris, discovering the capital's oldest sites
