Ready to discover some part of the hidden face of Paris? Lots of occult or magic legends live in historic monuments in the city, between cemeteries, places of worship, or even castles. This time, let us take a walk between the 1st, 4th and 6th arrondissements of Paris to discover esoteric and mysterious fun facts about these places you might have seen already without even thinking about the secrets they hold!
Today, the Louvre is mostly famous for its incredible museum and extraordinary collections. But there was a time where kings and queens lived there. medieval castle, then royal house to Henry II, Louis XIV or Catherine of Medici, the Louvre had lots of owners who add symbols to the building, including mythological or esoteric pieces. The Cour Carrée houses sublime alchemic sculptures like the rooster and the ouroboros on the pediment of the entrance. The rooster is a sun animal associated to Hermes and Apollo, representing the Gods of Doors and Passages, hence its location. As for the ouroboros, it is a symbol of eternity and secret knowledge…
Just across, on the right of the Pavillon de l’Horloge, discover two not-so surprising figures when you know the museum has an Egyptian antiquity department, Isis and Osiris. All the more so as Goddess Isis was related to the origins of the city of Paris, that was then called Parisis. These antique representations are mixed with the many sculptures of Greek and Roman gods and goddesses we find in the museum’s exhibitions now.
Listed as historic monument in 1862, the Colonne Médicis is a magnificent vestige of Catherine of Medici’s reign in France. Spared by Baron Haussmann and his huge works in Paris, the column is reattached to the current Bourse de Commerce, that was known as the Hotel de Soissons. This 31-m-tall pillar was erected in 1574 for the Queen was able to look at the stars as she was very close to mystical arts and especially astrology.
A small bridge then enabled to go from Catherine’s chamber to the tower where she read her future and the kingdom’s in clear sky evenings. In 1748, the tower was almost destroyed but was eventually gifted to the city of Paris that can no longer make it disappear. The glass roof at the top unfortunately disappeared since then, but there is still the metallic framework.
This church is not very common because of a simple element, its sculpture of Baphomet at the entrance. Nicknamed the Church of the Devil, this holy place is one of the two in France to show a representation of a demon on the main façade. This creature – usually shaped with the head of a goat, the body of a man and wings of a bat – takes the place of the Christ! In the 19th century, the sculpture was placed as a reference to the alchemic and occult past of the neighborhood. But according to some interpretations, Baphomet could also mean “baptism of wisdom” and therefore not related to satanism… Anyway, it remains a mystery!
The element we are interested in here is place in front of the church, the elm of Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais. Set in Paris 4th arrondissement, this legendary tree experienced lots of legends and remains more famous than the church housing it. In the Middle-Ages, elms were planted in front of religious buildings and by the main entrances of the city. They were also the theater of judgments, gatherings and executions because of their Christian symbolic related to the blood of martyrs and Justice. But the elm is also said to have magical powers, it is said to bring luck and cure diseases by a simple touch. Unfortunately, the current elm is less impressive as the previous one, chopped down 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]
This tower – then reattached to the Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie – is directly related to alchemy and the famous Nicolas Flamel. Set at the beginning of the pilgrims’ road to Santiago de Compostela, the tower is the last remnant of the church for it was excluded from sale thanks to some very handy legal chance since you can still enjoy its beauty and mysteries. Under the tower, diggings enabled to find Gallo-Roman representations of Hermes, as well as a rooster – associated to alchemy. Nicolas Flamel – who used to live nearby with his wife – was buried underneath and ordered the construction of the tower gate, adorned with esoteric sculpture.
The Tour Saint-Jacques, with its panoramic view over the whole of Paris, is open to visitors from May 18 to November 12, 2023. Located just a stone's throw from the Hôtel de Ville, this historic monument is a sight to behold, with its 62 meters and 300 steps. Tours are available in small groups. [Read more]
At first, a chapel devoted to Saint-Michel was standing in lieu of the fountain. Adorned with many symbols, the fountain is the allegory of the fight against the shadow inside each one of us. Complete in 1860, it is subject to a lot of criticism and is then considered as old-fashioned. But it is yet a genuine exploit created by different artists! It represents archangel Saint Michel embanking the demon, like in the Bible. And notice the philosopher’s stone, under the feet of Saint Michel, from which shoots up water. Two dragons are added to the scene and spurt out the water of the stone symbolizing the energy of the materiel.
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
Tourism: visit the historic Paris and the oldest places in the capital
