Maison Nicolas Flamel – the oldest house in Paris

The Maison Nicolas Flamel is widely considered to be the oldest house in Paris. It is located at 51 rue de Montmorency in the 3rd arrondissement of Paris, in the Le Marais district, and belonged to wealthy Parisian Nicolas Flamel. This medieval residence dates back to 1397 when construction began after the death of Nicolas Flamel’s wife Pernelle. It was completed in 1407.

The building was originally constructed to serve businesses on the ground floor and to house the poor on the upper floors, on the condition that they say morning and evening prayers honoring the Flamel couple.

Although it’s impossible to say with certainty that it’s truly the oldest house in Paris, many agree it’s the oldest that we can actually put a date on, thanks to the building’s inscriptions and historical records.

Since 1911, the façade of the house has been officially classified as a historical monument.

Today, a French restaurant occupies this stunning old house from the Middle Ages.