You may have heard the name Nicolas Flamel mentioned in the Harry Potter books or films but he was in fact a real figure in history (though he probably did not actually obtain a Philosopher’s Stone, as the legends about him might claim) and you can even actually come and dine in his former home! One of Paris’ many wonderful oddities, the house that Flamel built for himself all the way back in 1407 on Montmorency Street still stands to this day and boasts the claim that it is the oldest stone house in the city. So, if you find a vacation rental in France, you are planning on coming to Paris for a day, and you are looking for a perfect spot with just a touch of seasonal spookiness in which to dine, then this is a must-see and truly an excellent place to drop into for lunch!
Located at 51 rue de Montmorency, Flamel’s home is marked by strange symbols that are carved into an exterior that has been left unchanged since the supposed alchemist lived there in the 15th century. A bookseller by profession, the stories of his life suggest that he managed to stumble across some mysterious arcane text that allowed him to learn how to turn ordinary metals to gold and that this was how he amassed a great fortune.
A great philanthropist, Flamel is thought to have carried out all sorts of strange experiments in alchemy within the four walls of his home that now houses the restaurant Auberge Nicolas Flamel. Cosy, simple, and chic inside, the Michelin star awarded restaurant is helmed today by a culinary alchemist, chef Grégory Garimbay, who serves up no-frills contemporary French delights made from the most incredible ingredients.
Completely renovated back in 2021, Auberge Nicolas Flamel features elegant interiors in neutral tones with tasteful contemporary furnishings including a comfortable and simple bank sofa circling the room, round tables, and canvas and wood chairs. There is also an open kitchen and old exposed stone walls throughout, referencing the historic setting even in the midst of these more modern touches. It is, therefore, a lovely and relaxing space in which to dine. As we have noted, it is a Michelin starred restaurant and the prices reflect this but the lunch menu option is extremely reasonable for the standard of dining at play and would make for a brilliant culinary treat during your time visiting the city.
Coming in at €64 per person, the lunch menu (only served at lunchtime) features a starter, a choice between two different main dishes, and a dessert. If you do want to try the tasting menus, however, you can go for the 5 course option at €128 or the 6 course option for €148, with wine pairing options available at additional cost. Furthermore, there is an à la carte menu that you can order from instead, with starters costing between €52 and €62, main dishes costing between €62 and €72 and desserts between €24 and €28. Lunch is served between 12.15 and 13.45 and dinner from 19.15 to 21.30 from Tuesday to Saturday and the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays. Reservations are recommended and can be made using the form on their website in both French and English or by calling them at 01 42 71 77 78.
So, if you are planning a Hallowe’en getaway in France and you are considering popping into Paris for a day during your stay, then be sure to pencil this spot in for lunch that is just a little bit magical...
Auberge Nicolas Flamel
51 Rue de Montmorency, 75003 Paris
