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Origin and history

The building of 93 rue Saint-Honoré, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, dates from the 16th century but underwent major changes under the Management Board or in 1825. Its facade, influenced by architect Palladio, takes over the motif of the Serlienne, a rare element in Parisian urban architecture. As early as 1637, the building housed a pharmacy, as evidenced by its sign Au Bourdon d These sets, exceptional for the time, also include trompe-l'oeil vases representing aloe, a medicinal plant.

The balcony of the building is decorated with motifs related to the pharmacy: a snake (symbol of Asclepios), a vase, and four shells of Santiago, evoking the pilgrimage. The present front, although without major architectural interest, has retained the golden sign, vestige of its commercial past. The pharmacy had already closed at the beginning of the twentieth century, but its interior and exterior decor remains a unique testimony of medieval and modern signs. The roof and facade (with its decor) have been protected since 1962 and 1984.

The building illustrates the evolution of Parisian buildings, where old structures (XVI century) were reinterpreted during subsequent renovations (Directory, 1825). Its decoration combines religious references (Saint-Jacques), scientists (aloes, snake) and architectural (palladian influence), reflecting the mixed uses — habitat and commerce — typical of the historic centre of Paris. The accuracy of its location is considered poor (note 5/10), but its address (93 rue Saint-Honoré) is attested by the Merimée bases.

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