The Old Pharmacy of the Hôtel-Dieu du Puy-en-Velay: Memory of Ancestral Knowledge
Perched atop Le Puy-en-Velay, backed by the cathedral, the former pharmacy of the Hôtel-Dieu is a living testament to the medicine of yesteryear, where charity and knowledge combined to offer care and comfort to the most deprived. Now preserved as an exceptional heritage site, it immerses us in the world of 17th-century apothecaries and their approach to herbal remedies. Between history, traditions, and medicinal heritage, let's discover the secrets of this unique place.
The Hôtel-Dieu du Puy-en-Velay: a refuge serving souls and bodies
Founded in the Middle Ages as the "Hospital for the Poor of Our Lady," the Hôtel-Dieu had a deeply spiritual and charitable vocation. It primarily welcomed pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, often exhausted by their journey. Rather than curative medicine, the establishment provided them with essential hygiene care: washing feet, clothing, and first aid to enable them to continue their journey in the best possible conditions.
At a time when academic medicine was viewed with suspicion, apothecaries and herbalists were the most sought-after. Faced with leprosy epidemics and devastating fevers, the inhabitants of Le Puy-en-Velay placed greater trust in natural remedies made from local plants. This medical tradition was based on a balance between empirical knowledge and popular beliefs, in which medicinal plants and the care provided by nursing sisters were the main remedies for everyday ailments.
A treasure trove of herbalism and architecture | The Old Pharmacy of the Hôtel-Dieu du Puy-en-Velay
With its carved walnut and cherry woodwork, its ornately molded ceiling, and its shelves with 310 drawers labeled in white enamel with a gold border, the pharmacy is a testament to the refinement and seriousness that surrounded the apothecaries' art. Behind each drawer, a plant, a root, or a powder with carefully listed virtues to treat the sick.
Auvergne, rich in more than 270 medicinal species, was an ideal terrain for gathering and growing the plants used in the old Hôtel-Dieu Pharmacy in Put-en-Velay. Among the most emblematic are:
Lemon verbena , known for its digestive and relaxing properties.
Arnica , essential for treating bruises and muscle pain.
Yellow gentian , known to stimulate the appetite and aid digestion.
Cornflower and chamomile , often used to soothe eye and skin irritations.
Some plants were grown directly in the Hôtel-Dieu's vegetable garden, while others were purchased from local herbalists or exchanged with other hospitals.
While the days of the Hôtel-Dieu apothecaries are long gone, their legacy continues to resonate throughout local culture. The growing interest in natural healing and herbal medicine reflects a return to ancient knowledge, in which plants play an essential role in daily well-being.
By visiting the historic pharmacy, smelling the dried herbs that still fill the centuries-old drawers, everyone can reconnect with this art of healing in harmony with nature. A priceless heritage that, far from being static, continues to inspire those who seek to reconcile tradition and modernity.
