Escovile House (Hôtel d'Escoville)

During construction in 1537, workers made an unusual discovery - they unearthed a full pewter pot filled with mercury ("vif argent" in French) in the foundations. While some attributed this mysterious find to a natural mineral vein, others believed it came from an apothecary's shop that previously stood on the site, leaving the true origin a subject of speculation to this day.

The mansion's elaborate decorative elements contain hidden alchemical symbolism, reflecting owner Nicolas le Valois d'Escoville's passionate interest in alchemy. While the building displays typical Renaissance motifs mixing biblical themes with classical antiquity, certain mysterious ornamental details appear specifically designed to represent alchemical concepts - making it a unique example of Renaissance esotericism in Normandy.

This elegant mansion became the birthplace of one of France's oldest learned societies. Starting in the early 1600s, the building hosted influential Monday intellectual gatherings led by scholar Jacques Moisant de Brieux. These meetings grew so prominent that they were formalized into the Académie des Arts et des Belles-Lettres de Caen in 1652, with sessions held in the mansion's finest hall until 1685.