401, rue Bonsecours

Standing at the corner of St-Paul Street and Bonsecours, you’re greeted by the striking presence of the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel—one of the oldest and most beloved religious landmarks in Montreal. Just across the street stands a stone house built in 1770, known today by the name of its first occupant, De Clavet.

The house’s architectural features are particularly eye-catching: wood-framed window panes, and an unusual continuous stone side wall that cleverly integrates the chimney—details rarely seen in other buildings of the same era. These elements hint at the craftsmanship and style of 18th-century New France.

The personal story of De Clavet adds a layer of mystery to the house’s legacy. His journey to New France was marked by hardship, and his life ended tragically in a shipwreck. Some say his spirit never left—the house has a reputation for being haunted. Over the years, the building has taken on many roles: it has served as a guest house, a convenience store, a museum, a restaurant, and once again a guest house. Its walls have welcomed travelers of all kinds—including some Hollywood celebrities—adding yet another layer to its storied past.

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