Audio GuideMaison de Balzac

Maison de Balzac is a writer’s house museum located in the sixteenth arrondissement of Paris at forty-seven rue Raynouard, with another entrance on rue Berton. Set within a historic pavilion that was once part of a grand residential estate and now recognised as a historical monument, it offers visitors an intimate glimpse into the life of one of France’s greatest novelists. From eighteen forty to eighteen forty-seven, Honoré de Balzac resided here, even adopting the pseudonym Monsieur Breugnol to evade his creditors.

Robert Van Kerkoerle

As you wander through the museum, you will encounter Balzac’s personal study, featuring his original writing desk and chair, along with his distinctive turquoise-studded cane, teapot, and an old coffee pot. These personal effects, alongside manuscripts, letters, rare first editions, and corrected proofs from La Comédie humaine, provide insight into the writer’s habits and creative process. An extensive genealogical chart of characters from his works further showcases the richness of his literary world.

patrick gaffet

Beyond Balzac, the museum includes collections associated with Théophile Gautier, as well as busts of the writer sculpted by celebrated artists such as Auguste Rodin. Recent renovations, completed in two thousand nineteen, have improved accessibility and refreshed the space by adding a café, a reception area, and a redesigned garden. The garden, covering approximately six hundred and fifty square metres, offers a serene setting with mature trees and benches, providing views of the Eiffel Tower. The library boasts a vast collection of editions, illustrations, and critical works on both Balzac and Gautier.

florent chaudemanche

Maison de Balzac is part of Paris's network of literary museums and actively promotes both historical and contemporary literature, as exemplified by the annual Balzac Prize launched in two thousand twenty-one.