Many of France's greatest artists chose to live in the capital or in the Ile-de-France region, which abounds in pretty little bucolic spots, ideal for creating the immense works we know today. Writers, musicians and painters have written, sculpted, painted and imagined some of the greatest achievements of which we are so proud. To discover the lives of these great men and immerse yourself in the environment in which they immersed themselves, why not visit their exceptional homes?
Most of them are open to the public and have been transformed into museums or artists' studios. Often little-known and hidden from the public, they nevertheless conceal priceless treasures and are veritable little havens of peace, where anyone can find calm and creativity. Discover in this guide the most beautiful artists' homes that the editorial team has visited. Jean Cocteau, Honoré de Balzac, Claude Monet and so many others - all you have to do is choose your destination for the day!
The Maison de Balzac, home of the famous writer, and its secret garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower
The Maison de Balzac, one of the famous writer's homes, is one of the capital's literary gems, located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris. This house-museum also boasts an incredible garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, as well as a café. [Read more]
Maison Gainsbourg and its museum in Paris: a plunge into the world of the famous artist
30 minutes of immersion in Serge Gainsbourg's incredible home, where everything has remained unchanged since his death on March 2, 1991. This is the moving and incredible experience that the Maison Gainsbourg has been offering since September 20, 2023. For the occasion, we pushed open the doors of the Maison Gainsbourg. We tell you all about this visit, a real plunge into the singer's intimacy, guided by Charlotte Gainsbourg's voice. [Read more]
Musée Zadkine: l'Atelier - Museum near the Jardin du Luxembourg
On the edge of the Jardin du Luxembourg, the Musée Zadkine in Paris opens its doors to its permanent collection, free of charge, all year round, in the heart of a green setting populated by sculptures. Nestled at 100 bis rue d'Assas, the museum is the former home of iconic sculptor Ossip Zadkine, who lived there from 1928 to 1967. [Read more]
The Musée Bourdelle, a free museum-workshop dedicated to the sculptor in Paris
The Musée Bourdelle, dedicated to the famous sculptor, awaits you in the 15th arrondissement, with an itinerary designed for adults and children alike. As an added bonus, there's a café-restaurant perfect for prolonging the visit. [Read more]
The Musée Gustave Moreau, the painter's timeless home and studio in Paris
The Musée Gustave Moreau is a confidential Parisian museum nestled in the 9th arrondissement, where you can visit the artist's apartment and studio, and admire his famous staircase and numerous works of the Symbolist movement. [Read more]
Musée Delacroix: a must-see museum for Eugène Delacroix lovers in Paris
Discover the Musée Delacroix, a jewel in the 6th arrondissement of Paris, dedicated to the famous painter Eugène Delacroix. Explore the fascinating history of the museum, from its rescue to its transformation into a cultural space, and immerse yourself in contemporary exhibitions. A must for art and history lovers! [Read more]
Victor Hugo's house in Paris, an artistic plunge into the world of the famous author
The Maison de Victor Hugo is tucked away on the Place des Vosges in the heart of Paris. This museum dedicated to France's most famous author lets us discover the apartment where the artist and his family lived. [Read more]
Maison de Claude Debussy: discover the composer's world at Saint-Germain-en-Laye
The Maison de Claude Debussy, the famous French composer, opens its doors to you in the heart of Saint-Germain-en-Laye! This is your chance to enter his world, in the house where he was born, a listed historic monument. [Read more]
The Château de Monte-Cristo, Alexandre Dumas' hidden and unusual home
Discover the Château de Monte-Cristo, the residence imagined by the writer Alexandre Dumas. Set in an English garden in the heart of the Yvelines, on the Saint-Germain-en-Laye side, you'll find an exuberantly styled 19th-century château and its small Château d'If. We take you on a tour of this hidden heritage, listed as a historic monument. [Read more]
The Elsa Triolet-Aragon House, museum and residence of the writer couple in the heart of the Yvelines
In the heart of the Yvelines, discover the green setting that hosted the love story of the two writers Louis Aragon and Elsa Triolet, in an old water mill. Enjoy a fascinating guided tour and the quietness of the six-hectare park, conducive to daydreaming and creation. [Read more]
In Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, a funny escape in the house-museum of Raymond Devos
Want to break the routine? Take a leap into the funny and poetic world of Raymond Devos, by visiting his house in Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, near Paris. [Read more]
The Arp Foundation in Clamart: an artist's house that has survived the decades
Are you an art lover or just curious? In Clamart, it is possible to visit the former house-studio of Jean Arp and Sophie Taeuber. Discover an atypical place, born from the creative imagination of a couple of sculptors. [Read more]
Maison de Chateaubriand: an incursion in the heart of literary and architectural romanticism
At the end of RER B, heading to Robinson, stand the Maison de Chateaubriand in the Domaine de la Vallée-aux-Loups. Discover this elegant house that was used by the writer and his wide for many years. [Read more]
The Caillebotte house, home of the famous Impressionist painter in Yerres (91)
Located in the heart of the beautiful Caillebotte estate, notable for its immense park, the Maison Caillebotte stands out for its large white colonnades: reopened to the public in 2017, it's the perfect opportunity to discover the home of the famous Impressionist painter, Gustave Caillebotte. [Read more]
The Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly la Forêt, a bucolic interlude between art and history in Essonne
We're off to Essonne, and more precisely to Milly-la-Forêt, to discover the former Maison du Bailli, a place steeped in history that was once the home of Jean Cocteau. Now a museum and a "Maison des Illustres", the house awaits you for a new season from May 2 to November 3, 2024. [Read more]
The Moulin de Dannemois, home of Claude François, can be visited in Essonne
Paris has no shortage of artists who have fled the capital for the countryside: painters, singers, actors and artists have found calm, serenity and fresh air in the Île-de-France region. Near Dannemois, you can discover the home of the singer Claude François. [Read more]
Victor Hugo's literary home, a country house lost in the Bièvre valley (91)
You've heard of the house of writer Victor Hugo, located on the Place Vosges, but have you heard of Victor Hugo's literary home? Far from Paris, this exceptional residence is well worth a visit. Shall we take you there? [Read more]
Maison-atelier Foujita in Essonne: an intimate glimpse of the famous Franco-Japanese painter
Come and discover the incredible life of Léonard Tsuguharu Foujita, talented Franco-Japanese painter and true jack-of-all-trades, by pushing open the doors of the Maison-atelier Foujita nestled in the small village of Villiers-le-Bâcle, Essonne. Would you like a tour? [Read more]
Jean-François Millet's Museum and Studio in Barbizon, a dive into history
Want to explore the world of Jean-François Millet, the famous 19th century painter who inspired Van Gogh? Go to Barbizon, where you can visit his historic museum and studio. [Read more]
Discover the Château Musée et atelier Rosa Bonheur in Thomery: a haven of inspiration
We're off to discover the Château et atelier Rosa Bonheur in Thomery, where the famous artist lived for almost 40 years in Seine-et-Marne. Soak up her creative world and her passion for animals on a guided tour full of discoveries. [Read more]
Claude Monet's Maison Impressionniste, the museum of the painter's life in Argenteuil
To discover the life of Claude Monet, there's no need to go as far as Giverny, as the Maison Impressionniste de Claude Monet in Argenteuil is home to an immersive museum about the painter. [Read more]
In the footsteps of Vincent Van Gogh, a walk in Auvers-sur-Oise
Vincent Van Gogh spent the last days of his life in Auvers-sur-Oise, a few kilometers from Paris. This beautiful town is the perfect place for a stroll in the footsteps of one of the world's most famous painters. Van Gogh, like the city of Auvers, have not finished revealing all their secrets... [Read more]
Who knows, maybe all these visits will inspire you to take up painting, sculpture or writing!
Dates and Opening Time
From March 19, 2023 to December 31, 2027
