Maison de Balzac

The Maison de Balzac is a former residence in Paris where the French author Honoré de Balzac lived and worked. The house contains five furnished rooms with personal possessions, among them the writing desk where he produced many of his celebrated novels.

The author acquired the property in 1840 and lived there for seven years during an intensely productive period of his literary career. This residence became the setting where many of his most important works took shape.

The house is named after one of France's most celebrated novelists from the 1800s, drawing visitors interested in literary history. Walking through the rooms, you can see how the author organized his daily life around his writing practice.

The site sits on a quiet street in an older neighborhood and is easily walkable. Visitors should know that stairs are narrow and the house spans multiple levels, which is helpful to understand when exploring.

The museum preserves unusual personal items, including a turquoise-studded walking cane from 1834 and an early photographic portrait of the author. These objects reveal both the artistic and personal sides of a leading 19th-century writer.

Location: 16th arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1949

Official opening: 1949

Operator: Ville de Paris

Part of: Paris Musées

Address: 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016 Paris

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +33155744180

Website: https://maisondebalzac.paris.fr

GPS coordinates: 48.85528,2.28083

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:03