Paris culture: Seven artist’s homes you can visit in the capital

Victor Hugo, Balzac, Le Corbusier… All of these celebrated French creatives have taken up residence in Paris or its suburbs at some point in their lives.  Their homes are all open to the public, and definitely deserve a visit.

Victor Hugo’s house

Considered one of the most famous Parisian artist houses, Victor Hugo’s residence is located on the second floor of the Hotel de Rohan-Guémené, at the Place des Vosges in the heart of the 4th. The author of Notre-Dame de Paris lived there from 1832 to 1848. Today, the home has been transformed into a museum and even features original furniture, including the table where Hugo wrote some of his greatest works.

Maisons de Victor Hugo, 6 Place des Vosges, 75004 Paris. It is currently closed for construction.

The home of Honoré Balzac

Nestled in the heart of the 16th arrondissement, in the Passy neighborhood, it is here that Balzac wrote his greatest work, La Comédie Humaine.  Transformed into a museum, the Maison de Balzac reveals the life and times of the 19th century writer through his manuscripts, paintings, and engravings.

Maison de Balzac, 47 Rue Raynouard, 75016 Paris.

The home of Serge Gainsbourg

Admittedly, Serge Gainsbourg’s house is not open to the public, but the residence, situated between the 6th and 7th, is a must-see, if only for the colorful graffiti that adorns its facade.

Maison de Gainsbourg, 5bis Rue de Verneuil, 75006 Paris

Le Corbusier’s apartment

Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, the apartment of famous architect and urban planner, Le Courbusier, has been open to the public for about ten years now.  Guests can visit the residence, located within a building designed by Le Courbusier himself and classified as a historical monument since 1972, by reservation only.

Appartement-atelier de Le Corbusier, 24 Rue Nungesser et Coli, 75016 Paris.

The home of Eugène Delacroix

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Près, well-hidden behind the large church of the same name, is the final resting place of Eugène Delacroix. The painter lived here between 1857 and 1863, the year of his death.  Visitors can explore Delacroix’s apartment and studio, as well as the magnificent green garden, the perfect place to stroll in the shade and relax, far from the bustle of the adjacent streets.

Musée Eugène Delacroix, 6 Rue de Furstemberg, 75006 Paris.

The home of Claude Monet

It’s impossible to separate Giverny from Claude Monet. It was in this village, an hour’s drive from Paris, that the artist painted, among other things, his most famous series, Water Lilies. Today, visitors enjoy the charming house with its beautiful and colorful rooms, the small footbridges that traverse the water garden, and above the beautiful flower gardens, full of the colorful blooms that he loved so much.

Maison de Monet, 84 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny.

The home of Gustave Moreau

It was in this house that Gustave Moreau took up residence during the 19th century. Nestled in the 9th arrondissement, it has been transformed post-mortem into a museum.

Musée National Gustave Moreau, 14 Rue de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris.

Source: Culture : Sept maisons d’artistes à visiter à Paris

Cover photo: Musée Eugene Delacroix by xiquinhosilva from Cacau / CC BY