Maison de Balzac

Overview

The Maison de Balzac is a deeply charming, incredibly peaceful hidden gem tucked into the steep, affluent hills of Passy (16th arrondissement). It is the only surviving Paris residence of Honoré de Balzac, the massively prolific author of La Comédie Humaine.

Highlights

• The Studio: The spartan, almost monastic writing room where Balzac famously worked up to 15 hours a day, fueled by massive quantities of black coffee.
• The Garden: An impossibly quiet, secluded terrace garden offering unexpected, highly romantic views of the Eiffel Tower through the trees.
• The Writing Desk: Stand before the actual, heavily used small wooden table where he penned some of the greatest novels in French literature.

History

Balzac rented the top floor of this deeply hidden, modest house from 1840 to 1847 under an assumed name (Monsieur de Breugnol) specifically to hide from his massive number of creditors. The house featured a crucial double entry system via the basement, allowing him to quickly escape out the back alley if debt collectors knocked on the front door.

Visitor Tips

• Cost: The permanent collection is free, making it a delightfully low-risk excursion.
• Atmosphere: This is highly recommended for true literature fans; the collection relies heavily on manuscripts, caricatures, and historical context rather than grand architecture.
• Duration: 45 minutes.