Descending the stairs of the Rue Raynouard entrance I found myself wandering through the lush garden of the Maison de Balzac, the former home of French novelist Honoré de Balzac. The little bungalow, a museum now, was where he lived from 1840 to 1847.

Amongst the original manuscripts and sculptures of the great man it was the personal belongings, and domestic details that made Balzac come to life; his writing desk, coffee pot, the kitchen and stove.

I enjoyed the woodcut blocks. Seeing the faces of his characters in relief. It’s FREE to get in, and the garden is a lovely place to hang out.
There’s a café too.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm.
Location: 47, rue Raynouard, 75016 Paris