For the 2026 European Heritage Days, Maison de Balzac welcomes you throughout the day on September 19 and 20.
For the European Heritage Days, come and rediscover Maison de Balzac and attend two talks on recent literary publications. On Saturday, September 19, 2026, Judith Lyon-Caen will present «Balzac nous appartient. Une histoire politique de la transmission littéraire», published by CNRS Éditions. This fascinating book examines how the writer has been appropriated by people from all walks of life, for better or worse, because above all, Balzac is multifaceted. Realist, visionary, mystic, positivist… Balzac the revolutionary writer, Balzac the conservative writer, Victor Hugo's Balzac or Barbey d’Aurevilly's…. Learn more On Sunday, September 20, 2026, Jean-Claude Caron will explore smells and fragrances in Balzac through his book «Le nez de Balzac, suivi de Odorama balzacien», published by Éditions Champ Vallon. The historian has agreed to present his richly detailed book, drawing on "La Comédie humaine", as well as Balzac's correspondence and accounts from those close to him. The author also discusses Balzac's bodily odors. Balzac's nose therefore takes center stage, while Jean-Claude Caron also examines those of his characters. As the French expression goes, "il a du nez"—an evocative metaphor meaning someone has good instincts. Learn more Throughout the weekend: Guided tours of the permanent collections With "Entrez dans La Comédie humaine", this 45-minute tour offers different ways to become acquainted with this vast literary world, which, while depicting the 19th century, also portrays our own society—one that has ultimately not changed fundamentally. Our guide will bring to life colorful characters who are endearing or repulsive, but always human. Tours depart on Saturdays and Sundays at: 11h, 14h30 and 16h Learn more
Price: Registration is required for the talks by contacting balzac.ré[email protected]
Source: paris.fr — photo: Maison de Balzac