Did you know? Jacques Prévert's former home, located behind the Moulin Rouge, is open to visitors.

Jacques Prévert’s former apartment in Montmartre remains open to visitors until 2026. This intimate, authentic space—threatened by the expansion of the Moulin Rouge—offers an exclusive glimpse into the poet’s world through specially curated guided tours.

What if you could step through the door into the world of Jacques Prévert, as if opening a poem? At 6 bis Véron Street, in the 18th arrondissement of Paris, just a few steps from the dazzling facade of the Moulin Rouge, the Jacques Prévert Apartment opens its doors. This timeless space, where the poet lived, worked, and hosted artists and friends, is now managed by the association Chez Jacques Prévert, dedicated to preserving its legacy. Today, you can visit by reservation through the HelloAsso platform, joining a guided tour organized by the association's team.

This unique space, part artist’s home and part studio, also hosts the publishing activities of the Fatras association, dedicated to managing the poet’s legacy. Every object, every detail remains exactly as it was, as if Prévert had just stepped out for a moment. Pencils, books, pinned posters, eclectic portraits… everything here breathes his world. The apartment isn't a static museum; that very liveliness is what makes it so authentic and vibrant.

A Meeting with the Soul of a Poet

Are you curious about poetry? Passionate about Parisian culture? Did you grow up with Le Cancre or Les Feuilles mortes? This tour is made for you. Wandering through the bright rooms of this modest yet historically rich residence, you'll immerse yourself in the world of the one who contributed some of the 20th century’s most beautiful pages. And if you're a researcher, a teacher, or simply a lover of words, know that this Place continues to thrive through a schedule of intellectual and artistic gatherings.

A Landmark at Risk: Preserving a Fading Memory

But there’s a real sense of urgency. This iconic site is under threat of disappearance. The Moulin Rouge cabaret, which owns the premises, has informed the organization that the lease will not be renewed. The apartment must be vacated by March 31, 2026, as part of a plan to expand the cabaret, which also includes the former residence of Boris Vian, located next door to Prevert’s previous home. Two emblematic sites of Paris’s artistic heritage, now facing an uncertain future.

This initiative has struck a chord across the cultural world. A petition launched by Eugénie Bachelot-Prévert, the poet's granddaughter and head of the association, has already gathered close to 37,000 signatures. An open letter has also been sent to the Minister of Culture, signed by prominent figures such as Patrick Modiano, Costa-Gavras, and Patti Smith. There is a shared consensus: Montmartre’s rich history deserves better than to be gradually erased from its literary memories.

Prévert, a Timeless Poet for Everyone

Jacques Prévert, a towering name in French-language poetry, continues to be a presence today. Since its publication in 1946, his collection Paroles has sold over 4.5 million copies, and his poems are taught in more than 500 schools and institutions bearing his name. He embodies a language that is simple, direct, and profoundly human. Prévert’s words resonate with children and adults alike, dreamers and rebels alike. Translated into more than 40 languages, he has left a lasting mark on generations, reaching audiences far beyond France, especially in Italy.

What some might have dismissed as “simple” poetry has, over time, emerged as a vital voice of the 20th century—blending surrealism, activism, and tenderness. Her work still resonates today, echoing through the streets, filling library shelves, and inspiring students in classrooms. Walking into her apartment, you can feel this unrestrained, rebellious voice—the same one that continues to echo in a world searching for meaning.

A Battle for Authenticity in Montmartre

The campaign led by the Chez Jacques Prévert association is also a fight to preserve the authenticity of Montmartre. As the neighborhood faces the impacts of increasing over-tourism, losing such a culturally significant spot would be seen as a gradual erasure of the district’s artistic soul. The organization is calling on the government to designate the site as a historical monument, safeguarding it from any alterations or relocations.

This place cannot be recreated anywhere else. Every detail, every piece of furniture, every corner of the apartment contributes to a story deeply rooted in its space. Moving it, as some have suggested, would strip it of its meaning. Stepping through the door of 6 bis cité Véron, you enter a world where poetry is not just a memory but a living, vibrant presence. A cultural breath in a capital sometimes overwhelmed by hustle and bustle. A delicate, precious space that you can experience… as long as it's still here.

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