Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau: visit the famous philosopher's house museum in Montmorency (95)

The Maison-Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau, better known as the Petit Mont-Louis in Montmorency, opens the doors to the refuge where the philosopher wrote his masterpieces. Between his study, his bedroom and contemporary art exhibitions, this listed historic monument combines heritage, philosophy and nature to offer an inspiring visit in the heart of Val-d'Oise (95).

Paris, 1756. Noise, smoke, mud... not exactly the ideal spot for philosophizing. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the Citizen of Geneva, decided to flee the capital and found refuge in Montmorency (95), in the charming village of l'Ermitage, thanks to thehospitality of Madame d'Épinay. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, nature reigns supreme and inspiration is the queen mother.

But the philosopher didn't stay there for long. In December 1757, he distanced himself and moved into a neighbouring house: the Petit Mont-Louis, now the Musée Jean-Jacques Rousseau, where he could finally think freely... and, above all, write!

Le Petit Mont-Louis, workshop for big ideas

In this modest but charming home, Rousseau let his pen run wild. Under the trees and in his famous study, nicknamed the "Donjon", he composed his major works: Julie ou la Nouvelle Héloïse, Lettre sur les spectacles, Du Contrat Social and Émile ou De l'éducation. His bedroom contains the furniture that once belonged to Madame d'Épinay at the Hermitage, a reminder of his legendary past.

Museum and exhibitions: from the 18th century to contemporary art

Classified as a historic monument since 1984, labeled a Maison des Illustres and a member of the Fédération des maisons d'écrivains et des patrimoines littéraires, Petit Mont-Louis is now a living museum open to the curious all year round. Guided tours of the house plunge you into Rousseau's life: his refuge, his study, and even his bedroom, where philosophical thought floated in the air. Temporary exhibitions in the 19th-century extension tell the story of the philosopher's life, the 18th century and local history. Since 2022, they have been enriched by contemporary art, offering a modern and sometimes surprising take on Rousseau's world. Visitors are free to stroll around, and younger visitors can use the game books to explore Rousseau's world in a fun way.

Nature and culture break

Fancy a break after your philosophical stroll? The garden tearoom is open several Sundays a month in high season. And right next door, the Maison des Commères is home to the Bibliothèque d'études rousseauistes, open to all by appointment.

Montmorency, land of pilgrimage

Rousseau's presence made Montmorency an unmissable destination. His sudden departure on June 9, 1762 transformed the village into a place of pilgrimage. Four sites attracted admirers and the curious: the large park and its two châteaux, the Ermitage, the Petit Mont-Louis and the Châtaigneraie. Each tells a different page of the philosopher's story, and that of a village that embraced great ideas.