Marcel Proust 's elegant silhouette strode the salons, boulevards and bookshops of the capital with tenacious discretion. From the Plaine Monceau to the Ritz, from Boulevard Haussmann to Rue de Courcelles, the novelist made Paris not only his daily theater, but also a central backdrop for his work.
The man who explored time and memory with unrivalled finesse inscribed his name in the stones, alleys and places still visible today in the City of Light. To follow in his footsteps is to trace the thread of a literary Paris that is still alive, at the crossroads of memories and words.
Search for Marcel Proust in Paris.
A major Frenchnovelist of the 20ᵉ century, highly influential for his profound exploration of memory, time and consciousness, Marcel Proust (1871-1922) is behindÀ la recherche du temps perdu, a monumental seven-volume novel that ranks among the greatest masterpieces of modern literature. In it, the author invents an introspective style that revolutionizes the way of thinking about the novel, while taking a sensitive, meticulous look at existence.
9 boulevard Malesherbes (8ᵉ arr.). The place of his childhood, when he walked and played near Parc Monceau.
45 rue de Courcelles (8ᵉ arr.). The family apartment where he lived from 1900 to 1906, the place of his earliest memories of worldly life.
102 boulevard Haussmann (8ᵉ arr.). His main home from 1906 to 1919, where he wrote À la recherche du temps perdu.
The Fontaine Haussmann bookshop(8ᵉ arr.). Proust regularly bought books there via his housekeeper, Céleste Albaret. Even today, the bookshop perpetuates its Proustian roots by organizing meetings and events around the writer.
The literary salons of rue La Pérouse (16ᵉ arr.). Another discreet trace of Marcel Proust remains in the Parisian literary salons of the Belle Époque. Among them, Laure Hayman's, initially located at 4, rue La Pérouse, then at 34 avenue du Président-Wilson, is particularly notable and Proust frequented it assiduously.
Place de la Madeleine (8ᵉ arr.) and the Grands Boulevards. A strategic landmark for outings and shopping.
Maxim's restaurant (8ᵉ arr.) and theRitz Paris hotel (1ᵉ arr.), quasi-extensions of his home.
Parc Monceau, the romantic park in Paris
Parc Monceau, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful flower gardens in Paris, nestling between the 8th and 17th arrondissements, is a romantic haven of peace where ruins, artists' sculptures and lush vegetation stand side by side. We take you on a tour to discover its history and special features. [Read more]
If you want to learn a little more about the history of Paris's major squares before setting off to (re)discover them on foot at the end of lockdown, follow the guide! [Read more]
Maxim's has had a makeover, reopening its doors under the aegis of the Paris Society. A new chapter in the history of this Parisian institution. [Read more]
Musée Carnavalet (3ᵉ arr.). Discover a meticulous reconstruction of Marcel Proust's bedroom, with its brass bed, cork panels, pelisse, pocket watch, inkwell, pencil box, notebook, and even a lock of his hair. This collection, bequeathed by Jacques Guérin, provides a deeply moving immersion in the author's intimate world. The scenography, sometimes described as that of a cabinet of curiosities, encourages an intimate and sensitive look at his Parisian life.
The Salon Proust at the Ritz Paris (1ᵉ arr.). At the Ritz Paris, located on Place Vendôme, the Salon Proust unveils a refined literary setting in which to relive lost times over a French-style cup of tea. You're welcomed into a warmly wood-panelled space, with a library, fireplace and comfortable armchairs, conducive to Proustian reverie.
L'allée Marcel-Proust (8ᵉ arr.). A pedestrian alley named in homage to Proust, in the gardens of the Champs-Élysées, recalling his childhood games in this part of Paris.
Père-Lachaise cemetery (20ᵉ arr.). Marcel Proust's burial place, now a literary pilgrimage site for his admirers.
The Musée Carnavalet invites you to discover the history of the capital. Discover what awaits you in Paris' oldest museum, which has the advantage of being free... [Read more]
The Père Lachaise cemetery is not only the largest cemetery in Paris, but also one of the most visited in the world. Whether for its history, its illustrious figures or even its legends, this place is a must-see in the capital. [Read more]
Le Swann, the literary hotel dedicated to Marcel Proust, next to Gare Saint-Lazare
We're off in search of lost time at the superb Swann literary hotel, near Gare Saint-Lazare. A place dedicated to Marcel Proust, the brand's first literary hotel! [Read more]
Location
Carnavalet Museum
23 Rue de Sévigné
75003 Paris 3
Parc Monceau, the romantic park in Paris
Discovering the historic squares of Paris
Parisian institution Maxim's has been given a makeover under the aegis of Paris Society.
Musée Carnavalet, Paris's oldest museum dedicated to the capital's history
Père Lachaise, Paris's most mythical cemetery and the graves of famous personalities
