Nights of Reading 2026: An Artistic Showcase in a Literary Cocktail at the Maison de Balzac

Step through the door of one of Passy's best-kept secrets for an evening celebrating literary brilliance. During the Nights of Reading 2026, the Balzac House invites you to delve into the mysteries of creativity through an engaging performance.

The Nuits de la Lecture celebrate literature in all its facets across five evenings, from January 21 to 25, 2026. This year, the theme “Cities and Countryside” offers a particularly resonant perspective on the works of those who have depicted French society in its diversity. Paris transforms into a hub of literary encounters, where writer's houses and libraries open their doors for shared moments of discovery.

An invitation to rediscover the power of words set within settings often imbued with history and emotion, such as the House of Balzac on January 24th. Nestled on the slopes of Passy, this residence is the only remaining home of Honoré de Balzac in Paris. It was here, in this modest pavilion with its garden overlooking the Eiffel Tower, that the author of La Comédie humaine took refuge under a pseudonym to escape his creditors and craft some of his greatest masterpieces.

The Nuits de la Lecture Event Series at the Maison de Balzac

For this year's Nights of Reading, Josselin Guillois invites you to explore the hidden depths of creation — from the author’s private space to the glamorous world of literary and social gatherings. Over several sessions, you’ll witness the different stages of crafting a story, starting in the writer’s personal, wild, intense, and intimate workspace, then moving to a public library where readings, conversations, and exchanges will take place with the audience — reminiscent of a 19th-century salon where art, love, and society were the main topics.

A glass of wine will be provided, and some attendees might even get to taste the author's cuisine firsthand. You’ll see a story taking shape, hear it come to life, and perhaps even influence its direction through your comments. This is a true performance: in just four hours, Josselin Guillois invites you to participate in the creation of his latest work.

At the writing desk or in the living room, in the kitchen and the workshop, during a frenetic, schizophrenic marathon, we'll see whether the creator needs to peel off their soul to become who they are, and give birth to a story. Meanwhile, the museum will allow visitors, for once, the pleasure of inspiring—or teasing—the creator. It’s not every day that happens. But by the finish line, a work will have been born.

Heads up: while the event is free, entry to the exhibition costs between 9 and 11 euros — don’t forget to register in advance.