Paris' Musee Carnavelet, dedicated to the history of Paris, is housed in a unique Parisian 16th-century mansion in Paris' hip Marais neighborhood.
The luxury town house, with a typical French center courtyard, was once home to Madame de Sevigny, noted for her detailed letters to her daughter (more than 1500 of them) that tell of Parisian life in the late 17th century.
The Exhibits
Rarely crowded, the Musee Carnavelet is an intriguing mixture of old and new. Entire rooms have been recreated within the museum, such as an 18th century Louis XIV-style salon, complete with gold-leaf paneling, and the Art Deco early 20th century ballroom from the Hotel de Wendel. Other of the 140 rooms are devoted to such things as prehistoric artifacts from the Parisii tribe who once inhabited the Ile de la Cite; souvenirs from the Revolution, such as Robespierre's final letter; antique maps; and important painting, as well as the furniture from the room where Marcel Proust wrote his lengthy A Recherché du Temps Perdu. There is also a spectacular ceiling painted by the French muralist Le Brun.
The Gardens
The gardens, too, are spectacular, designed in the classic 18th century French style with manicured boxwood hedges in the formal parterre pattern. The gardens make a pleasant oasis in the middle of the bustling city.
Visiting the Carnavalet Museum
The Carnavalet Museum is easily accessible via the Paris Metro system via the Saint-Paul or Chemin Vert stations. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10am to 540pm. The museum is closed on Mondays and holidays. Nearby attractions include the Picasso Museum and the magnificent 17th century town square, la Place des Vosges.
Contact Information
Musee Carnavalet, 23, rue de Sévigné, 75003 Paris, Telephone: 01 44 59 58 58
