THE GUIDE MUSEUMS 2021 France Today’s favourite museums


From top: Head to Centre Juno Beach to discover the story of the Canadian troops who fought so bravely; the Maison de Balzac gives a fascinating insight into the author CLASSIC


One thing the French love to do is educate themselves while they’re having fun. Art, antiques, history, literature – whatever your particular penchant, you won’t be intellectually disappointed. Perhaps you’ll wander the swanky art galleries of Paris. Or you’ll explore the childhood homes of France’s best-loved literary figures. Or, for added poignancy, you’ll visit some of the country’s many fine war museums. Often buoyed by generous government and council funding, France’s classic museums are all set to enjoy a post-pandemic revival.


Centre Juno Beach Courseulles-sur-Mer, Calvados For the D-Day landings of 1944, Juno was the name given to the stretch of coastline from Courseulles through Bernières to Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer. The taking


128 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Aug/Sep 2021


of Juno Beach was the responsibility of the Canadian forces, and this centre celebrates their heroism. As well as presenting plain facts about the war, this museum intimately touches upon the real lives of the 45,000 Canadian soldiers who died, through photographs, film, first-hand accounts and stories passed down through the generations. Guided tours of the beach and the remains of the Atlantic wall (courtesy of a Canadian guide) started in July. www.junobeach.org


Maison de Balzac 16th arrondissement, Paris


The creator of the vast collection of interlinked novels known as La Comédie humaine, Honoré de Balzac is considered one of France’s greatest ever writers. And it was in this building – where modern-day bookworms can admire various manuscripts,


original editions and illustrations – that he penned much of his work. He died at just 51 years old, a demise that, if you believe the rumours, was hastened by his habit of drinking 50 cups of tar-like coffee every day. His insane work ethic and troubling caffeine addiction are just a couple of the quirks that make this man such an intriguing literary figure. www.maisondebalzac.paris.fr


Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris 16th arrondissement, Paris MaM, as it’s fondly known, is one of the very best of the Parisian art galleries. Located in the east wing of the Palais de Tokyo, not far from the Eiffel Tower, this prestigious space is devoted entirely to contemporary art in all its glory: paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs and films are showcased against stark,


❯❯


IMAGE © SHUTTERSTOCK


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14