MUSEUMS 2022 THE GUIDE
Maison de Balzac Paris, Île-de-France
The creator of the vast collection of interlinked novels known as La Comédie Humaine, Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) 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 no fewer than 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 Paris, Île-de-France 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, almost clinical white settings. This year’s roster of exhibitions includes paintings by Eugène Leroy and Jean- Michel Meurice, drawings by Xavier Veilhan and multimedia works by Pierrette Bloch.
www.mam.paris.fr
Le Mémorial de Falaise Falaise, Calvados Open from Wednesday to Sunday, this museum is dedicated to the lives and the survival of civilians during World War II. Through dramatic film, photography and period exhibits, you will experience all aspects of wartime life in Normandy, ranging from city air raids and German occupation to the Resistance, the Jewish persecution, and the eventual
Juno Beach Centre is one of many excellent remembrance sites across northern France
Allied liberation. It all makes for an intriguing and moving visit.
www.memorial-falaise.com
Centre de la mémoire d’Oradour Oradour-sur-Glane, Haute-Vienne The village of Oradour-sur-Glane was the site of one of the worst Second World War atrocities in France. In 1944, after learning that an SS officer had been held captive here, the Germans brutally killed a total of 643 people, including more than 200 children, and razed much of the village to the ground. After the war, Charles de Gaulle decided Oradour-sur-Glane should never be rebuilt – as a memorial to the cruelty of the occupying army. Today you can visit the Centre de la mémoire d’Oradour, as well as the ruined village itself. Prepare to be deeply moved by the whole experience.
www.oradour.org
Musée de la Gendarmerie Nationale Melun, Seine-et-Marne Dive headfirst into France’s police history with a trip to Melun’s astonishing
Gendarmerie Museum, less than an hour’s drive from Paris. The
immense glass display cases are set across 1,200m2
of museum
space, featuring 44 mannequins dressed in old police uniforms, plus weapons, figurines, paintings, photos, badges and insignia. Arresting stuff.
www.gendarmerie.interieur.gouv. fr/musee
La Piscine Roubaix, Nord Roubaix’s former municipal baths are a glorious example of Art Deco architecture, with intricate mosaic tiles, enamel shower cubicles, stained-glass windows, and a whole cast of beautiful sculptures and statues waiting to dive into the water. Abandoned since 1985, the building was eventually turned into a museum in 2001. Nowadays it combines exhibitions of fine and applied arts, all under the name La Piscine – Musée d’art et d’industrie André Diligent. Amidst the stunning decor, you’ll discover over 71,000 sculptures, paintings, ceramics, glass, furniture, jewellery, fabrics and fashion exhibits, including works by Giacometti, Rodin, Claudel and Picasso.
www.roubaix-lapiscine.com
Musée Bayeux Bayeux, Calvados It’s the original comic book. The magnificent 70m-long Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered bande dessinée documenting the events of the Norman invasion of England in 1066. Its blood, gore and medieval battle scenes have amazed and scared viewers for centuries. Around 400,000 people visit the Bayeux Tapestry every year, but if you can’t make it in person, there is a brilliant digital version to be viewed online. The museum itself will benefit from a €20m facelift, due for completion by 2026. There are also two accompanying museums nearby in Bayeux which are well worth a visit: le Musée Mémorial de la Bataille de Normandie and MAHB – Musée d’art et d’histoire Baron Gérard.
www.bayeuxmuseum.com
Airborne Museum Sainte-Mère-Église, Manche Recently renovated, this museum celebrates the great sacrifice made by American paratroopers of the 82nd 101st
and
Airborne during D-Day. It’s located a short distance away from the Normandy
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IMAGE © CENTRE JUNO BEACH
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