In the heart of Touraine, the château de Saché and the Musée Balzac proposes a journey in the life and literature of one of the most renowned French writers, Honoré de Balzac. Bearing testimony to a long and venerable history, its Renaissance architecture retains discreet signs of its original medieval construction and successive transformations, and since the 19th century, it has exuded a distinctly romantic atmosphere. Its magnificent 5-acre park is conducive to contemplation of the nearby landscapes, the village, and the Indre valley. Discovery of this congenial manor adored by Balzac immerses the visitor in the work of the writer with his evocations of familiar sites and favors contemplation of what were once his living spaces.
Appreciated by Balzac due to its pure air and romantic setting, the château has preserved its intimate character, far from the tumult of a bustling Paris. Giving his pulmonary and cardiac difficulties, the calm and peaceable site allowed the author to unwind during lengthy improvised strolls in the century-old woods of the estate and to relax in the company of its owner, Jean Margonne. On several occasions during the 1830s and the 1840s, Balzac sojourned in Saché ; it was the place where he started Le Père Goriot, hoped to finish Séraphîta and corrected the proofs of César Birotteau.

More than a simple life environment, Touraine became a source of inspiration, particularly as regards his novel Le Lys dans la Vallée. Indefatigable worker, Balzac constantly drew from Saché the resources necessary to his writing. Suffering starting in 1848 from severe heart disease, in spite of repeated stays in what he called his “monastery”, Balzac passed away in Paris on 18 August 1850.
In 1951, a little more than a century after Balzac’s passing, thanks to the steadfast determination of Paul Métadier, the owner at the time, and his son Bernard-Paul with his abiding passion for the author of La comédie humaine, Saché became the Musée Balzac in memory of the writer. Handed over in 1958 to the French departmental authorities, the site has by no means lost its soul, and its romantic aura remains intact. Inside the manor, the different rooms and their decors are evocative of various works by the author, one example being the atmosphere of the château of Clochegourde in Le Lys dans la Vallée. On the second floor, visitors can movingly acquaint themselves with the intimate surroundings of a literary giant as they discover his room, which has remained practically the same since his death in 1850. All in all, no less than 2300 collectors’ items, including a number of rare prints, embody the preciousness of a captivating site suffused with history. The Musée Balzac also contains several statues of the writer created by the most renowned artists of their time (Auguste Rodin, to begin with). Every year, guided tours, organized events and activities, musical salons and workshops combine to enliven a genuine heritage jewel, bringing back to mind the whist and backgammon games that Balzac relished.

Photo gallery of Musée Balzac

Visits

  • Average duration of the individual visit : 01h00
  • Group educational visits
  • Average duration of the group visit : 01h30
  • Available languages
    • Panneaux : French, English, German
    • Parlées : French, English

Activities

  • Specific theme activities
  • Adult workshop
  • Junior workshop
  • Conferences
  • Temporary exhibitions

Opening time

From July 01 to August 31, 2023
Monday10 AM - 07 PM
Tuesday10 AM - 07 PM
Wenesday10 AM - 07 PM
Thursday10 AM - 07 PM
Friday10 AM - 07 PM
Saturday10 AM - 07 PM
Sunday10 AM - 07 PM
From September 01 to October 31, 2023
Monday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
Tuesday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
Wenesday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
Thursday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
Friday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
Saturday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
Sunday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 06 PM
From November 01 to December 31, 2023
Monday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 05 PM
TuesdayClosed
Wenesday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 05 PM
Thursday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 05 PM
Friday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 05 PM
Saturday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 05 PM
Sunday10 AM - 12:30 PM and 02 PM - 05 PM
Details on closing times : Tuesday

Prices

Full adult price

Annual subscription pass

Discount rate

Group rate

Free rate

Further information

Labels

  • Accueil vélo
    Accueil vélo
  • Qualité Tourisme
    Qualité Tourisme

Payment method

  • Credit Card
  • Mastercard

Services and equipments

  • Shop
  • Parking