La maison de Colette

Explore the intimate world of this woman of letters

La Maison de Colette, located in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, Burgundy, is an iconic place that traces the life and work of one of the greatest French writers of the 20th century, Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, better known as Colette.

This residence, which had a profound influence on the author's childhood and literary career, is now a place of pilgrimage for literature lovers and curious visitors eager to immerse themselves in the intimate world of this exceptional woman of letters.

Learn more about Colette's house

Visiting Colette's house is an immersive experience that brings you closer to the writer's world. It is a journey through time, but also a dive into a world where nature, literature, and freedom come together to create a unique work. Visitors often leave with a new appreciation for Colette, not only as a writer, but also as a woman of her time, whose influence continues to shine.

Whether you are a literature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious and eager to discover, the Maison de Colette offers a moment of contemplation and reflection, where you can immerse yourself in the spirit of this great lady of French literature. It is a place where the past meets the present, where you can let yourself be carried away by memories of a happy childhood, and where you can rediscover Colette's work in a new light.

In addition to the show, the castle offers guided tours, educational workshops for children, and themed events such as medieval markets, historical reenactments, and temporary exhibitions. These immersive activities allow visitors to enjoy an authentic and enriching experience.

A haven of childhood memories

Born in 1873, Colette spent the early years of her life in this house in Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye. It was here, in the heart of the Burgundy countryside, that she drew much of her literary inspiration. The house, which she affectionately called “Claudine's house” after the main character in her early novels, is surrounded by gardens that also featured in her work.

You will discover that the importance of this house in Colette's life cannot be underestimated. She spent her childhood here. And it was here that she developed her love of nature, animals, and the landscapes of the Burgundy countryside. These elements are found in many of her writings, where nature and the sensations it evokes play a central role. The house, with its walls laden with memories, is a veritable time capsule. It offers visitors a glimpse into Colette's life in that distant era.

The house itself: a central character

Colette's house is much more than just a place to live; it is a character in its own right in the writer's work. As soon as you cross the threshold, you are immersed in a unique atmosphere. Each room tells a story, each object has a meaning. The house has been restored to recreate the atmosphere that prevailed when Colette lived there.

The ground floor of the house comprises the living room, dining room, and kitchen. These rooms reflect the bourgeois lifestyle of the Colette family. Visitors can see period furniture, family photographs, and personal items that belonged to the writer. Colette's bedroom, located upstairs, is particularly moving. It was in this room that the young Colette spent many hours reading, dreaming, and writing her first lines. The view from her bedroom window overlooks the garden, a space she particularly loved. It has been carefully preserved to maintain the spirit of the place.

The gardens: an inexhaustible source of inspiration

The gardens surrounding the house are a true haven of peace, just as they were in Colette's time. They are divided into several areas, each with its own atmosphere and function. There is the vegetable garden, where the family grew vegetables and herbs, the ornamental garden, with its colorful flowers and trimmed shrubs, and the wild garden, which evokes the woods and meadows that Colette loved so much.

These gardens were an inexhaustible source of inspiration for Colette. She drew images, sensations, and memories from them, which she then transcribed into her works. Today's visitors can stroll through these gardens, breathe in the scent of flowers, listen to birdsong, and immerse themselves in the writer's poetic and sensory world. A visit to the gardens provides a better understanding of Colette's deep attachment to nature, a recurring theme in her writings.

A living museum dedicated to Colette's work

The Maison de Colette is not just a place of remembrance; it is also a living museum, where the writer's work is showcased in a dynamic and interactive way. Temporary exhibitions are regularly organized, addressing different aspects of Colette's life and work. These exhibitions allow visitors to discover lesser-known facets of the writer, such as her work as a journalist, her political and social commitments, and her love of animals.

In addition, the house also hosts readings, lectures, and writing workshops, which allow visitors to extend their experience by delving even deeper into Colette's world. These events attract visitors from all walks of life, whether they are literature enthusiasts, students, or simply curious individuals eager to learn more about this great figure of French culture.

The village of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye: in the footsteps of Colette

The Maison de Colette cannot be separated from the village of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, a place that had a profound impact on the writer's life. The village, with its cobbled streets, stone houses, and imposing church, has changed little since Colette's time, and it is easy to imagine the young girl strolling through these same streets.

The village is also home to the Colette Museum, located in the former grain market. This museum complements a visit to the house by offering a broader overview of Colette's life and work. It contains manuscripts, letters, photographs, and personal items belonging to the writer, which provide a better understanding of her career and her influence in the literary world. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events, helping to make Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye a living center for the memory of Colette.

Colette's influence on literature and culture

Colette was not only a talented writer; she was also a free-spirited, daring woman who was ahead of her time. Her works, marked by a keen sensitivity to nature and the female condition, have influenced many generations of writers and continue to be read and studied around the world.

The Maison de Colette is a testament to this influence. Visiting this place gives a better understanding of Colette's place in French literature, but also her role in the emancipation of women and the defense of individual freedom. Her novels, short stories, and essays are imbued with a great modernity, and they still resonate today with their strength and relevance.