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La Maison d'Émile Zola: A Literary Sanctuary

Discover the meticulously restored home of Émile Zola and the Dreyfus Museum in Médan, offering a glimpse into French literary history.

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Step back in time at La Maison d'Émile Zola, the meticulously restored home of the celebrated French novelist in Médan. Explore the house where Zola penned some of his most famous works and delve into the Dreyfus Affair at the adjoining museum, offering a glimpse into French society during this pivotal period.

A brief summary to La Maison d'Émile Zola

  • Thursday 9:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-12:30 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-12:30 pm

Local tips

  • Reservations are essential for the combined visit to Zola's house and the Dreyfus Museum. Without a reservation, visitors only have access to the Dreyfus Museum.
  • The Maison Zola is accessible only by guided tour.
  • Allow ample time to explore both the house and the museum to fully appreciate Zola's life and the Dreyfus Affair.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach La Maison d'Émile Zola via public transport, take the SNCF line J from Gare Saint-Lazare in Paris towards Mantes-la-Jolie via Poissy and disembark at Villennes-sur-Seine. From there, either walk 20 minutes or take bus 43 towards Les Mureaux, getting off at the 'Château à Médan' stop. A single ticket for the train costs approximately €4-€6. A bus ticket costs around €3. Alternatively, take RER A to Poissy station, then take bus 43.

  • Taxi

    From Villennes-sur-Seine train station, a taxi to La Maison d'Émile Zola is a short ride, costing approximately €15-€20. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also available.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the A13 or A14 autoroutes, exiting at number 7 towards Villennes, then Médan. Limited parking is available in the village. Parking is available in the village. Be aware that the two parking spaces in the domain are reserved for people with reduced mobility.

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Discover more about La Maison d'Émile Zola

La Maison d'Émile Zola, located in Médan, offers a unique opportunity to explore the life and work of the renowned French novelist. Émile Zola purchased the house in 1878, expanding it over the years to include the Nana and Germinal towers. The house became a gathering place for famous writers and artists, including Guy de Maupassant and Paul Cézanne. It was here, in the calm of his study, that Zola wrote some of the most beautiful pages of French literature. The Maison Zola also stands as a testament to Zola's commitment to justice and truth, particularly his involvement in the Dreyfus Affair. The adjacent Musée Dreyfus documents Zola's engagement in the affair, the miscarriage of justice, and the role of the press. Together, the house and museum offer a comprehensive look at Zola's life, work, and the historical context in which he lived. Visitors can explore the carefully decorated rooms, filled with period furniture and Zola's personal objects, providing an immersive experience of the writer's world. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions dedicated to the Dreyfus Affair, illustrating its impact on French society and Zola's life. The Maison Zola is labeled as one of the “Maisons des Illustres”.

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