Maison Jacques Prévert

About the museum

The Maison Jacques Prévert was the poet’s last home; he lived there from 1971 to 1977. In 1970, Jacques Prévert and his wife Janine bought a house in the hamlet of Le Val, in Omonville-la-Petite. He loved the “bouts du monde” (the ends of the earth) and had known La Hague since the 1930s. His friend Alexandre Trauner, a film set designer, supervised the work, which made the house bright and open; the garden was redesigned by Éric Pellerin, creator of the botanical garden at Vauville.

The couple moved in in 1971 and divided their time between Paris and La Hague. The poet revised his last collection there and practised collage. From 1975 his health declined, and from then on he lived only in Omonville-la-Petite; he died on April 11, 1977.

Janine Prévert stayed in the house until her death in 1993 and wished it to become a public place dedicated to her husband. The Département de la Manche bought it in 1994, and the house opened to the public in 1995. It now presents a collection of 700 works and archives: photographs, letters, manuscripts, signed books, posters, film costumes, collages, drawings and records. It is part of the network of the Département’s sites and museums.

Highlights

• Jacques Prévert’s last house, fitted out with Alexandre Trauner
• 30-minute biographical film “Jacques Prévert, portrait d’un artiste”
• The artist’s studio, with a reading corner and poetry games
• Collection of 700 works and archives: photographs, manuscripts, collages, posters
• Garden and village park with picnic tables

Permanent exhibitions

• Film biographique et parcours dans la maison – The visit begins with a 30-minute film on Jacques Prévert’s life, then continues into the artist’s studio and the former bedrooms.
• Collection permanente Prévert – Editorial archives and photographs that trace the poet’s career and friendships, displayed in the two former bedrooms.

Founded

1995

Operated by

Département de la Manche

Admission & discounts

The ticket gives access to the permanent collection and the temporary exhibition. It is sold on site only, with no online booking. The Pass Géoparc de la Hague, free with a full-price admission, entitles the holder to a reduced rate at partner sites. Payment by bank card, cash, bank cheque and holiday vouchers.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Access is difficult for visitors with reduced mobility (narrow doors, stairs). Virtual tour of the rooms on a touchscreen tablet, large-print visit guide and a subtitled film. Disabled parking spaces are provided in the car park; people who cannot walk to the house can contact the team. Visitor guides in English, German, Dutch and Italian are available at reception.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
• Hands-on stations
• Baby changing facilities

Children may visit the house at any age. A puzzle booklet and treasure hunt accompany the temporary exhibition; upstairs there are poetry games (exquisite corpse, calligrams, collages) and a reading corner with children’s books. Creative workshops every Wednesday during school holidays. A baby-changing table is available in the toilets.

Getting there & parking

From Cherbourg-en-Cotentin: D901 towards Beaumont-Hague, then the exit for Digulleville / Omonville-la-Petite. With a bus ticket, a low-carbon rate is granted at the entrance.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

Bookshop with books by and about Prévert, CDs, DVDs and stationery. Public toilets at the car park and picnic tables in the village park between the car park and the house.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit