Musée Colette
Museum devoted to the writer Colette, in the château of her native village: manuscripts, personal objects and furniture from her Palais-Royal apartment.
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About the museum
The Musée Colette is housed in the 17th-century château of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, the writer’s native village. It stands at the foot of a Saracen tower overlooking the house where she was born. Colette never lived there, but she mentions the château at the beginning of her first novel, “Claudine à l’école”. As early as 1974, her daughter Colette de Jouvenel, known as Bel-Gazou, wanted a museum in memory of her mother.
Sponsorship from the GMF in 1986 and the donation of the Colette estate by her descendants to the commune in 1987 made the museum possible; it opened in 1995. Most of the collections come from Colette’s last apartment at the Palais-Royal in Paris: furniture, personal objects and archives. They offer a direct insight into her private life and her working methods at the end of her life.
The Centre d’études Colette, the scientific hub of the Yonne département, holds and studies manuscripts, first editions, correspondence and photographs. The route includes a 45-minute documentary film, permanent and temporary exhibitions and, on the first floor, a tearoom with a shop. The writer’s birthplace, restored according to her descriptions, can be visited a few steps away.
Highlights
- Furniture, personal objects and archives from Colette’s last apartment at the Palais-Royal
- Manuscripts, photographs and personal objects of the writer
- 45-minute documentary film about her life and work
- 17th-century château and Saracen tower
- La Pause Gourmande tearoom in the château’s former kitchens
- Colette’s birthplace a few steps away
Permanent exhibitions
- Collections du musée Colette – Furniture, personal objects and archives from Colette’s Palais-Royal apartment, with manuscripts and photographs.
- Film documentaire sur Colette – 45-minute film shown as part of the visit.
- Founded
- 1995
- Visitors per year
- approx. 15,130
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | €5School groups aged 11 to 18, students, job seekers, people with disabilities, members of the Amis de Colette (on proof of status) |
| Children & teens | €5free up to age 11 · Free up to age 11; reduced rate from 11 to 18. |
| Visitors with disabilities | €5 |
| Students & apprentices | €5 |
| Groups (21+ people) | €6 per personPer-person rate for groups of more than 20 people, by reservation only. |
| Rate on presentation of a ticket for the Maison de Colette | €6 |
| Guided tour supplement (groups by reservation) | €2 |
Free admission also for residents of Saint-Sauveur-en-Puisaye, tour guides and journalists.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- 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
The museum is accessible to people with reduced mobility (reserved parking space, lift). Dogs on a lead are welcome.
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.5 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 11 |
Getting there & parking
By car
- Accessible parking
Amenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
La Pause Gourmande (tearoom, bookshop and boutique) is freely accessible on the first floor, in the château’s former kitchens, with a terrace overlooking the park; the boutique offers Colette’s complete works.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Allow about 1 hour 30 minutes, including the 45-minute documentary film. Visits are free during the whole opening period; groups can book a guided tour. |
