Maison Gainsbourg Paris – Tickets, Price, Hours and Tips
Maison Gainsbourg, one of Paris’s most sought-after tourist destinations, opened its doors in September 2023. Located in the chic 7th arrondissement near the Seine River, this unique cultural institution spans two sites on rue de Verneuil in the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood.
At 5 bis rue de Verneuil, visitors can explore Serge Gainsbourg’s historic home, preserved exactly as it was at his death in 1991. The intimate 30-minute tour features an immersive audio experience narrated by his daughter Charlotte.
Across the street at number 14, guests can discover a comprehensive museum chronicling the artist’s life, browse the book and gift shop, or unwind at Le Gainsbarre – a café by day and piano bar by night. Its prime location makes it easily accessible from other Left Bank attractions like the Musée d’Orsay.
DISCOVER THE FASCINATING MAISON GAINSBOURG IN PARIS
Located along the Seine River in Paris’s elegant 7th arrondissement, Maison Gainsbourg offers visitors a unique glimpse into the life of French music icon Serge Gainsbourg through two distinct spaces.
At 5 bis rue de Verneuil, step into Gainsbourg’s perfectly preserved 130m² family home, where he lived from 1969 until his death in 1991. During the intimate 30-minute guided tour, visitors wear geo-located headphones featuring Charlotte Gainsbourg’s narration of memories and anecdotes.
The ground floor reveals a small kitchen and living room displaying Gainsbourg’s art collection, including Salvador Dalí’s “La chasse aux papillons” sketch and Claude Lalanne’s famous “L’Homme à la tête de chou” sculpture. Upstairs, explore his office and bedrooms, including one featuring vintage dolls.
At 14 rue de Verneuil, the museum presents a comprehensive chronological journey through Gainsbourg’s life across eight chapters. The space showcases nearly 450 original items, from manuscripts and artworks to jewelry and clothing. Eight screens display rare archival footage, while the basement hosts temporary exhibitions.
Complete your visit at Le Gainsbarre, a venue that transforms from daytime café to evening piano bar, or browse the concept store featuring carefully curated books, records, photographs, and fashion accessories inspired by the artist’s universe.
Maison Gainsbourg: Tickets and visiting information
The museum offers several ticket options to accommodate different visitors. The combined “House & Museum” tour is priced at €29 for adults and €16 for visitors under 25 and reduced rate holders. Individual museum tickets are more affordable at €12 for adults and €6 for visitors under 25.
For families, the museum offers an attractive “Tribu Fare” package for the “Museum Only” tour. This special rate costs €30 and accommodates up to five people, including two adults and three young persons under 25 years old. Reduced rates are available for job seekers, recipients of minimum social benefits, and people with disabilities (with valid proof required). Children under 6 enjoy free admission to all areas, though those under 7 aren’t equipped with headphones during house tours.
The visiting experience is thoughtfully organized to ensure an intimate atmosphere. The historic house tours at 5 bis rue de Verneuil are limited to small groups, with visitors entering two by two for a 30-minute immersive audio experience. The museum tour at 14 rue de Verneuil typically takes about one hour.
Le Gainsbarre café and piano bar, along with the book and gift shop, are accessible during regular museum hours without requiring a museum ticket, making them perfect spots to end your visit or to enjoy if you’re unable to secure museum tickets during peak times.
For the most up-to-date ticket availability and to book your visit, it’s recommended to check the official Maison Gainsbourg website.
| Ticket Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Combined House & Museum – Adult | €29 |
| Combined House & Museum – Under 25/Reduced Rate | €16 |
| Museum Only – Adult | €12 |
| Museum Only – Under 25/Reduced Rate | €6 |
| Tribu Fare (2 adults + 3 under 25) | €30 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
Getting to Maison Gainsbourg
Located at 14 rue de Verneuil in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, Maison Gainsbourg is easily accessible via multiple public transportation options.
The Metro offers several convenient routes: Line 1 stops at Palais Royal – Musée du Louvre, Line 4 at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Line 10 at Mabillon, and Line 12 at Rue du Bac. All stations are within walking distance of the museum.
Bus transportation is equally convenient, with lines 27, 95, 39, and 87 stopping at Pont du Carrousel – Quai Voltaire. Additional bus options include lines 68 and 69, which stop at Pont Royal – Quai Voltaire. For those preferring rail travel, the RER C stops at Musée d’Orsay station.
Cyclists can utilize the Vélib bike-sharing stations located at Quai Voltaire and Saint-Benoît – Jacob.
The museum’s central location in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood makes it easily accessible from major Paris landmarks. It’s within walking distance of the Seine River, the Musée d’Orsay, and numerous cafés and boutiques.
Remember to arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled visit time at 14 rue de Verneuil. The museum provides a cloakroom for storing small items and strollers during your visit.
Opening Hours
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Museum & Shop: 9:30 AM – 9 PM Le Gainsbarre: 10 AM – 12 AM |
| Wednesday | Museum & Shop: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM Le Gainsbarre: 10 AM – 12 AM |
| Thursday | Museum & Shop: 9:30 AM – 9 PM Le Gainsbarre: 10 AM – 2 AM |
| Friday | Museum & Shop: 9:30 AM – 10:30 PM Le Gainsbarre: 10 AM – 2 AM |
| Saturday | Museum & Shop: 9:30 AM – 9 PM Le Gainsbarre: 10 AM – 2 AM |
| Sunday | Museum & Shop: 9:30 AM – 8 PM Le Gainsbarre: 10 AM – 8 PM |
Note: Opening hours may vary during holidays and special events. Please check the official website for current schedules.
Tips for visiting Maison Gainsbourg
- Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled time at 14 rue de Verneuil to ensure a smooth entry.
- Book your tickets well in advance, especially for the “House & Museum” tour, as they sell out months ahead.
- Consider visiting during weekday mornings when the museum tends to be less crowded.
- Store your belongings at the cloakroom available at 14 rue de Verneuil – it’s free and can hold small items, backpacks, and strollers.
- Visit Le Gainsbarre after your tour – no museum ticket is required to enjoy the café and piano bar.
- Prepare for the audio tour by bringing your own headphones if you prefer, though the museum provides them.
- Remember that children under 7 don’t receive headphones during house tours.
- Take advantage of the bookstore and gift shop, which is freely accessible even without a museum ticket.
- Bring valid identification if you qualify for reduced rates or youth discounts.
- Consider the Tribu Fare if visiting with family – it’s the most economical option for groups up to five people.
- Plan extra time to explore the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighborhood after your visit.
Guest Reviews: Maison Gainsbourg Experience
Visitors consistently praise the intimate and emotional experience of touring Serge Gainsbourg’s preserved home. The house tour, narrated by Charlotte Gainsbourg’s voice, receives particularly high marks for its personal touch and moving atmosphere. Many guests describe feeling like welcomed guests rather than tourists.
The museum section receives mixed reviews. While its content and historical artifacts are highly appreciated, several visitors mention the space is rather narrow and crowded, being housed in a corridor-style layout. This can make viewing the exhibits challenging when busy, especially during peak times.
Le Gainsbarre, the on-site café and piano bar, generally receives positive feedback for its ambiance and cocktails, though some visitors note that prices are on the higher side. The service quality appears to vary according to reviews.
The gift shop offers interesting items, though some find it expensive. Many visitors recommend booking well in advance, particularly for the house tour, as tickets sell out months ahead. Even those unfamiliar with Gainsbourg’s work report being touched by the experience.
The overall consensus suggests this is a must-visit destination for fans, offering a unique blend of personal history and musical legacy, despite some minor space constraints in the museum section.
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