Musée de la Vie Romantique: a free museum near the Concortel
By Rédaction My Sweet Paris · Published 27 September 2026
The Musée de la Vie Romantique, at 16 rue Chaptal in the 9th, is one of the most charming museums in Paris, and its permanent collections are free. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, it is about twenty minutes' walk from Hôtel Concortel (estimate), or three stops on metro line 12.
What is the Musée de la Vie Romantique?
It is the former home and studio of the painter Ary Scheffer (1795–1858), at the end of a cobbled lane in the Nouvelle Athènes district. Under the July Monarchy he entertained artistic Paris here: Delacroix, Rossini, Chopin, Dickens… Now a City of Paris museum, the Hôtel Scheffer-Renan displays paintings by Scheffer and his contemporaries, as well as mementoes of George Sand: furniture, paintings, objets d'art and jewellery.
What is there to see?
- The recreated drawing rooms, with George Sand's portraits and mementoes.
- Scheffer's studio, where musical evenings were held.
- The garden, full of roses and lilacs, with a tea room in the glasshouse: perfect for a break after your visit.
Allow an hour for the collections, a little more with the garden. Temporary exhibitions are paid; the permanent collections stay free.
How do you get there from the Concortel?
On foot, head up towards La Trinité and rue Blanche: about 20 minutes (estimate), a lovely stroll through the 9th. By metro, take line 12 from Saint-Lazare to Saint-Georges (3 stops), then walk a few minutes.
What else is nearby?
The Nouvelle Athènes district and lower Montmartre are made for wandering: see our ideas in Discover Paris and, for an outing, This week in Paris. For dinner afterwards, our gourmet addresses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Musée de la Vie Romantique free?
Yes, the permanent collections are free. Only temporary exhibitions are paid.
What are the opening hours?
It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, and closed on Mondays and on 25 December, 1 January and 1 May.
What is there to see at the Museum of Romantic Life?
Paintings by Ary Scheffer and his contemporaries, George Sand memorabilia (furniture, paintings, jewellery), the painter's studio and a garden with a tea room.
How do I get there from Saint-Lazare station?
About 20 minutes on foot (estimate), or metro line 12 to Saint-Georges, three stops away.
Practical information
- Musée de la Vie Romantique, 16 rue Chaptal, 75009 Paris.
- Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm; closed on Mondays, 25 December, 1 January and 1 May.
- Permanent collections free; temporary exhibitions paid (prices on museevieromantique.paris.fr).
- About 20 minutes on foot from the hotel (estimate) or line 12 to Saint-Georges (3 stops).
Read next
Sources
- Musée de la Vie romantique (Paris Musées) — site officiel — 27 September 2026
- Paris je t’aime (Office de tourisme) — Musée de la Vie romantique — 27 September 2026
- Wikipedia — Musée de la Vie romantique — 27 September 2026