You don't have to be a French-literature major to enjoy the lovely Musée Balzac, in a Renaissance manor house where Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850) often stayed. On a quiet slope in a lush river valley, the museum has rooms furnished in the style of Balzac's time, as well as manuscripts, letters, first editions, lithographs, a print shop and excellent information in English. The gardens are lovely for a picnic – or to read a book by Balzac, which can be bought or borrowed here.
It's easy to imagine Balzac escaping his hectic Parisian life and reclining here in his cosy bed, a board on his knees, writing for 12 hours a day.
