Le Paraïs, house of Jean Giono in Manosque (04)
House located in Manosque (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), it was labeled "Maison des Illustres" in 2011
THE ILLUSTRIOUS AND THE HOUSE
Jean Giono (1895-1970) is one of the most important writers of 20th century French literature. Son of a shoemaker and an ironer, he was born in Manosque, which he never left. From novel to novel, he created an «imaginary South» like Faulkner, to which Henry Miller was the first to compare it. Since the publication of «Colline», in 1929, it has been successful. Both storyteller and poet, fed by Homer and Virgil, he composed before 1939 large lyrical and epic novels: «Regain», «Le Chant du monde», «Que ma joie demeure». From 1934, he campaigned for integral pacifism and published several essays against war and technical civilization. After 1945, his writing became more incisive, cheerful and ironic, while his work took on a dark and pessimistic tone. It develops in two directions: the «cycle of the Hussar» with «Angelo», «The Hussar on the roof», «Mad Happiness» and «Death of a character» and the series of «Chronicles of Romance», with «A king without entertainment», «Strong Souls», «The Mill of Poland». He entered the Goncourt Academy in 1954 and expanded his creation to cinema, making himself «Crésus» (1960). Solitary, unclassifiable, on the fringes of all the literary currents of his time, Giono left behind an immense work, translated into more than forty languages.
«Lou Paraïs» was bought by Jean Giono in 1930. In this green oasis, away from the city, he lived and wrote most of his work until his death in 1970.
STATUS
Property of the municipality of Manosque.
House listed as Historic Monuments.
PUBLIC OPENING
Open from Tuesday to Saturday (closed on Sundays, Mondays and holidays)
• April 1 to September 30: 10am – 12:30pm / 2pm – 6pm
• from 1 October to 31 March: 14h – 18h
The house can only be visited by guided tour. Reservations highly recommended (limited gauge) at the Jean Giono Centre at 04 92 70 54.
Guided tour slots:
Tuesday to Saturday:
– from 1 April to 30 September: 10:30, 14:30 and 16:00
– from 1 October to 31 March: 2:30 pm and 4 pm
Duration of the visit 1h/1h15
Full price: 8 €
• Combined ticket Exposition Centre Jean Giono & Visite Paraïs: €12
• Reduced rate: 7 € (under 18 years old/ Students, apprentices under 26 years old/ job seekers/ beneficiaries of the social minima/ Holders of a valid museum passport)
• Groups (from 7 people): 7 €
• Free: school groups in the DLVA territory
CULTURAL AND EDUCATIONAL OFFER
Throughout the year, the Jean Giono centre, in partnership with the Association des Amis de Jean Giono, offers guided tours of Paraïs (presentation and commentary of books, documents and objects kept on site) and its gardens and to welcome researchers and students wishing to consult the Giono archives. The Association of Friends of Jean Giono has its headquarters and offices in part of the house.
Events are also regularly organized to promote the life and work of Jean Giono to a wide audience: readings-shows, activities and accompaniments of educational projects or the «Rencontres Giono», a literary and artistic festival organized every year at the end of July by the association.
Site Address:
Le Paraïs - Jean Giono’s house
Rise of True Riches
04100 Manosque
Contact:
Jean Giono Centre – 3, Boulevard Élémir Bourges – 04100 Manosque
Switchboard (Tuesday to Saturday ): 04 92 70 54 54
Email: centregiono@dlva.fr
Website: https://centrejeangiono.com/
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