Musee Jules Verne (Jules Verne Museum), Nantes

Perched on a hillside along the Promenade des Belvédères and overlooking the Loire River, the Jules Verne Museum offers visitors an immersive journey into the imagination of one of France’s most celebrated authors. Inaugurated in 1978 to mark the 150th anniversary of Verne’s birth, the museum is housed in a 19th-century bourgeois residence reminiscent of the environment that shaped Verne's youth-though he never lived there. Located near his family's home in Bas-Chantenay, the site captures the atmosphere that inspired his celebrated Extraordinary Voyages series. From the terrace, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the river and Île de Nantes, a landscape that once sparked the author’s maritime dreams.

The museum features a rich and varied collection that sheds light on Verne’s literary universe and its global impact. Across eight themed rooms, the displays include manuscripts, first-edition books, posters, models, personal objects, and multimedia installations. One highlight is a reconstruction of Verne’s own drawing room, featuring his original furniture, a clock, and china gifted by international journalists-items donated by his descendants. The themed galleries explore facets of Verne's imagination, from nautical adventures and unknown worlds to his influence on theater and visual media.

Renovated in 2005 to commemorate the centenary of Verne’s death, the museum has evolved into a metropolitan cultural site as of January 1, 2015. During the summer, the museum’s garden offers a tranquil escape that complements the indoor experience and continues the theme of exploration.