Where Is the Madeline House in Paris?

By Michael Ferguson

Are you a fan of the famous children’s book “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans? Have you ever wondered where the Madeline House, the home of twelve little girls in two straight lines, is located in Paris? Well, wonder no more!

The Madeline House can be found in the heart of Paris, in the 7th arrondissement. The actual house that inspired Bemelmans’ illustrations is located at 12 Rue de l’Université, just a short distance away from the Seine River.

The History of the Madeline House

The Madeline House was originally built in 1680 and was used as a boarding school for young girls until it closed down during the French Revolution. In 1855, a businessman named Jules Calmels purchased the property and transformed it into a hotel for wealthy travelers visiting Paris. It wasn’t until after World War II that Bemelmans stumbled upon the hotel and decided to use it as inspiration for his children’s book.

Visiting the Madeline House

Today, visitors can still see the exterior of the Madeline House on Rue de l’Université. The building itself is not open to visitors as it has been converted into private apartments. However, visitors can still relive some of their favorite moments from “Madeline” by walking along Rue de l’Université and admiring the beautiful architecture of this historic building.

Other Locations Featured in “Madeline”

If you’re a true fan of “Madeline,” then you may also want to visit some of the other locations featured in Bemelmans’ beloved children’s books. Here are some other notable locations:

  • The Eiffel Tower – where Madeline bravely saves Pepito from falling
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral – where Madeline and her classmates attend Easter Mass
  • The Luxembourg Gardens – where Madeline falls into the pond and is rescued by a dog named Genevieve

In Conclusion

The Madeline House in Paris may no longer be a school or hotel, but it remains an iconic landmark that holds a special place in the hearts of “Madeline” fans around the world. Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering “Madeline” for the first time, a visit to Rue de l’Université is sure to be a memorable experience.