Musée Edith Piaf

Legendary French songstress Edith Piaf has had a bit of a comeback of late, immortalized on screen by the Oscar-winning Marion Cotillard in the 2007 film ‘La Vie en Rose’ and captivating a new generation with her hauntingly beautiful vocals and tragic life story.

Devoted to her memory, the Edith Piaf museum, or Musée Edith Piaf, is a private museum owned by Piaf's friend and biographer, Bernard Marchois, and although open only by appointment (Monday- Thursday between 1pm-6pm), makes a popular pilgrimage for fans, crammed with personal effects and memorabilia.

The museum is housed in a 4th floor apartment once inhabited by Piaf, located on Rue Crespin du Gast in the Menilmontant district of Paris, and offers a rare glimpse into the iconic singer’s life. Piaf’s gold and platinum record collections are displayed alongside items of her famously tiny clothing and size 4 shoes (the diminutive singer was nicknamed the ‘Little Sparrow’ for her small size). Fan letters, personal photos and portraits of Piaf adorn the walls, alongside her books, handbags and personal art collection. Most notable are her trademark Jacques Esterel black dress and a selection of handwritten songs – a fascinating insight into the enigma that brought songs like ‘La Vie en Rose’ and ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’ to the masses.