Few words about “Le Clos Lupin, Maison Maurice Leblanc”
It's a new cultural spot that opened in June 1999 in Etretat, Normandy. Maurice Leblanc, a French author and the creator of Arsène Lupin, owned this beautiful house.
This very singular place will make you discover the secret world of the famous gentleman-burglar, and the intimacy of his author Maurice Leblanc.
Maurice Leblanc was a very prolific writer, mostly known as the father of Arsène Lupin. He published over 60 novels and short stories which have been translated into several languages. Arsène Lupin appeared for the first time by accident, because of an assignment from the editor of a new journal "Je sais tout", in 1905.
Maurice Leblanc was born in Rouen in 1864. Although a very good student, he abandoned his law studies to become a writer in Paris. In 1887, he published his first novel, "Une femme", a psychological study that enjoyed only moderate success. Although he had long career as a writer for periodicals, it was not until the creation of Arsène Lupin, that he gained in his forties international fame, equaled only by that of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. Lupin, the ultimate gentleman burglar, kept Maurice Leblanc busy for the next twenty-five years. Thanks to his creature, Maurice Leblanc became a popular writer. He died in 1941 at Perpignan.
Arsène Lupin is one of the most french popular heros. The gentleman-thief is a master of disguise, whose criminal activities have more or less " unselfish " grounds. If he steals a painting, it is so that his action may be genuinely appreciated.
There are more than 20 specific novels about Arsène Lupin. His adventures have been also the basis for several movies and television series.
Fees and Schedules:
Le "Clos Lupin, Maison Maurice Leblanc" is opened:
From the 1st of April to the 30th of September :
Open every day except the Monday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6 pm.
From the 1st of October to the 31th of March :
Open every weekend and holidays, except Monday, from 10:30am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 5:30 pm.
The shop dedicated to Arsène Lupin is available during opening hours. Books and video tapes are on sale at the end of the visit.
Entrance fees:
Adult : 7.50 €
Child : 5 €
Adult : 5.50 €
Child (under 6 years old) : 4 €
The visit is free for children under the age of 6. Groups (more than 20 people) should reserve in advance.
Dogs are not allowed in the house.
CONTACTS
Commercial contact :
Le Clos Lupin, Maison Maurice Leblanc