Inside Jane Birkin's Beloved Parisian Homes

Jane Birkin, the iconic actress and singer, was a fixture of Paris for nearly six decades, particularly in the Saint-Germain-dès-Prés neighborhood. Known for her effortless style – faded jeans, loose tunics, and Bensimon canvas trainers – she was often spotted at local markets or strolling with her bulldog. Her artistic spirit shines through in the two Parisian addresses she called home, which offer a glimpse into her remarkable life.

The Maisonette on Rue de la Verneuil

After meeting Serge Gainsbourg in the late 1960s, Birkin moved to Paris and settled on the Left Bank. The couple purchased a maisonette on the quiet rue de la Verneuil in 1969. They famously encouraged graffiti tags on the street-facing walls of their garden, much to the dismay of their neighbors. The interior was a unique blend of English comfort and French glamour, featuring herringbone parquet flooring, detailed panelled walls, quilts, and cosy nooks.

Following Gainsbourg’s death in 1991, their daughter, Charlotte, has kept the maisonette largely untouched, preserving the atmosphere of the day he passed away, including cups of coffee, open magazines, and the same bed linens. The house is now open as a museum, with an all-black annexe and exhibition space across the road.

The Étage Noble Apartment on Rue Jacob

After her relationship with Jacques Doillon ended, Jane Birkin moved to an apartment on rue Jacob, just a stone's throw from her previous home. This apartment offered a new chapter in her Parisian life, continuing her legacy in the heart of Saint-Germain-dès-Prés.