"The Wild Ass's Skin" by Honoré de Balzac traverses a variety of settings throughout Paris and beyond, each location marking pivotal moments in the protagonist Raphael's journey. From the opulent halls of a Parisian gambling house to the serene waters of Aix-les-Bains, these settings serve as both a backdrop and a reflection of Raphael's tumultuous life. Each locale is meticulously described, offering a rich tapestry of the physical spaces that mirror the characters' internal landscapes.

Parisian Gambling House

At the heart of Paris, the gambling house at 36 Palais Royal is a lavish and tense environment where fortunes are made and lost. Here, Raphael faces a critical turning point, as he stakes his last money in a desperate attempt to change his fate. The gambling house symbolizes the high stakes of his choices, a microcosm of his broader existential gamble with life.

Parisian Antique Shop

After his financial ruin, Raphael stumbles into a Parisian antique shop, an Aladdin's cave of global treasures and historical artifacts. This shop, with its treasure-laden chambers, becomes the site of Raphael's discovery of the mysterious shagreen skin, an object that promises power at a terrible cost. The juxtaposition of the shagreen with a portrait of Christ imparts a moral dimension to Raphael's impending decisions.

Hôtel de Saint-Quentin

In the modest Hôtel de Saint-Quentin, Raphael resides in a cramped attic that speaks to his initial humility and intellectual aspirations. The garret's dire conditions contrast sharply with his noble lineage, emphasizing the gap between his ambitions and his reality. It is here that Raphael encounters Pauline, the landlady’s daughter, whose presence is a beacon in his otherwise somber existence.

Rue Joubert

The house on Rue Joubert stands in stark contrast as a place of hedonistic excess. Raphael and his friends indulge in revelry, using the space as a sanctuary from the harshness of their realities. This site of debauchery underscores the theme of escapism prevalent in the narrative.

Fedora’s House

Fedora's residence in the Faubourg Saint-Honoré is the epitome of societal luxury and sophistication. This Gothic and gilded abode represents the societal allure that captivates and eventually disillusions Raphael. It is a world apart from his humble beginnings on Rue des Cordiers, highlighting his ascent—and subsequent fall—within Parisian society.

Luxembourg Palace

Set amid the grandeur of the Luxembourg Palace gardens, Raphael's encounters with Fedora take on a romantic yet ambitious air. The palace, built for Marie de Medici, with its expansive gardens and museum, is a fitting venue for Raphael's courtship of Fedora, symbolizing his desire to integrate into the elite echelons of society.

Rue de Varennes

With newfound wealth, Raphael acquires a residence on Rue de Varennes, transforming it into a symbol of his perceived power and success. The home's ingenious design, where doors open seamlessly at the turn of a handle, reflects Raphael's initial triumph over fate, though it soon becomes his gilded cage, isolating him from the world.

Paris Opéra

The Paris Opéra, a cultural hub and societal fulcrum, is where Raphael’s personal dramas unfold on a grand stage. It is here that he reunites with Pauline, signaling a pivotal shift in his affections and priorities as he publicly distances himself from Fedora's influence.

Rue Saint-Lazare

Pauline's relocation to Rue Saint-Lazare, after revelations about her mother’s status as Baroness Gaudin, marks a transition in her life and a new dynamic in her relationship with Raphael. This move signifies the shifting social strata and personal revelations that are central to the narrative.

Aix-les-Bains

Beyond Paris, Raphael's journey takes him to Aix-les-Bains, a town renowned for its healing waters. This locale of retreat and reflection stands in contrast to the bustling city, offering Raphael temporary respite and false hope of a cure. His experiences here and subsequent travels to Mont-Dore and the Pic de Sancy underscore his futile search for salvation and the inexorable decline foreshadowed by the wild ass's skin.