The Picassiette house is as astonishing as it is fascinating. Located in Chartres, 1 h from Paris by train, it has a very special feature. It has been entirely covered in mosaics. From floor to ceiling, from furniture to outdoor areas. A home that even attracted the interest of Pablo Picasso himself, if you please! An atypical and arty getaway to enjoy this weekend!
A magical mosaic house just 1 h from Paris
It took 15 tons of mosaics and 33 years of work for Raymond Isidore, a former cemetery sweeper, to finally see his work completed. This self-taught, atypical and passionate artist had the crazy (and wonderful) idea of decorating his house with a multitude of colors.
From 1938, as the Second World War raged, Raymond never stopped decorating his home. First, on the walls, then on the ceilings, and finally all over his garden. And nothing was left to chance!
Profoundly devout, Raymond illustrated many notable Christian scenes, including characters from the Bible, a view of Jerusalem and various cathedrals, including the sublime Chartres Cathedral, which he knew well.
The artist finely laid each mosaic tile, or rather… each piece of broken plate and cup that he collected here and there over more than 30 years. This unusual activity earned him the nickname “Picassiette” from the locals. The name of his work was then quite natural.
At first, Raymond was regarded as an original by his neighbors, but the quality of his work eventually spread far beyond his village, reaching the ears of a certain… Picasso! The artist even came to visit in person in 1954, a crowning achievement for Isidore, who until then had been treated as a madman.
Today, the Picassiette house is listed as a historic monument and remains open to the public as a museum all year round. A magnificent house to see at least once in your life!
📍Location: 22 rue du repos, Chartres 28000