Several years ago, the Gainsbourg House, its museum, and Le Gainsbarre opened their doors in Paris, much to the delight of fans of the illustrious Serge Gainsbourg, one of the greatest poets and provocateurs of his time. But what does this unique experience really have in store for you? And why should you experience the whole journey, from the House to the Museum, continuing on to Le Gainsbarre?
A visit to the Maison Gainsbourg: a striking emotional experience
The tour begins at the Maison Gainsbourg. Upon arrival, we are informed that photos and videos are strictly prohibited. This isa slight disappointment for fans who would like to immortalize their visit… but we quickly understand why. Here, it’s all about living in the moment, literally. From the very first steps, Charlotte Gainsbourg’s soft, magnetic voice accompanies us via headphones, giving the impression of a private tour. Confidences, secrets, anecdotes, and yet a constant modesty. This enveloping voice creates the feeling of entering the intimacy of a Gainsbourg who seems never to have left the premises, just stepped out for some fresh air, ready to return at any moment.
The black walls, the Gitanes cigarettes left in the ashtray, the portraits of Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin, the piano, the white Repetto ballet flats and denim shirts that evoke the era of No Comment and Love on the Beat… Every detail is fascinating. The small kitchen is reminiscent of our grandmothers’ kitchens, and the story of a fork stolen from Maxim’s adds a touch of whimsy and familiarity. Each room is filled with childhood memories, love, and poetry. As for the bedroom of the author of La Javanaise, it is gripping, with emotions that literally take our breath away. It tells of the nights, loves, secrets, and final moments of the eternal Gainsbourg. Yes, a visit to the former private mansion at 5 bis rue de Verneuil is an experience to be savored, phone forgotten, leaving us deeply moved and captivated.
The Gainsbourg Museum, from Poinçonneur des Lilas to You’re Under Arrest, is a captivating tour, featuring both cult and more confidential excerpts.
Visitors’ curiosity continues at the Gainsbourg Museum. Here , the intimacy of the house gives way to a chronological journey through the work of the artist and aesthete. We discover his artistic duality and his many talents, from painting to writing and songwriting. The tour also retraces his artistic collaborations, notably those with Vanessa Paradis, and his legendary duets with BB, Jane, and Charlotte. Visitors literally walk through his iconic creations, from Initials BB to Je t’aime… moi non plus, from Tandem to Lemon Incest.
Sheet music, cult and little-known video clips, stage jackets, photos, letters, newspaper clippings, and personal items: each piece tells the story of a man whose family seems to have carefully and lovingly gathered this treasure to share. In other words, whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious, the museum captivates with great sincerity, offering a comprehensive and fascinating overview of Gainsbourg’s world.
In the velvet surroundings of the Gainbarre, at the end of your visit or for night owls
At the end of the visit, a staircase leads us to what could have been Gainsbourg’s own headquarters: the Gainsbarre. Much more than a cocktail bar, it is a cozy setting with black walls, reflecting the dark tones that envelop the dandy’s former mansion, like a tribute, a continuation. A bar where you can enjoy taking refuge day or night, and where the atmosphere changes, reflecting the duality of Gainsbourg-Gainsbarre.
A beautiful piano, Lucien’s tunes floating in the air, an urban portrait of the singer of Je t’aime… moi non plus, a bar dominated by a huge wall of bottles… The decor has been carefully thought out, and my God, how good it is to curl up in the velvets of the Gainsbarre.
During the day, you can finish your visit with a cocktail and share some tapas; at night, musical performances around the piano make the walls vibrate. The menu features excellent signature cocktails, each telling a story. Some evoke Gainsbourg himself, others pay tribute to the women in his life: Jane, Brigitte, Charlotte, Bambou. We particularly love the Le Bardot cocktail, whose passionate red color and flavors reflect the recently departed icon: fiery, luminous, voluptuous, magnetic…
In short, the Maison Gainsbourg, Musée Gainsbourg, and Gainsbarre experience is not just a visit, it’s a journey through time and emotion, an encounter with a man and a body of work that continue to fascinate. It’s an experience to be had at least once in a lifetime, to feel, understand, and celebrate the magic of Gainsbourg.