shutterstock-2486566511

Just an hour from Paris, this house covered in mosaics is a true work of art!

undefined undefined undefined 08h30

The Editor

© LACROIX CHRISTINE / Shutter Stock

The Picassiette house, located in Chartres, is one of the most exceptional places in the Paris region. Fifteen tons of pottery cover the floors, walls, ceilings, and even the garden. But the craziest part is that this masterpiece is the work of just one man: Raymond Isidore. For 33 years, he crafted his house piece by piece, with the sole aim of welcoming his family.

Just 1 hour from Paris, this house offers you a magical retreat and the delightful feeling that anything is possible. Filled with colors, images, symbols, and originality, this historical monument is adorned with mosaics from floor to ceiling, showcasing patterns, familiar images, and even biblical representations. Sublime, inspiring, and touching, we can only recommend that you take a look!


A Blind Man, a Miracle, and a Dream

Born into a modest family, Raymond is blind until he is 10 years old. Then one day, a miracle happens: right in the middle of a mass, the child sees the light streaming through the stained glass windows of the cathedral in Chartres. He can then start working and marries Adrienne, a woman 11 years his senior, a widow, and mother of three children.

Raymond begins to dream of independence with his new family.

and bought a plot of land to build his house in 1930. Little by little, he started, without really knowing why, to collect pieces of glass he found along the way. It was from 1938 that he began to cover his entire house with this mosaic, even going so far as to decorate his wife's sewing machine.

He gradually became a local legend. Some brought him materials to help, while others mocked him, but what’s certain is that he remained true to himself and his beliefs. He was found unconscious while searching for materials to continue his work and passed away surrounded by his family.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Edi Renggli (@edi_renggli)


How to visit this legendary house ? 

Right now, you can visit the Picasiette house from Tuesday to Saturday, from 10 AM to 6 PM, and on Sundays and public holidays from 12 PM to 6 PM. For just €10 at full price or €6 at a reduced rate, you can discover this incredible place. Otherwise, you can enjoy guided tours led by the "guardians of the spirit of the place" starting at €15, or by Fernanda on Sundays for €15 as well.

By the way, while you're in Chartres, we recommend visiting the stunning cathedral to see the reflections of its stained glass windows and discover its magnificent astronomical clock. And as you wander through the old town, be sure to stop by the International Center for Stained Glass. We promise, it's much more interesting than it looks.

Maison Picassiette
22, rue du Repos — 28000, Chartres 
More info