Maison Picassiette
Centre-Val de Loire
Maison Picassiette is a remarkable example of naïve architecture located in Chartres, France. It was entirely decorated with mosaics made from broken ceramics and glass, embedded in cement, by Raymond Isidore, a municipal worker known as Picassiette. Over many years, Isidore transformed his home and garden into a vibrant mosaic masterpiece, covering walls, ceilings, furniture, and outdoor spaces. The interior frescoes depict scenes from Mont Saint-Michel, Chartres, and surrounding landscapes, adorned with daisy motifs crafted from broken plates. The exterior mosaics include representations of the former Guillaume Gate, two symbolic female figures named the Palestinian and the Frenchwoman, and the Chartres Cathedral. Maison Picassiette stands as a testament to individual creativity, blending art brut with spontaneous architecture. It is now part of the Chartres Museum of Fine Arts and is recognized as a 20th-century heritage site, inviting visitors into the intimate, poetic, and spiritual world of its creator.
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Tip: The best time to visit Maison Picassiette is during the warmer months when the garden mosaics can be fully appreciated. It is advisable to check opening hours on the official website before planning your visit. Tickets may be available with discounts for certain groups. Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to avoid queues.
Interesting facts
- •The mosaics were made from broken plates and porcelain pieces collected from public dumps.
- •Raymond Isidore worked as a cemetery sweeper and saw himself as a discarded person, which inspired his art.
- •The house features interior frescoes depicting Mont Saint-Michel and Chartres landscapes.
- •Exterior mosaics include symbolic figures called the Palestinian and the Frenchwoman.
- •Maison Picassiette is labeled as a 20th-century heritage site and is part of the Chartres Museum of Fine Arts.
History
Maison Picassiette was created by Raymond Isidore (1900–1964), a municipal employee in Chartres who worked as a road worker and cemetery sweeper.
Inspired by discarded shards of ceramics and porcelain he found in public dumps, Isidore began decorating his home with mosaics, gradually covering every surface inside and later outside his house and garden.
His nickname 'Picassiette' reflects both his mosaic technique and a playful comparison to Picasso.
The house was recognized posthumously as an important example of naïve art and architecture and is now managed by the Chartres Museum of Fine Arts.
Place Guide
Interior Frescoes20th century
The interior walls and ceilings are covered with mosaic frescoes showing views of Mont Saint-Michel and Chartres, decorated with daisy motifs made from broken plates. Even the furniture is painted to resemble mosaic patterns.
Exterior Mosaics and Garden20th century
After exhausting space inside, Isidore covered the exterior walls, garden paths, and boundary walls with durable mosaics. These include depictions of the former Guillaume Gate, the Palestinian and Frenchwoman figures, and the Chartres Cathedral.
Contact
Phone: 02 37 34 10 78
