What to do · Chartres
The Maison Picassiette, the house covered in broken crockery
Information
- From
- €9 adult
- Duration
- 1 h
- Season
- 1 April to 31 October; closed in winter
- Who it's for
- Families and anyone curious about folk art
Raymond Isidore, born in Chartres in 1900, was a foundryman, road mender and street sweeper. In 1929 he bought a plot of land, built the house and from 1938 covered it entirely, inside and out, with pieces of earthenware, porcelain and glass that he collected: furniture, walls, the garden. Hence the name, pique-assiette, the scrounger who takes the plates, and the nod to Picasso. There are mosaics of the cathedral, of the Porte Guillaume and even of the Eiffel Tower and a Mona Lisa.
When and how to go
Open from 1 April to 31 October: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00 and Sunday from 12:00 to 18:00; in July and August, Mondays too. Admission is €9 to €12 depending on the time of year and €5 to €7 for children. It is at 22 Rue du Repos, about 25 minutes' walk from the cathedral or a short taxi ride.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Maison Picassiette open in winter?
No: the season runs from 1 April to 31 October.
How much does it cost?
€9 to €12 for adults and €5 to €7 for children, depending on the time of year.
As a family
