This house looks like that of the postman Cheval, it is a few kilometers from Paris

Entirely decorated with mosaics from walls to ceiling, this house is the unique work of a self-taught artist who made this place his life's work.

If in the Drôme, the Ideal Palace of Facteur Cheval conceivedçu by the factor Ferdinand Chevalà made from pebbles collected on the road became the second favorite monument in the world. of the French, it is however not the only house in France created by the hands of a single man guided by by his imagination. It exists in the city of Chartres, à an hour from Paris, a similar dreamlike house, built with pieces of broken crockery…

By pushing open the door of Maison Picassiette à Chartres, we discover the fantastic work of Raymond Isidore, who, like Ferdinand Cheval, spent his time in the arts. 33 years of his life à build your ideal home. This young roadmender from the town of Chartres spent his time in the city of Chartres. picking up shards of glass, broken porcelain and broken crockery while wandering around the city. across fields or by rummaging in public dumps, "without any specific intention", but "for their colors and their sparkle". It was only in 1930 that he decided to use this immense collection to decorate the house he owned. had built for him and his family, improvising a mosaic with humility. and perseverance. Became a sweeper of the Saint-Chéron cemetery very close to his house in Paris. At the end of the Second World War, he undertook the exterior decoration of his estate, even purchasing batches of broken tableware. ;eacute;e à the Chartres auction room. From 1930 à 1962, "he he did it all by himself: there are 29 000 working hours in 33 years outside of his days. He continued up to 'à that he leaves, a year before his retirement, ' 64 years old, had testified to his wife after his death on September 7, 1964.

In the "black courtyard" from Maison Picassiette à Chartres. © PackShot – stock.adobe.com

The creator of the Picassiette house leaves behind a gem of raw art. In this house and garden which can now be visited and classified Historical monuments, every corner is covered with mosaics of dishes which reflect the beliefs of their author. There are many references to the monuments of the city of Chartres like the cathedral or the Porte Guillaume, but also representations of popular culture like the Eiffel Tower, Mont Saint -Michel, the Mona Lisa, landscapes of Beauce, geometric flowers… Religious subjects find a place in the chapel which contains a mosaic. only in blue tones, paying homage to  Marie. In the "black courtyard" have been built a tomb and a throne called “of the sweeper”. On the wall of the courtyard stand 44 cathedrals surrounding the image of the Virgin represented above the large rose of Chartres Cathedral. The garden decoratedé of statues and frescoes leads to the “Blue Throne” and then to the “Tomb of the Spirit”. Self-taught like Ferdinand Cheval, Raymond Isidore was only educated; guided by the power of his imagination and thus foundedé his own chapel nourished by his multiple inspirations.

The visit to the Maison Picassiette, labeled 'Heritage of the 20th century', can last between 30 minutes and 1h30 and Costs 9 euros (reduced rate: 6 euros, free for children under 6). Located in a suburban area from the town of Chartes, it is accessible à foot &agrav; about 10 minutes from the historic center, or by bus.