Among the artists inseparable from Paris, it is difficult not to mention Serge Gainsbourg. After taking his first steps in the 20th arrondissement, many places in the capital are still marked by the memory of the songwriter, such as the Madame Arthur cabaret (18th arrondissement), Le Bistrot de Paris which was his landmark until at the end or of course the Montparnasse cemetery, where he has rested since 1991, while regularly receiving gestures and tributes from fans.
A true sanctuary for fans of “The Cabbage-Headed Man”
But to talk about Serge Gainsbourg and Paris is obviously to evoke his famous residence, located in 5bis rue de Verneuil. The final residence is famous for its facade covered with street art works bearing his image, while the building has been preserved as it was at the time by his daughter Charlotte Gainsbourg. It is also under the initiative of the latter that this final residence officially became last September the Serge Gainsbourg museum. In partnership with the house of Saint Laurent, this veritable temple is the perfect opportunity for fans to immerse themselves in the world of the artist and his collection of treasures accumulated since 1969. Through a journey punctuated by a soundtrack, this are more than 25,000 prestigious objects, including Man with Cabbage Head by Claude Lalanne, the original manuscript of La Marseillaise by Rouget de Lisle, or even La Chasse aux Papillons by Salvador Dali which the curious can admire. All guided by the memories and anecdotes of Charlotte Gainsbourg in his childhood home.
Return to the first loves of the songwriter
And if during his lifetime the artist never missed an opportunity to surprise, or even shock, his home seems to match. In addition to these numerous treasures, it is also in this museum on rue Verneuil that you can find the Gainsbarre, a place that serves coffee during the day and piano bar in the evening. The walls hung with black felt, the carpet with poppy and water lily motifs, and the black lacquered moucharabieh screens for a intimate and warm atmosphere : no doubt, we are in the world of Serge Gainsbourg and we would almost expect to see the artist appear to play a few melodies on the piano. This is a good thing, the establishment is inspired by the early years of Serge Gainsbourg’s musical career, when he worked as a pianist in the capital’s bars and cabarets. Whether at Madame Arthur in Pigalle, at the Club de la Forêt in Le Touquet or at Milord l’Arsouille at the Palais Royal, Gainsbarre is a delicious and immersive evocation of the piano bar years who trained the artist’s more than informed ear.
A menu sprinkled with classics and a little chic
Led by the group Paris Society, which already works behind other establishments such as Bonnie, Maison Russe or Bambini, Gainsbarre is not only a treat for the eyes or ears, but also for the stomach. Inspired by hotel room service menus and British tea rooms, the Gainsbarre menu highlights light and delicious dishes. At lunch, dishes such as lobster rolls, truffled croque monsieur, crunchy vegetables or even foie gras are included. So many wonders that can also be found for the evening menu, which is enriched with a mashed potatoes with caviar. Seafood lovers will also be delighted to enjoy Cadoret oysters or gravlax salmon. Like the perfect note to enhance a song, the desserts at Gainsbarre are welcome, whether you opt for strawberries and raspberries with whipped cream, chouquettes to share, Chocolate cake and custard or the timeless scones, accompanied by thick cream and strawberry jam.
The Gainsbarre
14 rue de Verneuil
75007 Paris
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Featured image: Gainsbourg Museum © Alexis Raimbault
