Musee de l'Absinthe, Auvers-sur-Oise

The MUSEE DE L'ABSINTHE in Auvers was the highlight of my day trip and I don't drink, at least pre-Auvers.

Meet the owner and collector of this small, charming specialized museum, Mme. Marie-Claude Delahaye. She's been collecting absinthe paraphernalia and artworks for over 25 years and written several books on the subject.  You're meeting with an expert, passionate guide. Its a rare experience.

In her garden, she points out examples of the bontanical the spirit Absinthe is made from, Artemisia absinthium.

Little paddles like these, sit on top of the tall Absinthe glass, a cube of sugar perched on top.

A small amount of the green anise-flavored drink sits in the bowl at the bottom of the heavy glasses waiting to be diluted with chilled, sweetened water.

Turn of the century bistro match holders, a sugar bowl, a hand-made water pitcher with a fox head for a spout.

Two floors of treasures to explore like this old bar.

Delahaye's collection of belle epoch graphics and paintings is probably the best in Auvers.

Its rare to see jules Pascin sketches from the 20s. The only color area is the green absinthe.

Mme. Delahaye has a degustation room for a taste of the unusual drink.

At first I was reluctant, but I was surprised how delicate

And refreshing it tasted with hints of licorice and fennel.

The perfect drink for a warm summery day.

Historically writers and artists Hemingway, James joyce, Baudelaire, Verlaine, Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, Oscar wilde, Proust and of course Van Gogh all enjoyed drinking Absinthe. Its reputation as a lethal drink is exaggerated. The MUSEE DE LABSINTHE on rue 44 rue Callé is open on the weekends and holidays, from 1:30 - 6 pm. Do not miss it when you're in Auvers sur Oise.

Letters, maps and watercolor from Paris are up on Etsy. Take a look svp. Bonne Weekend PBers