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.
It was one of Asuncion's beautiful nights: Verlaine, inside my absinthe glass, smiled with an irresistible emerald smile.... March 1916
P.S. Congratulations on that article about you and your art in LIVING FRANCE. You're such a true artist! Your great, shining talent does not need to borrow anyone else's light! Love all of your posts, Ms.Carol! Thank you so much!
Congratulations! I am not surprised..it was interesting to see more of all that you have done in some past posts..Une vraie artiste..UNIQUE . Looks like a fun outing! I love everything about how you make watercolor work and how you make it look like it just fell into place.Nothing is forced.
What a great place to visit! Thanks for showing us around and also giving us your review of absinthe, I've never had it so will need to give it a try one day like this.
Carol I am truly obsessed with Absinthe-I always have been -an opium dens too-I only have a few spoons and 1 glass-HOW VERY INTERESTING!-oh and I loved your Van Gogh watercolors-They were out of this world-I adore him as I think I wrote here before his madness-his vision the way he saw the world-and his tragic life-Have a great week!
Opening stanza of a famous Paraguayan poem:
ReplyDelete"At the Belvedere"
by Manuel Ortiz Guerrero
It was one of Asuncion's beautiful nights:
Verlaine, inside my absinthe glass, smiled
with an irresistible emerald smile....
March 1916
P.S. Congratulations on that article about you and your art in LIVING FRANCE. You're such a true artist! Your great, shining talent does not need to borrow anyone else's light!
Love all of your posts, Ms.Carol! Thank you so much!
THANK YOU Mary!
ReplyDeleteMost kind of you ;))
Congratulations! I am not surprised..it was interesting to see more of all that you have done in some past posts..Une vraie artiste..UNIQUE .
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun outing!
I love everything about how you make watercolor work and how you make it look like it just fell into place.Nothing is forced.
Ha ha Thank you Monique. The watercolor IS just falling...no time to fuss too much 😄
DeleteI missed the Musee de L'Absinthe when I was in Auvers. I will have to go back.
ReplyDeleteI missed it last year too!
DeleteNow I have to go back for Dr. Gachet's house 😄
I dont mind a bit. An enchanting village..
We were in Auvers last week and will be returning next week!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like Auvers is a great village to visit - what is Dr Gauchet's house? Love the water color of the Absinthe glass.
ReplyDeleteDr. gachet was painted by Van Gogh and let artists stay upstairs free.
DeleteGoogle his name. The portrait is memorable 🎨
What a great place to visit! Thanks for showing us around and also giving us your review of absinthe, I've never had it so will need to give it a try one day like this.
ReplyDeleteCarol I am truly obsessed with Absinthe-I always have been -an opium dens too-I only have a few spoons and 1 glass-HOW VERY INTERESTING!-oh and I loved your Van Gogh watercolors-They were out of this world-I adore him as I think I wrote here before his madness-his vision the way he saw the world-and his tragic life-Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWow 'obsessed with absinthe' Geri!
DeleteAuvers-sur-oise is calling your name!
You must come for complete immersion ;))