Serge Gainsbourg House

For all admirers of Serge Gainsbourg, the wall at number 5 bis Rue de Verneuil in the 7th arrondissement of Paris, is a living symbol of the mythical figure of the artist. The address corresponds to the former private mansion that Serge Gainsbourg lived in from 1969 to 1991. Since the artist's death, the wall has been filled with graffiti. In the meantime it has been repainted in white and then decorated again. This wall is used to commemorate the artist's life.

Serge Gainsbourg, a talented songwriter

Serge Gainsbourg did not like song, he said, repeating that this art was "minor" unlike painting, the art to which he always aspired. However, it was as a singer and above all as a songwriter of French songs that he became known during his lifetime. His song Poupée de cire, poupée de son confirmed his fame. His debut on stage was difficult because of his physical appearance. All his life, Serge Gainsbourg suffered from a feeling of rejection and from the image that the mirror reflected back to him: that of a man who was described as ugly. Over the years, he created an image of a cursed and provocative poet. Throughout his life, Gainsbourg seduced singers and actresses, often renowned for their beauty, such as Brigitte Bardot or Jane Birkin, with whom he had Charlotte Gainsbourg.

A misunderstood artist

In the 1980s, the artist, feeling misunderstood, sank into alcohol, abandoning his family life. More and more, "Gainsbarre" will succeed Gainsbourg. Renaud was later inspired by the artist's behaviour to write his song Dr Renaud, Mister Renard from the album Boucan d'enfer, which reflects a descent into hell with many similarities.

Serge Gainsbourg died on 2 March 1991 at 5 bis Rue de Verneuil in the 7th arrondissement, following a heart attack. He is buried in the Montparnasse cemetery where his grave is one of the most visited. His daughter, Charlotte Gainsbourg, proposed to pay tribute to her father by transforming number 5 Rue de Verneuil into a museum dedicated to him. The address remains a meeting point for his admirers and commemorates Gainsbourg's life through graffiti.