La Maison Rose, Montmartre

Ramon Pichot bought this small house around 1905. A Catalan painter, he was friends with Dalí and Picasso, whom he often hosted in this house, which also served as his studio. In 1908, he married Germaine Gargallo, a Montmartre figure and painter's model. After a trip to Spain, Germaine repainted the exterior walls pink and opened "La Maison Rose." Their restaurant became a gathering place for residents of the Bateau-Lavoir and their artist friends.

Legend has it that Utrillo made La Maison Rose famous, though Élisée Maclet (sadly underrecognized) painted La Maison Rose and Montmartre long before him. It is now acknowledged that Maclet's style greatly influenced that of Utrillo, a young admirer of the older artist.

The history of La Maison Rose before and during World War II remains a mystery. Photographs suggest it operated as a cabaret for several years.

In 1948, Béatrice Miolano, originally from northern Italy, purchased this small French restaurant. She was occasionally assisted or replaced by her son, Jean Miolano. Later, the restaurant was managed by others and became a popular spot for many artists, including singers performing in Pigalle and Montmartre cabarets. Over time, notable figures such as Camus, Alain Delon, and Dalida also frequented the place.

In 2017, Béatrice’s granddaughter took over the establishment with a new team. The philosophy of the venue centers on preserving the memory of Montmartre as a village, its vegetable gardens, and the family history of its owners. This new team aims to bring together the local community, Parisians, and visitors around a welcoming, creative, and responsible dining experience.