Watch Maison Close

Maison Close is a French television drama series that aired on Canal+ from 2010 to 2013. The show is set in 1871 Paris and revolves around a luxurious brothel called "Paradise." Maison Close explores the lives of the women who work at the brothel and the people who frequent it.

At the heart of the show is the character of Véra, played by Anne Charrier. Véra is a beautiful and intelligent woman who works as a prostitute at Paradise. She is also the brothel's most popular and expensive courtesan, and it is through her eyes that we see the world of Maison Close.

The show takes a realistic and often gritty approach to depicting the lives of the women who work at Paradise. It portrays the harsh reality of their day-to-day existence, including the abusive and exploitative relationships they have with their clients and the constant threat of disease and violence.

Despite the challenging subject matter, Maison Close is a visually stunning show with impeccably detailed costumes and sets that transport the viewer back to 19th century Paris. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the darker side of French society during the belle époque, a time when extreme poverty and class divide created a thriving underworld of prostitution and vice.

Maison Close also explores the tensions and power struggles within the brothel itself. The women who work at Paradise must navigate a complex hierarchy of authority, with the madam, Hortense Gaillac (Valérie Karsenti), at the top. Hortense is a shrewd and calculating woman who will do whatever it takes to protect her business interests and maintain control over her employees.

Other notable characters include Rose (Jemima West), a young Englishwoman who is forced into prostitution to pay off her family's debts, and the handsome and mysterious Mosca (Nicholas Briançon), who is both a client and a potential ally to the women of Paradise.

Throughout its three seasons, Maison Close does an exceptional job of balancing the glamour and allure of the Parisian demimonde with the harsh realities of life for its inhabitants. It is at once a seductive and challenging show that asks the viewer to confront the uncomfortable truths about gender, power, and sexuality that lie at the heart of human society.

In conclusion, Maison Close is a must-watch show for anyone interested in French history, culture, or drama. With its complex characters, stunning visuals, and gripping storyline, this series has earned its place as one of the most compelling and engaging shows ever produced by Canal+.

Maison Close is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (16 episodes). The series first aired on October 4, 2010.