The free Lumières Impressionnistes Festival in Chatou 2023 transports us to Japan

The month of September is still full of surprises, with a wide range of festivals, many of them free, to our delight. This time, we're heading for Chatou and the Ile des Impressionnistes for an enchanting artistic voyage to discover the Lumières Impressionnistes 2023 Festival, which awaits you on September 8 and 9 at the Hameau Fournaise in Chatou.

This year, as a pleasant surprise, the Hameau Fournaise is decked out in the spellbinding atmosphere of Japanese art, offering visitors a unique experience combining art, culture and travel.

To kick things off in style, a preview evening is scheduled for Thursday, September 7. Starting at 8pm, visitors can immerse themselves in the world of Impressionism with a Sound & Light show entitled"A Dream of Japan", presented by Graphics Emotion. A Japanese pavilion will also be open, featuring an exhibition on the reciprocal influences between Impressionism and Japan.

On Friday September 8 and Saturday September 9, from 7pm to 11pm, a rich and varied program awaits you. Here's an overview of the activities on offer:

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• Japanese drums: Let yourself be carried away by the bewitching rhythms of the Paris Taïko Ensemble from 7.30pm.
  
• Contemporary circus show: Compagnie des Contraires takes you on a captivating journey to the Far East with a breathtaking circus show at 8pm.
  
• Son & Lumière show: "Un rêve de Japon" will be projected at 9, 10 and 11 p.m., offering unforgettable visual and sound immersion.
  
• Lantern parade of boats from yesteryear: At 9:15pm, don't miss the opening of this magnificent parade on the water, orchestrated by Sequana.
  

Throughout the evening, you'll be able to enjoy the artistic exhibitions that enrich the event. The Musée Fournaise's nocturnes invite you to plunge into the world of Renoir with the immersive "Renoir Impressionniste" experience. In the Japanese Pavilion, discover the exhibition"Impressionism and Japan: the interplay of influences". The Galerie Bessières also features a contemporary art exhibition.

Artistic performances and animations will also be on the program, including illuminated strolls and acrobatics by Compagnie des Contraires, a 19th-century fashion workshop by Arts et Chiffons, and illuminated circus performances. And let's not forget the lantern-lit parade of boats from yesteryear, offering a magical atmosphere not to be missed.

And if you're feeling a bit peckish, there's a small "Marché des Lumières" offering French and Japanese handicrafts. Food trucks, craft beer stands, and restaurants Fournaise and Les Rives de la Courtille will also be on hand to satisfy your culinary cravings.

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to discover the links between Impressionism and Japanese culture. The Friends of the Maison Fournaise invite you to a lecture by Pascal Bonafoux, renowned historian and writer. On Tuesday September 5 at 6pm, he will lift the veil on one of the most fertile influences of Impressionist painting: Japonism.

Don't miss this exceptional event where art, culture and travel meet in harmony. Join us on Thursday September 7, Friday September 8 and Saturday September 9, 2023 on the Île des Impressionnistes to live the Japanese dream of Impressionist Enlightenment to the full.