In the past, several corners of theIle-de-France region have inspired the impressionist painters. There is no need to mention the well-known Giverny or Auvers-sur-Oise. Closer to Paris, between the towns of Chatou and Rueil-Malmaison, is theÎle des Impressionnistes, very popular with some painters in the second half of the 19th century, such as Monet, Renoir, Degas...
From the Chatou train station, there are two ways to reach it, depending on your desires. To go directly to the Parc des Impressionnistes, which covers 7 hectares, take the bridge that runs along the railroad, five minutes from the station. Here, calm and tranquility await you in this large wooded park on the banks of the Seine.
Another alternative: take a leap (in time) to Hameau Fournaise, located on the opposite side of theisland by taking the bridge of Chatou a little further. Here, the contemporary art gallery Bessières is next to the more traditional Fournaise museum. Not so traditional either, since it offers an immersive exhibition on Renoir, where you can meet the hologram of the painter!
Just behind it, go and admire the colorful facades of the Fournaise restaurant, a former famous guinguette-hotel. The opportunity to enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the rooms with 19th century murals. Or quietly installed on its terrace, which Renoir captured with his brush for his painting Le déjeuner des canotiers.
On sunny days, it is possible to take a ride in one of the boats that theSequana association is restoring. And at the sight of these canoes gently undulating under the slow flow of the Seine, and of the banks strewn with flowers of the fields, one understands why the island inspired the impressionist painters so much.
Dates and Opening Time
Starts June 21th, 2022
Location
Impressionist Island
Île des Impressionnistes
78400 Chatou
