Île des Impressionnistes, Chatou (A short wander through history)

Last Updated on 28th June 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Many people visit Paris without ever even knowing about this hidden gem of an island, the birthplace of impressionism. Île de Chato or rather, Île des Impressionnistes (Island of the Impressionists) as it has come to be known, is an artists haven that’s just waiting to be uncovered. Walk through the steps of some of the most beloved artists and see where they drew inspiration for some of the world’s best masterpieces. Here’s your guide to Île des Impressionnistes and how to visit.

Where is Île des Impressionnistes?

Île de Chatou or as it’s more commonly known, Île des Impressionnistes (translates to Island of the Impressionists) is an island found along the Seine, located on the west of Île-de-France, between the communes of Chatou in Yvelines and Rueil Malmaison in Hauts-de-Seine.

A history of Île des Impressionnistes

Many people don’t even realise that this small island on the River Seine exists, a green oasis of colour and tranquillity and the very birthplace where the impressionist style was born and inspired!

In the 19th century, the river island of Chatou attracted many Parisians for its quaint guinguettes (a type of popular 17th-century tavern in the suburbs of Paris) and boating. However, the island also drew in painters who were in search of light, green spaces, and people enjoying the slow leisures of life.

Artists like Renoir, Caillebotte and Monet were drawn to the island and began frequenting the Maison Fournaise, inviting friends and having artistic social gatherings. It’s for that reason that the island takes its name known today, due to the fact it was so very popular with the painters if the impressionist movement.

Île des Impressionnistes has served as the sweeping romantic backdrop for many of the impressionist’s paintings, depicting the jovial atmosphere and ambience of the island during the 19th century!

Things to do on Île des Impressionnistes

Musée Fournaise

The “House of Fournaise” was first brought to the island by Alphonse Fournaise, opening as a boat rental spot, restaurant and small hotel for the new influx of tourists to the island.

In the 19th century, La Maison Fournaise was known to be a colourful and vibrant spot where an artistic crowd would enjoy the good life, dance and have fun by the water’s edge. In particular, it was frequented as a favourite spot of the impressionist artist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

The best way to imagine the scenes of this time is by viewing Renoir’s 1880 masterpiece “Luncheon of the Boating Party”, using the  balcony and backdrop of the restaurant as inspiration, Renoir depicted his friends (including his future wife) casually enjoying time at Maison Fournaise. He also painted plenty of other works set in the space, including many of the Fournaise family members too!

Sadly, La Maison Fournaise closed its doors in 1906 and remained abandoned. However, in 1990, because of this lively spot’s rich historical past and cultural identity, a decision was made to reopen the house. It has since been officially recognised as an important historical and cultural site.

Today, known as Musée Fournaise, the site still operates as a restaurant by the water. Since 1992, the space above the diners houses a museum where visitors can immerse themselves in the period of the Impressionist painters and even see Renoir himself come to life through an impressive hologram, telling visitors stories about his life and work.

See the cats 

One of the more unusual and unique things you might be surprised to see when visiting the island is that there are lots of cats! Spy out the small furry mammals lounging on the grass and enjoying the natural landscape of this treasured hidden island on the Seine.

Where to eat

If there’s one thing to know about dining on the island, it’s that this spot is more about the history, ambience, and location, rather than the actual food itself!

It also has to be said that eating on the island is also pretty pricey due to its association with impressionist artists. If you wish to dine at one of the two restaurants during the weekend, then make sure to make a reservation in advance (particularly if you’re a large group or wish to dine inside).

• Maison Fournaise – Of course, to dine at Maison Fournaise is to eat in a space rich with history! Overlooking beautiful views of the River Seine, the red and white striped canopy is just as it was back when Renoir and his friends enjoyed it here. Serving traditional French classics.
• Les Rives de La Courtille – Another waterfront restaurant with a spacious outdoor decking/seating area, here you can enjoy dining on French food with a view! We personally ate here and they even had a vegetarian option (a veggie poké bowl) which isn’t listed in their online menu.

Parc de l’île des impressionnistes

This park is home to a number of events throughout the year, including festivals during the summer. In the springtime, the park is particularly lovely to wander around thanks to the presence of cherry blossom trees.

Play golf 

There is quite a famous gold course on the Seine island, known as Golf Club de l’Ile Fleurie, this green expanse of 9 holes is accessible for all to play on, for a small fee.

The Impressionist Trail, Monet tour

Walk in the footsteps of the artists and follow the trail along the riverbank from Chatou to Croissy-sur-Seine, this takes around 1.5 hours in total. Following the route will lead you to different locations across the island, and you can spy out signposts with some of Monet’s most famous masterpieces printed along with a brief description about them.

How to get there

The nearest town to Île des Impressionnistes is Chatou, visitors can take the RER A towards St-Germain-en-Laye and get off at Chatou Croissy. From the station you can walk along the footpath by the river and get to the island, this takes around 15 minutes. Alternatively, there are a few bus routes which run to and from the island.

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