The Fournaise house on the Île des Impressionnistes in Chatou
The Fournaise house on the Île des Impressionnistes in ChatouA number of themed trails, the Chemins des Impressionnistes, invite you to follow in the footsteps of the painters and admire today’s landscapes in the light of the colours of the past. You’ll see that on these bucolic paths, most of which are closed to traffic, nothing seems to have changed. The same lights are reflected on the waves, the willows continue to offer their beneficial shade and the little pontoons are still there.
In Chatou, admire the reproduction of Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s famous “Déjeuner des canotiers”. If you look up at the balcony of the Fournaise restaurant, then notice the details of its façade, it’s easy to imagine the atmosphere that must have reigned here at the end of the 19th century, when Parisians, men of letters and artists would come to enjoy the table and then hire a boat to indulge in the joys of canoeing! Today, there’s a gentle tranquillity and such lovely light that it almost makes you want to linger and capture the moment! (IDEA: brush and leaf dispenser)
Chemin Des Impressionnistes Marly Nicolas Mauge
Sign for the Impressionist Trail in Louveciennes OTISGBS
Sign for the Impressionist Trail in Louveciennes OTISGBS
Chemin des Impressionnistes in Port-Marly with a couple strolling along the water's edge in the background
Detail of a sign on the Impressionist Trail at Louveciennes OTISGBSOur steps then lead us to other reproductions, and the landscapes are adorned with touches of green, blue and ochre paint. We continue towards Croissy-sur-Seine, where the reproductions evoke the series of paintings by Monet and Renoir depicting the Grenouillère baths. Here, the landscapes are the only reminders of the hustle and bustle that marked the area at the end of the 19th century, but if you go up the few steps towards the park, you’ll notice that a joyful atmosphere now reigns in these family-friendly areas.
In Carrières-sur-Seine you can walk along the Seine, meeting swans and the occasional barnacle goose. Fishermen are based near the river stopover, from which cruises on the Seine depart in fine weather. A table at the Vaporetto awaits us before we continue our stroll through the village and its picturesque narrow streets.
Chemin Des Impressionnistes Carrieres Nicolas Mauge 1
Chemin Imp Carrieres Creditnmauge
Canotier Chloe JdamasseThe Impressionist Trail routes are between 1 and 3 km long, so they’re very easily accessible for families. We recommend complementing them with a cultural visit or a gourmet break!
