The Fournaise house on the Île des Impressionnistes in ChatouThe Fournaise house on the Île des Impressionnistes in Chatou
©The Fournaise house on the Île des Impressionnistes in Chatou

Artists' lands Chatou, Croissy-sur-Seine, Le Vésinet

Welcome to the land where art and nature merge in perfect harmony! Chatou, Croissy-sur-Seine and Le Vésinet, these three emblematic towns have inspired the greatest painters, particularly the Impressionists. Today, these towns still influence many artists, as evidenced by the many events, open houses, exhibitions and festivals that feature them.

Chatou The Island of the Impressionists

In Chatou, the Île des Impressionnistes, is home to iconic sites such as the Musée Fournaise, where you can relive Renoir’s world with digital animations, and the Maison Fournaise, famous for its balcony immortalised in Le Déjeuner des canotiers. The island is also home to Sequana, an association that preserves river heritage by restoring boats and offers immersive workshops to discover this art.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir

“You won’t regret your trip, it’s the prettiest place on the outskirts of Paris.”

Croissy-sur-Seine Birthplace of Impressionism

Croissy-sur-Seine, marked by the history of Anne of Austria and her famous “pot-au-feu vegetables”, became a popular spot for Impressionists, thanks in particular to the guinguette of “La Grenouillère”. Today, its agricultural past is recounted at the Local History Pavilion and its Impressionist heritage at the Musée de la Grenouillère. The Chanorier area, meanwhile, hosts captivating interactive exhibitions. This space allows visitors to discover scientific and technological themes through fun and educational installations. Also worth a visit is the Micro-folie, located in the outbuildings.

Great stories

Immortalised on the canvases of the great masters, celebrated in the words of writers and the chords of musicians, the Seine, with its moving waters and timeless reflections, has always inspired artists. Along its course, many famous personalities have found refuge here, notably between the beautiful villas of Croissy-sur-Seine and Le Vésinet. Maurice de Vlaminck, Joséphine Baker, Antoine Bourdelle, Lucien and Sacha Guitry, Émile Augier… and many others, whose works and lives have been marked by the magic of the Seine.

Le Vésinet

Le Vésinet, a 19th-century parkland town, is a haven of peace at the gateway to Paris, with its lush greenery, lakes and rivers. The birthplace of many famous personalities, it offers peaceful strolls among stately homes, some of which are open during events such as the European Heritage Days. Take advantage of its parks, waterways and footpaths to discover this unique place.

What to do in Terre d'artistes

Make the most of your visit to Chatou, Croissy-sur-Seine or Le Vésinet by taking a stroll, eating out or enjoying yourself!