The Seine outside Paris: L'Ile des Impressionnistes, Chatou

Many are familiar with the Seine river and her many bridges in downtown Paris. Few follow the mighty Seine west as she meanders through the Ile de France and Normandy to reach le Havre and the English Channel.

They have forgotten the locations artists of yore, especially Impressionist painters, highlighted in their work over a century ago. Renoir and his friends once experienced the good life on the Seine riverbanks, and on small islands that are still there today.

I returned to one of them, l'Ile des Impressionnistes (Ile de Chatou) where I once had good times of my own. Join me as we travel back in time. Who wouldn't want to return to the beautiful terrace of the iconic "Maison Fournaise?"

Video notes:

Erratum: The golf course is located past the expansive EDF research facilities, on l"Ile Fleurie, the prettiest tip of the island, not on the other side where a fun brocante is set up twice a year (March and September.) - and of course, my apologies for the pesky finger that claimed its 5 seconds of fame on the screen (but fortunately decided to move on quickly!) ;-)

The article I once dedicated to "la Fournaise." It remains one of the most popular posts on the French Girl in Seattle blog and a favorite of mine. The story is here: http://frenchgirlinseattle.com/maison...

Words and expressions used during the guided walk:
"canotage" = canoeing, a popular activity along the Seine in the 19th century. Le canotage ruled until "la bicyclette" (cycling) took over in the early 20th century.
"un canotier" = a canoeist. Also the flat straw hat popular in the late 19th century and early 20th century (Maurice Chevalier nailed it!)
"effeuiller la marguerite" = to pluck petals from a daisy ("She Loves me, She loves me not.") In French: "Elle m'aime un peu, beaucoup, à la folie, passionnément, pas du tout."

To get to l'Ile des Impressionnistes and la Maison Fournaise, take RER A Direction: "St Germain en Laye." Stop: Rueil Malmaison. Walk across the Chatou bridge and head down to the island.


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