Restaurant beside Seine River, a 30-minute drive from Paris, where Impressionist masterpiece by Auguste Renoir was famously influenced
Step into the Heart of Impressionism at Maison Fournaise
Nestled on the banks of the Seine, just a stone's throw from Paris, lies a time-honored gem you've likely crossed paths with - the Maison Fournaise. A vivid nexus of artistic and social life in the late 19th century, this enchanting riverside inn was a favorite haunt for leading Impressionist artists, including Auguste Renoir. It was from the very balcony of this historic building that Renoir painted one of his most celebrated works, Luncheon of the Boating Party, in 1880. After a period of decline, Maison Fournaise has reclaimed its former glory and now serves as both a museum and a restaurant that celebrate the golden age of art.
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Chatou Island: A sanctuary for Impressionists, just beyond Paris
In the mid-19th century, boating around the outskirts of Paris became the latest trend. Chatou Island, in the Yvelines, easily accessible by railway, soon became a fashionable holiday spot -a major reason why the Fournaise family established their business there in 1857. The patriarch, a boat carpenter, opened his workshop; the matriarch ran the restaurant; their son managed sales, rentals, and maintenance; while their daughter welcomed the guests.
The boating, added to the fine cuisine and quaint ambiance, attracted writers, political and financial figures, and artists. Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Berthe Morisot, and Edouard Manet -the Impressionist painters flocked to the island in search of light, reflections on the water, and scenes of outdoor life. It wasn't long before the small island earned the nickname "The Island of the Impressionists."
Instagram-worthy: Luncheon of the Boating Party, a legendary scene painted by Auguste Renoir
Auguste Renoir discovered Chatou in 1868, probably through Prince Bibesco, a regular visitor to the area. He spent nearly fifteen years returning to the region, from 1868 to 1884, painting at La Grenouillère, a popular boating and dance venue in Croissy-sur-Seine. Alongside Claude Monet, he captured the play of reflections and the gentle charm of the riverbanks. On Chatou, he created around thirty pieces, including portraits of Alphonse Fournaise and his sister, who were muses to several Impressionist artists.
In 1880, Auguste Renoir resided at Maison Fournaise to create Luncheon of the Boating Party. This canvas, a snapshot of the era, depicts friends, models, and local figures. Among them were Aline Charigot, Renoir's future wife, Gustave Caillebotte, a painter and patron, and Alphonse and Alphonsine Fournaise. The painting debuted at the 1881 exhibition and was later acquired by Duncan Phillips in 1923, now residing in Washington.
A museum-restaurant offering a taste of the past
Following the demise of Alphonse Fournaise in 1905 and his daughter in 1937, Maison Fournaise fell into disrepair. The town of Chatou purchased the building in 1979, refurbished it, and reopened it in 1990 as both a restaurant and a museum.
Within the restaurant, the walls are adorned with period caricatures, while gourmands can enjoy regional cuisine crafted by Christian Le Squer, a three-Michelin-starred chef, along with Hakima El Berrimi. Dishes include duck pâté en croûte, fried smelts with parsley, zucchini risotto, and a giant rum baba served with light vanilla cream. A delectable and cultural encounter, immersing patrons in the spirit of the Impressionist era.
Maison Fournaise: 3 rue du bac, Îles des impressionnistes, 78400 Chatou
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With a rich history steeped in Impressionism, Maison Fournaise invites you to delve into the fashion and beauty of the late 19th century, just beyond Paris.
As the island of Chatou became a sought-after destination, it played host to influential figures such as painters Monet, Sisley, Morisot, and Manet, earning it the appellation "The Island of the Impressionists."
Inspired by this artistic sanctuary, Renoir painted his iconic work, Luncheon of the Boating Party, showcasing a snapshot of the era that remains as captivating today as it was over 130 years ago.
Step into Maison Fournaise itself and immerse in the culture through caricatures adorning the walls or indulge in traditional French cuisine prepared by renowned chef Christian Le Squer, transporting you back to the golden age of art.
Whether you're a traveler seeking global cuisines or a bookworm in search of enlightening stories, Maison Fournaise offers a unique confluence of fashion, food, art, and entertainment, all nestled along the banks of the Seine.
After exploring the heart of Impressionism at Maison Fournaise, delve further into France with a visit to classic destinations, or take your adventure worldwide with flights to numerous global locations.
