The fine weather has finally arrived, allowing us to enjoy outdoor activities. We can enjoy a drink in the sun on a terrace with friends, go hiking and admire the landscape as it blossoms a little more. To make the most of the lengthening days, we’ve found a truly bucolic address for you: Maison Fournaise. This pretty guinguette is one of the oldest in the Paris region. And guess what? It even inspired a certain Auguste Renoir…
Maison Fournaise: one of the oldest guinguettes near Paris
Nestled in Chatou, on the island of the Impressionists, this former hotel-restaurant listed as a Monument Historique houses a charming restaurant overlooking the wild Seine. More surprisingly, you’ll discover a veritable museum retracing the history of the site, but also of canoeing, one of the first modern water-based leisure activities.
The reputation of Maison Fournaise began to take off in 1860. At the time, Chatou was becoming the trendy destination for Parisians to enjoy nature and indulge in the new passion of the moment: canoeing. The guinguette became a popular resort, where it was fashionable to be seen. Leading intellectuals and artists such as Guy de Maupassant, Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Auguste Renoir were all regulars. Renoir, who was greatly inspired by the area, painted many pictures here, including one of his most famous: Déjeuner des canotiers . A magnificent work that testifies to the joy that inhabited the area in those days…
Unfortunately, this place of celebration and sharing went into serious decline, to the point of closing in the XXᵉ century. It wasn’t until the late 80s that Chatou town council decided to restore the premises, and they returned to their former splendor.
Now, to your delight, you can enjoy lunch in the sunshine on the magnificent Renoir balcony. Three-starred chef Christian Le Squer and Hakima El Berrimi have come up with a range of sweet treats reminiscent of typical Paris bistro dishes. What’s on the menu? An ultra-creamy artichoke risotto, a melting entrecôte steak glazed with chive butter or a lemon meringue tart that will take you back to childhood…
Right now, with the warm weather just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to sip a homemade lemonade or enjoy a strawberry meringue tart under the shade of the pergola… Get ready to step back in time, in a charming and relaxing setting, far from the hustle and bustle of Paris. A magnificent restaurant that we highly recommend.
📍 Location: 3 rue du bac – Ile des Impressionnistes, 78400 Chatou
💶 Price: lunch menu from 29 euros to 36 euros – booking recommended