This bucolic island near Paris is the perfect spot to cool off this summer – and it inspired Monet, Van Gogh and Sisley!

Paris and the Ile-de-France region certainly hide some unsuspected gems. You can swim at the foot of a waterfall, discover hidden gardens or visit magnificent châteaux. But if you really want to get away from it all, there’s an island within easy reach of the Navigo Pass that’s just gorgeous. Ile de la Jatte! Halfway between Levallois-Perret and Neuilly-sur-Seine, you’ll discover a peaceful spot that is said to have inspired some of the greatest Impressionists of our time, including Seurat, Van Gogh and Monet. A lovely place to discover.

A magnificent island just a stone’s throw from Paris

This pretty 2 km-long island is a magnificent green setting nestled in the middle of the Seine. Renowned for its guinguettes in the late 1800s, it quickly gained notoriety. People gathered here to party in the shade of the trees, while admiring the peaceful flow of the Seine. But it was above all the Impressionist painters who made it popular. Seurat, Sisley, Van Gogh and Monet all found inspiration here. The bucolic setting invites contemplation, calm and rest.

Today, some 4,000 people are lucky enough to live here year-round, some in chic detached houses on the banks of the Seine. Good news: you don’t have to be a resident to stroll around! The island is open to all, and offers a truly timeless setting, much appreciated in hot weather. Planted with trees, the island offers a number of itineraries to follow along the water’s edge. Admire the beautiful private barges, the charming marina and let yourself be lulled by the lapping of the Seine, which seems almost wild in places.

At the far end of the southern tip is the Temple de l’Amour, a listed historic monument. It offers a really nice view of the La Défense district.Dog lovers can take their pooches to the caniparc, and even have them bathe on the banks of the Seine. And for joggers, there’s plenty of opportunity to create a beautiful waterside itinerary.

Ile de la Jatte offers an enchanted interlude for a restful stroll, perfect for contemplation. A magnificent place to visit this weekend!

📍Location: 4 boulevard du Parc 92200 Neuilly-sur-Seine

Also worth reading: 30 minutes from Paris, this idyllic lake with its sandy beach will take your mind off things – and (almost) nobody knows about it!