You’ve surely noticed—the days are getting longer! And guess what? It’s the perfect time to enjoy the region’s hidden bucolic gems. That’s good news, because about 30 minutes from Paris lies a magnificent guinguette nestled onthe Île des Impressionnistes in Chatou: the Maison Fournaise. A timeless place that is said to have even inspired Auguste Renoir for one of his most famous paintings….
Maison Fournaise: one of the oldest open-air cafés near Paris
Imagine yourself leaning on an elegant wrought-iron balcony, sheltered from the sun and facing the reflections of the wild Seine. You’re there: it is precisely here thatAuguste Renoir painted his absolute masterpiece, Luncheon of the Boating Party. In the 1860s, Maison Fournaise was the place to be seen! And for over 100 years, the establishment has welcomed the greatest figures: Maupassant, Monet, and Degas came here to savor delightful moments…
Listed as a Historic Monument, this magnificent building nevertheless nearly disappeared. Closed in the 20th century, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the Chatou town hall restored this gem, allowing it to regain its former splendor. Today, you can enjoy elegant and refined French cuisine. On the menu? Anultra-creamy artichoke risotto, a melt-in-your-mouthribeyeglazed with chive butter, or a lemon meringue pie that will take you back to your childhood…
With the return of the sun and the string of long weekends in May, it’s the perfect time to treat yourself to a bucolic getaway. You come for the homemade lemonade under the pergola, you stay for the museum next to the restaurant, and you leave feeling like you’ve spent a weekend in the countryside far from the hustle and bustle of Paris… A true favorite!
📍 Location: 3 rue du bac – Île des Impressionnistes, 78400 Chatou
💶 Price: Lunch menu starting at €29 – Reservations (highly) recommended!