The Impressionist Trail, Monet tour

Starting point – The Park on Ile des Impressionnistes

Located on Chatou’s Ile des Impressionnistes, this park is year-round host to a number of events, including the famous Foie à la Brocante (bric-à-brac fair) that takes place in Chatou twice every year. Leave the car park behind you and head for the municipal buildings and Chatou pony club. Just afterwards you’ll find the 1st painting reproduction of this tour.

Stage 1 – Chatou Bridge

Walk along the Seine (on your right) and pass under the railway bridge. You are on the Mail des Impressionnistes which takes you to the Chatou bridge access ramp.

Go up the access ramp and turn right on Chatou bridge. From here you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Seine. Follow the bridge towards Chatou town centre.

At the end of the bridge, follow the pavement then, on your left, the path across Square Réalier Dumas. Take the steps down to Quai Jean Mermoz. Turn right on the quay and, when you reach the traffic lights, cross at the pedestrian crossing. Continue straight on towards Croissy-sur-Seine. (River Seine on your left)

Once under the railway bridge, go down to Quai Maxime Laubeuf. Continue straight on to Croissy-sur-Seine. On your right is a beautiful row of houses, known as the Riviera of the Seine riverbank!

Stage 2 – La Grenouillère (reproduction no. 2, pending replacement)

At the end of the towpath, you come to Quai Charles de Gaulle. On your left are the gardens of Carrières-sur-Seine Town Hall. Enter the gardens. Take one of the paths at the edge of the lake, then turn left onto the lane leading to the park exit. Once on Rue Victor Hugo, go a few metres downhill to Allée du Pressoir. Be aware that this lane is private, but it leads to some troglodyte dwellings. A little further along is the Pressoir (wine press) of Carrières-sur-Seine. Rejoin Rue Victor Hugo, turning left towards Rue Gabriel Péri. At the corner, turn right and go down Rue Gabriel Péri. On your left is the tithe warehouse, now a chambre d’hôtes.

Stage 3 – Bathing at La Grenouillère (reproduction no. 3)

Continue onto Berge de la Prairie. As you approach the bridge between Croissy-sur-Seine and Bougival, walk through the park on your right to reach the bridge, and cross the Seine towards Bougival. Half way there, on your left, you’ll come across a ramp leading to Ile de la Chaussée. Take the ramp.

Stage 4 – The Bridge at Bougival and Banks of the Seine (reproduction no. 4 and no. 5)

At the bottom of the ramp, turn right to see the last two painting reproductions of this itinerary.