Restaurant Maison Fournaise

The restaurant Maison Fournaise, located on the Island of the Impressionists by the Seine in Chatou, traces its origins back to 1837 when the Paris-Chatou railway line brought Parisians to the waterside for leisure activities such as swimming, strolling, and boating. Founded by Alphonse Fournaise, a boat builder who made skiffs on the site, the establishment quickly became a renowned meeting place for Impressionist painters and writers. Notably, Renoir created over a dozen works here, including the iconic Luncheon of the Boating Party, and the place is associated with artists such as Claude Monet, Edouard Manet, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley, and Berthe Morisot. The writer Guy de Maupassant also found inspiration in this setting. The Fournaise family played integral roles: Madame Fournaise managed the kitchen, Monsieur organized nautical events, their son Alphonse helped guests board the boats, and their daughter Alphonsine, a sought-after model for painters, welcomed visitors. The restaurant boasts a historical riverside ambiance with several distinct spaces, including the Renoir Balcony, the Stained Glass Lounge, the Oar Lounge, the Painting Room, a covered terrace, and a terrace by the Seine. This setting combines French heritage, artistic legacy, and picturesque riverside charm. The cuisine at Maison Fournaise focuses on traditional French dishes, emphasizing homemade meals prepared with fresh, seasonal products and terroir-inspired cooking. The menu is associated with the starred chef Christian Le Squer and Hakima El Berrimi, ensuring a refined culinary experience that honors the historical Impressionist roots of the restaurant.