Chatou sits 9 miles (14 kilometers) from central Paris and is not typically part of a tourist itinerary. Visiting isn’t difficult, however, with a ride on the RER train. Its most-visited attraction is Musée Fournaise on the Ile des Impressionnistes, where Renoir and other Impressionist artists gathered and painted works such as Luncheon of the Boating Party. Other nearby cultural sites include the Musée de la Grenouillère in Croissy, Château de Monte-Cristo in Port-Marly, and Le Musée Ivan Tourgueniev in Bougival.
Chatou is accessible from Paris via the RER A train line to the Chatou–Croissy station.
The museums in Chatou are much smaller than those in Paris with limited opening hours, so check days and times before you go. Musée Fournaise may be closed in April, November, and December.
While you’re out exploring the western edge of Paris, stop by the city’s business district, which is the largest in Europe. In addition to the high-rise office towers, the district features dozens of modern art sculptures and installations, as well as the Grande Arche, a cube-shaped contemporary arch with a rooftop viewing deck.
