National Antiques and Hams Fair of Chatou
France's largest antiques and second-hand fair, held twice a year (spring and autumn) on the Île des Impressionnistes with around 800 dealers and gastronomic specialities such as hams and charcuterie.
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ℹ️Practical info — Chatou
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The 'Île des Impressionnistes' gets very busy on sunny weekends; aim to visit on a weekday.
- Twice a year, the town hosts a massive antiques fair (Foire de Chatou), expect large crowds.
- The RER A train provides a fast and direct connection to central Paris.
- Bring comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the long riverside paths along the Seine.
🍽 Food
🍽
Guinguette Vibe
Look for a traditional restaurant on the island to experience an authentic 19th-century atmosphere.
🍽
Artisan Breads
The bakeries near the RER station offer excellent fresh baguettes.
🍽
Macarons
Local patisseries in the town center offer fantastic variations of this French classic.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Foire de Chatou
If visiting in spring or autumn, this antiques fair is for collectors.
🛍
Avenue du Maréchal Foch
Stroll down this avenue for elegant boutiques and local food shops.
🧘
Parc des Impressionnistes
A tranquil park offering beautiful views of the Seine and the historical landscape.
🧘
Notre-Dame Church
The area around the church is peaceful and good for admiring the old town's architecture.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
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Chatou is an elegant suburb in the Yvelines department, positioned on a scenic bend of the Seine river. Its primary claim to fame is the 'Île des Impressionnistes' (Island of the Impressionists), which became a cultural phenomenon in the late 19th century. Painters such as Renoir, Sisley, and Monet frequented the Maison Fournaise, a legendary restaurant on the island, to capture the light and spirited social life of boaters. Renoir's masterpiece, 'Luncheon of the Boating Party,' was painted on its balcony. Today, Chatou continues this artistic legacy with museums and art galleries. Twice a year, the city hosts the 'Foire de Chatou,' France's premier antiques and flea market, drawing collectors from across Europe. The town is characterized by its upscale residential neighborhoods, 19th-century mansions, and excellent schools. Geographically, it bridges the gap between the modern business hub of La Défense and the historic forests of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. Its direct connection to Paris via the RER A train line makes it one of the most desirable residential cities in the western suburbs of the French capital.
- Location: Île-de-France, France
- Top sights: Maison Fournaise · Island of the Impressionists · Notre-Dame Church
- Nearby: Louveciennes (4 km)
- Population: ~31.653
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 15 | 12 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 56 | 50 | 54 | 41 | 65 | 58 | 55 | 58 | 42 | 61 | 64 | 71 |
Geography
Facts
- The Island of the Impressionists is a major landmark.
- The antiques fair has been held here since 1970.
- Postal code: 78400 (Yvelines department).
- Connected to Paris by the RER A (Chatou-Croissy).
- Notre-Dame church dates back to the 11th century.
- Maison Fournaise restaurant opened in 1860.
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Notable places around
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Sights in the town Chatou (9)
Frequently asked questions
What is the 'Island of the Impressionists'?
The Île des Impressionnistes in the Seine, where Renoir painted his famous 'Luncheon of the Boating Party'.
Can you visit the restaurant from Renoir's painting?
Yes, the Maison Fournaise on the island is now both a museum and a restaurant.
How do you get to Chatou from Paris?
By RER A train (towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye), stop at Chatou-Croissy, approx. 15-20 minutes.
When is the antiques market in Chatou held?
The 'Foire de Chatou' takes place twice a year (March and September) on the Île des Impressionnistes.
Are there green spaces for relaxation?
The Parc des Impressionnistes provides vast lawns and walking paths along the riverbank.
Chatou: where is it located?
Chatou is located in Île-de-France, France.
Chatou: what is there to see?
Highlights include Maison Fournaise, Island of the Impressionists, Notre-Dame Church.
Chatou: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Chatou: why is it worth visiting?
Chatou is an elegant suburb in the Yvelines department, positioned on a scenic bend of the Seine river.
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