Hundreds of amateur and professional painters are invited to gather along the banks of the Seine River between Chatou and Le Pecq in Yvelines this Sunday, September 28, 2025. The event, organized by the Saint-Germain Boucles de Seine Tourism Office, aims to recreate the plein air painting tradition of the Impressionist masters.
Building on the success of their previous event, the tourism office is hosting a second edition titled "150 Painters from One Island to Another." In October 2024, the same organization brought together 150 painters to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism, with only one rule imposed: paint the Seine riverbanks. The invitation was simple: "Come with your materials and paint wherever you feel inspired."
Participating artists can choose their preferred location from four scenic spots: Hameau Fournaise in Chatou, Prieuré Park in Croissy-sur-Seine, Sisley Terrace at Port Marly, or Corbière Park in Le Pecq. According to the Tourism Office's website, this year's event will focus on "islands and parks, places of relaxation and beauty where nature and history blend together."
Priscille Peugnet, president of the tourism office and deputy mayor of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, explained the event's appeal: "Local painters participate in this event, but we also have people coming from Normandy or Hauts-de-France. They put themselves in the same situation as artists did in the past, setting up their easels in front of the landscape in the manner of the Impressionists." Nearly a hundred paintings from the previous edition are currently displayed on the tourism office's website.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to everyone. While curious visitors and walkers can simply show up to admire the artists' work without registration, amateur and professional painters must send an email to the tourism office to receive a registration form. As of the time of publication, 115 painters have already registered, though last-minute registration is possible even on the day of the event.
At the end of the day, the tourism office will provide refreshments for all participating artists. The event represents a unique opportunity to experience the historic tradition of Impressionist painting while celebrating the natural beauty of the Seine Valley that inspired masters like Monet, Renoir, and Sisley over a century ago.
