Weekend around an artist’s house: Gustave Caillebotte, Val d’Yerres and surrounding area

The property is full of places to discover, including the aviary, installed by the artist’s father, who hosted the birds sought for their beautiful songs; the 7m deep cooler that allowed ice to be disposed of and food preserved… do not miss the visit to the vegetable garden immortalized in many paintings by Caillebotte, who was passionate about horticulture. With a surface area of 1,700 m2, the original greenhouse can be found there. It is now being maintained, just as it was in the time of the painter, by “Potager Caillebotte” volunteers’ association.

After this beautiful walk through a romantic 19th century landscape, a lunch break is welcome. You can opt for a lunchtime picnic in the park on the impressionist grass, or sit at the “L’Orée du Parc” tearoom-restaurant, located within the property.

Did you know that Caillebotte was also a canoe enthusiast? Head to the jetty of the property for a nice boat trip on the Yerres where the painter painted numerous bathing scenes. Don’t worry, your boat has nothing in common with the small boats immortalised by the painter and once called “canoes” as they capsized so easily!

After this walk along the water, you are now ready for the highlight of the show: a visit to the house! Fully restored and refurbished as at the time of the painter, you will discover the intimate universe where the artist lived. The dining room, lounge and billiard room have been completely renovated and the family bedroom has been fitted with its original empire furniture. Finally, the atmosphere of the workshop has been restored and the original paintings of Caillebotte are regularly exhibited.

After this trip through time, do you still have a bit of energy remaining? Let’s go for a walk along the green trail!

The green trail is 38 km of nature in Essonne and Val-de-Marne along several walking circuits in the communes crossed by Yerres and Réveillon. It allows you to discover a protected natural site while admiring archaeological and architectural treasures. As you are in Yerres, it’s an opportunity to travel along Route 2, a 3 km section that passes through the Caillebotte Property and crosses a genuine protected ecological corridor, which is home to specific plant and animal species from the wetlands as well as a fish spawning ground. You will also pass through Panchout Island, a place for walking and fishing where highland cows, which are chosen for their adaptation to the wet environment, roam the vast surrounding meadow in the summer! You could almost forget that Paris is less than an hour away…

After this busy day, you will certainly want to relax, won’t you? Then head to the Demeure de Campagne Parc in Coudray Montceaux, located 30 minutes from Yerres! The scenery continues to be beautiful with this property located in a 20-hectare private park overlooked by all the rooms. You won’t have time to get bored, there are many activities on offer, from a walk along the path around the property, to swimming in the swimming pool (unless you prefer treetop adventure!) and a small game of table football or darts. Enough to satisfy young and old alike in all weather. Boots and oilskins are even available in case of rain!