On an idyllic spring day two weeks ago I went with some friends from New York, one a painter, to see Caillebotte show in Yerres. Caillebotte was one of the great Impressionist painters and his family estate was in Yerres, a small town about 20 minutes by RER from Paris. Caillebotte’s father Martial, a wealthy entrepreneur, bought the park and property Yerroise. It was here that Caillebote developed his painting style, creating over 80 canvases from 1873 to 1878.
In a new exhibition, 43 works mostly painted in Yerres, some very rarely seen, are well curated in an intimate but comfortable space on the estate. Being up close to some of Caillebote’s most iconic paintings including Rower in a Top Hat and Yerres Rowers, you can see his masterful and inventive brush strokes. Unfortunately, I couldn't sneak any photos, as the security guards were watching us like hawks.
After leaving the show we walked on the estate, taking in all the spring flowers and greenery. Across the street was a densely wooded park with rowers in gliding through the deep green river. It was though I was experiencing one of Caillebotte’s paintings live and you could feel his inspiration first hand, as I walked through time a hundred years ago.
We had a forgettable lunch at a nearby restaurant, so it’s best to spring for the more expensive restaurant Le Chalet du Parc on the premises of the museum.
Yerres and the exhibition are a great daytrip (Just 20 minutes from Paris) and very easy to get to. Just take the RER D from Gare de Lyon metro five stops to Yerres. There are signs with arrows that point you to the exhibit, which is a pleasant 15-minute walk from the train station. Best to get tickets in advance if you are going on a weekend.
Propriete Caillebotte
8 rue de Concy, 91330
http://www.yerres.fr/index.php/_minisite_/display?idpage=226
My friends Laurie and Blair were so smitten with Caillebotte and Yerres, they are having a four-day show of their paintings at a neat carriage house across the street from the exhibit.Please visit them if you go to the exhibit.
I was fascinated with the birds in the henhouse
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 210 euros for up to 3 people, and 70 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
Click here to watch a video of our famous Marais tour
