Musée de la Grenouillère

The floating, open-air café La Grenouillère opened in 1858 at Croissy-sur-Seine, just west of Paris. By the end of the 19th century, it had become an unmissable stop for artists, who flocked to the river banks in search of fun and inspiration. They included some of the greatest names of the era. It was in this lively guinguette that art history was made when Monet and Renoir painted together in 1869, creating five exceptional Impressionist masterpieces.

The spirit of this mythic guinguette, which no longer exists, is kept alive thanks to the Musée de la Grenouillère’s collection. The museum, which opened in 1998 in the magnificent Château de Croissy, plunges visitors back to the joyful atmosphere of life along the Seine at the time.

The festive spirit of the Belle Époque

At the museum, rediscover the spirit of the golden era of the guinguettes. Highlights include engravings by Crafty, Pelcoq, Lafosse, Robida, Grévin, Steinlen, as well as superb works by lesser-known artists, including Clary-Baroux, Heilbuth, Marius-Eraud, Maincent and Morlon. There are also, of course, copies of Monet and Renoir’s famous canvases, which immortalize forever the Grenouillère’s vibrant spirit.

Rich displays shed light on the life and practices of the era, while a varied program of temporary exhibitions completes your journey back to another time. For an invigorating finish, why not end your visit with a walk around the château’s fabulous park or along the riverbanks that were once home to La Grenouillère?

Your visit continues in Paris Region's museums and cultural sites.