The Impressionists' Paris: Walking Tours of the Artists' Studios, Homes, and the Sites They Painted

by Ellen Williams

Travelers who follow the walking tours in The Impressionists' Paris will never see the paintings—or the city—in the same way again. From the historic Paris along the Seine, through the bustling grands boulevards, to the cafés of Pigalle and the dance halls of Montmartre, this guidebook pairs some of the world's most beloved masterpieces with the exact locations where they were painted. Readers follow in the footsteps of the artists from the pont Neuf depicted by Monet and Renoir to the intersection where Caillebotte painted his haunting street scene; from the balcony of the Louvre where Monet literally and figuratively turned his back on the establishment to the Gare St. Lazare, the train station from which he departed for his home in Giverny. Also revealed is the view out Manet's window, where he watched—and immortalized—a one-legged veteran hobbling down the flag-draped street. Period dining recommendations and the addresses of the studios where the painters worked, the buildings where they lived, and their birthplaces and gravesites complement this delightful guide.

Genres: Art, Travel, France

102 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Dianne Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just returned from Paris and read this while my memory is fresh. There is a nice amount of info in this little book, and some great postcard- sized impressionist paintings.
I don't think it would necessarily be all that great as a touring guidebook, but it does point out where the paintings were done, and where the artists lived and the places that they painted from, for example second floor windows, cafes, or even sitting in carriages.

[Ying-Qiu · Rating 5 out of 5]

a nice guide

[Kate Alexis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not impressed with this guide book while in Paris. I found many others that were much more descriptive and easier to use.

[Steve Radlauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and brilliant pocketable book that takes you into the world of the Impressionists -- and in some cases into their paintings -- as it guides you through Paris.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, quick history of Impressionism and their leading men. You don't need to take the tour, or even be in Paris, to get much out of this.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful little book, and full of historical information! Great, quick read. I know a lot more about art that I did before reading.

[Kellie's Book List · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walk in the footsteps of Manet, Renoir, Monet, and others... and feel like you're part of their impressionists' club.

I've always loved impressionism more than any other style, and my upcoming trip to Paris made me interested in connecting their lives and their works to the city they lived in. This book is a perfect little compilation of walking maps, paintings, and biographical information that made me feel like a real Parisian artist.