Live at 'Ile de Chantemesle' in France! In the steps of Monet! There are about 60 islands on the River Seine in the" Ile-de-France", which literally means the Island of France and is the area around Paris. Some are inhabited, some not. The island of Chantemesle is a small paradise of approximately 25 acres and contains two charming villas built in the local style. The Impressionists were attracted by the landscape and the quality of the light. Claude Monet lived in nearby Wtheuil and completed several important paintings there and of the banks of the Seine, as well as the water lilies in his garden at Giverny, a few miles away. Other marvels around Chantemesle: the troglodyte settlements of Haute-Isle, the Xllth century church of Vetheuil or the chateau at La Roche-Guyon, which has been classified as one of the 20 most beautiful villages of France.

Location: On the River Seine, 30 miles to the north­west of Paris, between the villages of vetheuil and La Roche- Guyon.

Accommodation: The main house has a living room with a large fireplace, a dining room, a fully equipped kitchen, a cloakroom and a Victorian veranda. On the first floor, there are 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, and on the second, a living room, bedroom and bathroom. The total living space is 400 square metres. The house has just been newly renovated, inside and out.

Dining: French dining is possible at the many fine restaurants nearby. Or go shopping at the local market and try your hand at French cuisine! Chef and housekeeping staff are available on request.

Activities & daytrips: On the island there is a park, an orchard, a tennis court, a swimming pool, a farmyard, 2 greenhouses, a landing stage on each side of the small branch of the Seine and 2 small motorboats. There are 8 golf courses within 30 minutes' drive as well as horse riding, hang-gliding and water sports. A must is the Claude Monet Foundation (April 1 - Od 31) and gardens at Giverny. Other places to visit. vetheuil; La Roche-Guyon (village and castle); Amble Villier; the market at Vernon; Magny-en-Vexin. Nearby are the covered alley at Dampsmesnil, and fascinating archeological sites such as the rock shelters at Mestreville and the neolithic burial place at Houlbec Cochere!.

Best time to travel:  Spring offers the best weather to visitors. Temperatures are moderate in autumn, but the short days mean limited sunlight.

Getting there: Only 45 minutes from the Paris Peripherique it may be reached by car via the D-l00, 0 train and bus from Paris. Then by privatI boat over a small branch of the Seine to thl island.