Chalet des Iles

In 1852 Napoléon III ceded the Bois du Boulogne to the City of Paris and Baron Haussmann began its redevelopment.

The Chalet was the realization of Empress Eugenie's dream to erect a chalet on one of the islands created when the lower lake was dug-150 years later M and I enjoyed a relaxed lunch on the chalet's terrace just minutes away from the noise of the city.

You reach the island by a 3 minute boat ride on a vessel reminiscent of the African Queen without the smoke. We were welcomed dockside by Marie du Chalet who escorted to our table. It was Tuesday afternoon but there was a good crowd but make reservations especially on the weekend.

The menu designed by Pierre Chomet  at 29 euros 2 courses or 38 for three is a bargain in these surroundings.

M began with a tartare de crevettes in a Thai bouillon  and I went for the ceviche de daurade with green apples and quinoa-tart and refreshing.

From the reasonably priced menu of wines by the glass we selected a white from the Vaucluse Cuvée des Voyageurs, Château de Saint Sauveur.

Four main courses I chose the Filet de boeuf with pickled vegetables and fries

and madame chose the free range chicken breast with roasted vegetables in a green curry sauce.

For wine a Côtes-de-Brouilly, Domaine Louis Père & Fils, 2022 for Mand a Entre Amis, Graves, Château Cazebonne, Bio 2020 for monsieur.

For dessert Chef  Chomet prepared variations on classics-a Miso Tarte Tatin for M

and a Baba au rhum with passion fruit for moi.

Two and 1/2 relaxing hours after arriving we motored back to the mainland feeling refreshed and content.