Le Chalet des Îles, Restaurant on an island in Bois de Boulogne, France
Le Chalet des Îles is a restaurant housed in a wooden building situated on an island within the Bois de Boulogne, a large park in Paris. It occupies the northern island of the lower lake and is accessible only by boat.
The building was originally constructed in Bern, Switzerland, and was later disassembled and rebuilt in Paris during the mid-1800s. Napoleon III had it transported as a gift to Empress Eugenie.
The name references its island location and echoes its Belle Époque role as a gathering place for Parisian society. Visitors today can sense the feeling of an exclusive retreat where writers and cultural figures once met.
Visitors must use the ferry service to reach the restaurant since it sits on an island. The establishment operates at set times for lunch and dinner, so checking hours ahead of time is recommended.
The building represents an unusual international connection, having been entirely transported from Switzerland to Paris and combining Swiss architecture with French cooking. This blend of two nations and traditions makes it a distinctive setting within the park.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
