Chatou, France

Capital City

Despite its picturesque impressionist pedigree, the reality of living in Chatou is a population of 30,598 people crammed into a small suburb 14 km from Paris. The town boasts bourgeois mansions and historic meeting places for artists, but bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as evidenced by the 1875 territorial carve-up that created the nearby town of Le Vésinet. Those seeking a quiet, cultured life in the Parisian hinterlands may find Chatou a suitable fit, but the proximity to the capital and its attendant challenges make it a dubious choice for those seeking a true escape.