New York: Two Lasting Impressionists

EXTRAS: For Francophiles, New York City is a multi-course meal of cultural offerings this summer. Cruise over to the Brooklyn Museum (200 Eastern Pkwy., 718-638-5000, http://www.brooklynmuseum.org ) for "Monet's London: Artists' Reflections on the Thames, 1859-1914." The show, through Sept. 4, features about 140 works by the famed French impressionist, as well as countrymen such as Pissarro and Andre Derain. The museum also boasts a collection of about 50 sculptures by Auguste Rodin, Monet's French contemporary.

Back in Manhattan, the "Chanel" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, 212-535-7710, http://www.metmuseum.org ) fetes the French pioneer of modern fashion. From her two-tone shoes to her quilted handbags to her refined evening wear and more, the iconic designs of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel take center stage through Aug. 7.

Simultaneously with Chanel, French artist Jean Helion spent the 1920s, '30s and '40s creating colorful and geometrical abstract paintings that were influential on the art scene in New York, where he lived for a time. "Jean Helion," organized by the Georges Pompidou Center in Paris, debuts at the National Academy Museum (1083 5th Ave., 212-369-4880, http://www.nationalacademy.org ) on Bastille Day (July 14) and runs through Oct. 9.

INFO: The Museum of Modern Art (212-708-9400, http://www.moma.org ) is at 11 W. 53rd St.

-- Seth Sherwood