Barbizon is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful villages in the Ile-de-France region. It has to be said that the village has many assets. In addition to having inspired a number of painters and artists, this bucolic spot on the edge of the forest is a welcome change of scenery and an invitation to take a stroll.
Located on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, Barbizon is a picturesque village that has left its mark on the history of painting. Here, we come to admire the living environment of famous painters such as Théodore Rousseau, Jean-François Millet, Diaz de la Pena and Camille Corot. Art and nature lovers will be delighted to discover this emblematic place.
To begin with, visit theAuberge Ganne, where these artists stayed. It is now home to the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon, which also includes Théodore Rousseau's studio house. Here you can discover the works of these artists, as well as the atmosphere of the place at the time. Don't miss the fresco on wood by Rousseau, Diaz, Nanteuil and Jadin!
Opposite the museum now stands L'Esquisse, a hybrid of spacious café, charming hotel and free museum! Be sure to drop in - it doesn't cost a thing! That is, unless you want to have a drink or spend one or more nights there.
Then it's on to the Musée Jean-François Millet. His world-famous works, such as L'Angélus and Les Glaneuses, are on display here. Located on Rue Grande in the heart of Barbizon, Jean-François Millet's museum and studio offers a unique experience for art and history lovers. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the period and discover how this emblematic artist left his mark on the history of painting.
If you want to enjoy the great outdoors, take the Barbizon painters' trail. This yellow-marked loop follows in the footsteps of 19th-century landscape painters. You can admire the landscapes that inspired these artists, as well as the Millet-Rousseau medallion, which pays tribute to them.
In fact, to discover this medallion, after a stroll along the main street, the adjacent alleyways and a visit to the galleries, we recommend that you enjoy nature by exploring the forest adjoining the village. Continuing along Barbizon's main street, you'll soon reach the forest, where you can enjoy a number of walks and hikes. For our part, we took a 20-minute stroller-friendly loop: the famous Rocher de l'Éléphant. A pleasant outing for young and old alike.
On the way back, you can again stroll through the streets of this village, where almost every house has a story to tell or is marked by a famous inhabitant.
Looking for an even more natural walk? Head for the Sentier de l'Erosion and its vertiginous staircase to recharge your batteries between rocks and ferns.
For accommodation, opt for the Bastide de Barbizon, the oldest bed and breakfast in the village. With its garden, terrace and soundproofed rooms, it's the ideal place to relax after a day full of discoveries. We love the home-from-home welcome, the hearty breakfast and the beautiful rooms that make you want to travel.
As for the restaurant, La Folie Barbizon (currently under renovation) is a multi-faceted place where you can sleep, learn, exchange ideas and celebrate. The decor is based on second-hand finds, and the cuisine is local, organic and mainly plant-based. A real treat!
In Barbizon, traditional businesses are becoming restaurateurs! Let yourself be tempted by the Butcher's Table or the Cheesemonger's Table, where you'll be able to sample their prepared dishes.
If you go to the end of the street, you can enjoy an aperitif at the bar or a meal at O Bout, which hides a restaurant behind its bar.
There are several options for getting to Barbizon. If you prefer to travel by car, you can take advantage of free private parking on site. Alternatively, public transport provides easy access to the village.
In short, Barbizon is an ideal destination for art and nature lovers. So go ahead, plan your visit in 2023 and enjoy this unforgettable experience!
O Bout, the charming restaurant in Barbizon
As the name suggests, O Bout is the name of the friendly restaurant at the end of Barbizon's main street. You wouldn't know it from the street, but the place, which also serves as a local produce store and wine bar, hides a large room at the back for home-cooked meals. We'll take you there... [Read more]
We're taking you on a Seine-et-Marne getaway to La Plaine de l'Angélus. This charming chambre d'hôte in Chailly-en-Bière, 2 km from Barbizon and close to Fontainebleau, offers a cosy, comfortable setting in a verdant estate. [Read more]
L'Esquisse is a fusion of hotel, café and free museum. We're off to Barbizon, the famous artists' village, to take advantage of this new spot that combines large, charming rooms, a great café by the fireplace and a free museum honoring the artists who have influenced Barbizon around the world. [Read more]
Among the beautiful walks and hikes to be enjoyed in Fontainebleau, don't miss the Sentier de l'érosion loop. Less than 2 kilometers long, this family-friendly walk takes you through the Apremont gorges, between forest and beautiful rocks sculpted by nature. [Read more]
Want to explore the world of Jean-François Millet, the famous 19th century painter who inspired Van Gogh? Go to Barbizon, where you can visit his historic museum and studio. [Read more]
Location
Barbizon
barbizon
77630 Barbizon
Recommended age
For all
Official website
www.barbizon.fr
O Bout, the charming restaurant in Barbizon
La Plaine de l'Angélus, charming bed and breakfast near Barbizon and Fontainebleau
L'Esquisse, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges
Jean-François Millet's Museum and Studio in Barbizon, a dive into history
