From Rustic Barbizon to Royal Fontainebleau

Explore the Inspiration of French Artists and a Centerpiece of French Royal History

Coming to fame thanks in large part to the popularity of it's location amongst 19th-century landscape artists, Barbizon is the perfect destination for those wanting a quick escape to the more rustic environs of Paris. Nestled adjacent to the Fontainebleau forest, the town inspired the artistic movement that came to be known as the Barbizon School, a forerunner of French Impressionism. Visitors, like the artists before them, appreciate the bucolic village and the tranquil beauty of the surrounding area.

Strolling down the quiet main street, those who visit Barbizon find a series of charming homes, interesting shops, peaceful restaurants and burgeoning art galleries filled with the pastoral reminders of a time gone by. This is in contrast to our afternoon visit to the splendor and opulence of Fontainebleau, the only royal and imperial château to have been continuously inhabited for seven centuries. The palace is famous for its horseshoe-shaped staircase which dates from the reign of Louis XIII and it is an impressive showcase of French architecture from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

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French village of Barbizon
 

As with every Bonjour Mon Amour adventure, your personal concierge will contact you to arrange every detail of your visit to Barbizon and Fontainebleau. We have set forth some ideas to inspire you, but all can be arranged to your liking.

Your Bonjour Mon Amour concierge will meet you at your hotel in Paris and whisk you off for your trip to the stunning French countryside. Paris is a jewel but to understand the soul of the nation it is important to explore beyond the ring road.

Jean-François Millet workshop
 

This morning we will begin in the idyllic French village of Barbizon. Established around the year 1820, Edmée and François Ganne set up a grocer’s shop in the hamlet of Barbizon. In 1827, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot discovered the village, paving the way for other painters to come here, including Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet.

Our visit will include one of the village's landmark sites, the Auberge Ganne. The inn, where artists used to meet, is now home to the Musée Départemental de l'École de Barbizon which charts the Barbizon artists' lives and works.

The Elephant stone in Fontainebleau forest Barbizon
 

To take advantage of the morning light, and perhaps capture the some memorable photos, we will stop at a few of the villages famous landscapes. Our awarding winning photographer will be available to either give you some pointers or capture memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

An option for this afternoon is to journey through the beautiful Fontainebleau forest on bicycle to the château. On our way we can stop for a gourmet picnic lunch, including a sampling of the finest French wines, under the cool canopy of the ancient woods.

The magnificent Fontainebleau Castle
 

This afternoon we will visit one of the largest and most opulent royal château, Château Fountainbleu. This medieval castle turned palace served as a resident for every French monarch from Louis VII to Napoleon III. 

With 1,500 rooms, it embodies better than anywhere else the French 'art de vivre'. You can discover the Renaissance masterpieces commissioned by François I, the major projects of Henri IV, the refined decoration of Marie Antoinette, Napoleon I's apartment, and the splendour of Napoleon III.

After your visit you will be chauffeured back to your hotel. Our team will be able to make recommendations for your evening or share other suggestions for your visit to Paris.

Image

As with every Bonjour Mon Amour adventure, your personal concierge will contact you to arrange every detail of your visit to Barbizon and Fontainebleau. We have set forth some ideas to inspire you, but all can be arranged to your liking.

Your Bonjour Mon Amour concierge will meet you at your hotel in Paris and whisk you off for your trip to the stunning French countryside. Paris is a jewel but to understand the soul of the nation it is important to explore beyond the ring road.

Image

This morning we will begin in the idyllic French village of Barbizon. Established around the year 1820, Edmée and François Ganne set up a grocer’s shop in the hamlet of Barbizon. In 1827, Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot discovered the village, paving the way for other painters to come here, including Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet.

Our visit will include one of the village's landmark sites, the Auberge Ganne. The inn, where artists used to meet, is now home to the Musée Départemental de l'École de Barbizon which charts the Barbizon artists' lives and works.

Image

To take advantage of the morning light, and perhaps capture the some memorable photos, we will stop at a few of the villages famous landscapes. Our awarding winning photographer will be available to either give you some pointers or capture memories you will cherish for a lifetime.

An option for this afternoon is to journey through the beautiful Fontainebleau forest on bicycle to the château. On our way we can stop for a gourmet picnic lunch, including a sampling of the finest French wines, under the cool canopy of the ancient woods.

Image

This afternoon we will visit one of the largest and most opulent royal château, Château Fountainbleu. This medieval castle turned palace served as a resident for every French monarch from Louis VII to Napoleon III. 

With 1,500 rooms, it embodies better than anywhere else the French 'art de vivre'. You can discover the Renaissance masterpieces commissioned by François I, the major projects of Henri IV, the refined decoration of Marie Antoinette, Napoleon I's apartment, and the splendour of Napoleon III.

After your visit you will be chauffeured back to your hotel. Our team will be able to make recommendations for your evening or share other suggestions for your visit to Paris.

 
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