Barbizon School Museum & village
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Barbizon Painters Museum - by Jean-Pierre Lacroix on Google
Description
Barbizon village was a popular residence for pre-impressionist painters in the mid-19th century who used to stay at the Auberge de Ganne and seek inspiration in the countryside and the Forest of Fontainebleu. It gave its name to the Barbizon School of painting that included artists such as Camille Corot, Diaz de la Peña, Daubigny, JF Millet and Théodore Rousseau. Several foreign artists such as Robert Louis Stevenson also stayed there. The Museum occupies the Auberge de Ganne and the house of Theodore Rousseau. Its collection consists of painting and drawing by artists who used to stay there and period furniture. Other attractions in the village include the workshop-house of JF Millet.
Access & Transport
The village is located 55km to the southeast of Paris and 10km to the northwest of Fontainebleau. Public transport from Paris: regional train (TER) or Line R from Gare de Lyon to Melun and then bus 9 OR Line R to Fontainebleau-Avon and transfer to bus #21. The journey takes about 65-75mins. By car, take the A6 and exit toward N37/N7/Fontainebleau and keep on driving until the D64 to Barbizon.
Instructions & Recommendations
We suggest combining a visit there with a walk and discovery of the Fontainebleau Forest and / or a visit of either the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte or the Chateau de Fontainebleau.
Environmental & Social
Environmentally neutral (no carbon footprint). Positive from a social perspective as tourism provides economic activity to the community and the museum helps preserve the village's cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The village and the museum together with the forest of Fontainebleau in the vicinity are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the pre-impressionist painters and experience first-hand the environment they used to translate to their canvas. It is also a good break from the city for those interested in exploring the Paris region a bit more in depth.
Key positive
A charming village with a strong artistic history
An easy day trip from Paris, even by public transport and several other sights in the area
Key negative
No standout highlights in the village or masterpiece in the museum
Suitability
Most of the village and the museum's ground floor are accessible for visitors with reduced mobility but the upper floor isn't.
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:1h
est. visit time:2h 30m
Monday10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday -
Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
Thursday10:00 - 18:00
Friday10:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00