The charming village of Barbizon nestling on the edge of Fontainebleau forest owes its fame to the 19th-century landscape painters Théodore Rousseau, Jean-Baptiste Corot, Charles-Francois Daubigny and Jean-François Millet who lived there. Their artistic movement, the Barbizon School (1830 to 1875), was considered a precursor of Impressionism. The artists appreciated the tranquillity of this peaceful village and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
One of the village's landmark sites is the Auberge Ganne, the inn where the artists used to meet and now home to the Musée Départemental de l'École de Barbizon which charts the Barbizon artists' lives and works.
Art enthusiasts should also make a point of visiting the houses/studios of Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet that are dedicated to their memory and host temporary exhibitions.
Walking along the main street, you'll find a succession of beautiful homes, shops, restaurants and art galleries.
The edge of the forest in Barbizon is the departure point for a waymarked walking trail exploring the scenery that inspired these great landscape painters.
