Discover the Château Musée et atelier Rosa Bonheur in Thomery: a haven of inspiration

The Château et Atelier Rosa Bonheur in Thomery invites you to discover the life and work of this exceptional artist, who chose to settle in Seine-et-Marne to get closer to nature and escape the hustle and bustle of Paris. It was in this green setting that Rosa Bonheur created some of her finest works, and where she lived surrounded by the animals that so inspired her.

Rosa Bonheur, world-famous for her painting Le Marché aux chevaux (The Horse Market) in 1853, decided to settle in a former 15th-century seigneurial estate in the hamlet of By-Thomery, on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest. She was able to finance her purchase thanks to the sale of this painting, the first of which was abandoned in the château's attic. It was here, in this château now known as the Château de Rosa Bonheur, that she lived for 40 years alongside her friend Nathalie Micas and Micas's mother.

As soon as she arrived, Rosa Bonheur entrusted the construction of her studio to the architect Jules Saulnier, who also built the Meunier chocolate factory and the ferme du Buisson in Noisiel. This upstairs studio has remained unchanged since the artist's death in 1899, offering a unique insight into his creative process.

As you explore the Château Rosa Bonheur and its studio, you'll be immersed in the daily life of this pioneering artist who left her mark on art history. Growing up in a rural environment in Bordeaux, Rosa Bonheur developed an early love of nature and animals, which was reflected throughout her artistic career.

Beyond her exceptional talent, Rosa Bonheur is also known for her bold, non-conformist personality. Wearing pants, smoking cigars and riding horses like a man, she defied the norms of the time and asserted herself as an independent, free woman.

While visiting the château, you'll have the opportunity to admire Rosa Bonheur's works, including some of her most famous animal paintings. You can also explore the menagerie she created in Thomery, home to a variety of animals including cows, horses, sheep, deer and even a pair of tame lions.

Rosa Bonheur's career was also marked by success and distinction. In 1865, she became the first woman to be promoted to Officier de la Légion d'honneur, an award presented to her by Empress Eugénie. Although her style did not follow the modern trends of the time, Rosa Bonheur nevertheless succeeded in establishing herself in the art world, winning the admiration and respect of many personalities.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the fascinating world of Rosa Bonheur and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of her studio and menagerie, witness to her passion for animals and her avant-garde vision of art. Come and enjoy this enriching experience at the Château et Atelier Rosa Bonheur in Thomery, a place steeped in history and emotion, where time seems to have stood still to better transport you into the world of this exceptional artist.

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At Château de By, you'll discover all the objects from the artist's daily life, left there as if she'd gone out and was coming back. It is indeed moving to see her hat, palettes and brushes, blouse and boots, sketchbooks and even a few cigarette butts, all of which perfectly illustrate Rosa Bonheur's idealistic and original life, as the lecturers will tell you. More than a museum, the studio is truly an invitation to enter the artist's world.

To book a guided tour and immerse yourself in the world of Rosa Bonheur, visit the official Château et atelier Rosa Bonheur website. Tours are available by reservation only, and you'll have the opportunity to listen to passionate lecturers tell you all about the life of this pioneering artist.

What's more, for an even more immersive experience, the château offers a unique stay in Rosa Bonheur's authentic bedroom, amidst her furniture, décor and familiar objects. Guests staying at the château will be able to relive the sunrise as Rosa saw it from her bed, and watch as the forest animals take over the woods and groves where Rosa drew her inspiration and energy in the evening.

To book an overnight stay in Rosa Bonheur's room, visit the official website of the Château et atelier Rosa Bonheur in Thomery. Don't miss this unique opportunity to enjoy an enriching and immersive experience in the world of this exceptional artist.

To round off your visit to the Château et Atelier Rosa Bonheur, don't miss a stop at the tearoom, a small jewel in the heart of the historic site, welcoming dreamers and visitors alike for a gourmet break. Depending on the season and your mood, you can enjoy your tea curled up in a large Second Empire armchair by the fire, under the park's century-old trees or under the large glass roof, bathed in soft sunlight.

The tea room is located in the château's former stables, and offers sweet and savoury treats prepared with organic produce, mostly from the château's orchard or kitchen garden. Recipes are inspired by the cookbook of Céline, Rosa Bonheur's faithful cook, and include such delights as Gâteau des muses au chocolat et à la violette and Le Rosa Bonheur, a 19th-century cake with raspberry, grapefruit and rose.

On Sundays, don't miss the divine brunch, Le Brunch de l'Impératrice, a tribute to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, who personally presented Rosa Bonheur with the Legion of Honor. Reservations for brunch are highly recommended! We loved the hot chocolate, homemade brioches and jams, and the floral salad - a real treat to round off a wonderful discovery tour.