What to do in Barbizon, the famous village between art and nature?

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, people 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, we 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.

To get the most out of nature, take the Barbizon painters' circuit. This yellow-marked loop follows in the footsteps of 19th-century landscape painters. Admire the landscapes that inspired these artists, as well as the Millet-Rousseau medallion, a 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 or is marked by a famous inhabitant.

Looking for an even more natural walk? Head for the Sentier de l'Érosion and its vertiginous staircase to recharge your batteries between rocks and ferns.

• To be read
• 9 medieval villages near Paris: beautiful historic getaways
• What to do in Seine-et-Marne (77)? Heritage, good addresses and activities, ideas for outings
• 25 of the most beautiful villages and walks to discover near Paris, nuggets in Ile-de-France

La Bastide de Barbizon, the oldest bed and breakfast in the village, is the ideal choice for accommodation. 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.

When it comes to restaurants, La Folie Barbizon (now completely reborn) is the place to be. A hotel, an artistic residence and a locavore restaurant, this unique hybrid space weaves a subtle link between past and present. In the past, you didn't know where to look, so much art was present in every corner of the building. Today, that's still the case, but the result is a beautiful harmony from the floor to the fabrics to the walls. The artists' works are showcased to their best advantage, and you can enjoy both the atmosphere, teeming with creativity, and the sense of disconnection offered by this unique place.

In Barbizon, traditional businesses are becoming restaurateurs! Let yourself be tempted by the Butcher's Table or the Cheesemonger's Table, where you can sample their freshly 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 and plan your visit in 2023 to enjoy this unforgettable experience!

Discover Barbizon

Christmas logs and festive creations for 2025 from Maison Morin in Barbizon
Sponsored - Since 1989, Maison Morin has embodied artisanal excellence and a passion for flavor in Barbizon. Known for its refined creations and in-house expertise, Maison Morin is constantly reinventing itself to surprise its customers. Today, it is taking a new step forward with the arrival of Emma André, a pastry chef with proven talent, and success is already on the cards. "We are pleasantly surprised by our customers' enthusiasm for our new products. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which is heartwarming. Buoyed by this wonderful energy, we are unveiling some brand new creations for the holiday season with three signature Yule logs." [Read more]

Barbizon Parks and Gardens Festival 2026: Gardens of the World
The Fête des Parcs et Jardins in Barbizon returns for its fifth edition on the weekend of April 18 and 19, 2026, in Seine-et-Marne. This free event celebrates nature and biodiversity around the theme of "Gardens of the World," highlighting the links between civilizations and gardens. [Read more]

Horseback riding with Henson Horses in the Fontainebleau forest, we've tried it!
Dreaming of an authentic horseback ride near Paris? We've tested the Espace Equestre Henson in the Fontainebleau forest. This unique equestrian experience with the famous Henson horses awaits you in Seine-et-Marne - 77. [Read more]

L'A Pâtisserie KG, the new gourmet tearoom in Barbizon
L'A Pâtisserie KG is the new address on the famous Grande Rue in Barbizon, Seine-et-Marne. Established in April 2025 in this picturesque village popular with artists, this Franco-Japanese-style establishment offers a cosy, refined tea room, open from Wednesday to Sunday. [Read more]

La Folie Barbizon, the hotel and restaurant reborn between art and nature
In Barbizon, the legendary painters' village on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest in Seine-et-Marne, La Folie Barbizon is reborn with panache. A hotel, an artistic residence and a locavore restaurant, this unique hybrid place weaves a subtle link between past and present. We set out to discover this unique place where each room, linked to an artist, now tells its own story. [Read more]

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]

La Plaine de l'Angélus, charming bed and breakfast near Barbizon and Fontainebleau
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, Barbizon's new cultural hotel, both café and free museum
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]

Le sentier de l'érosion, an accessible walk in Fontainebleau, discovering the Apremont gorges
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]

Jean-François Millet's Museum and Studio in Barbizon, a dive into history
Would you like to explore the world of Jean-François Millet, the famous 19th-century painter who inspired Van Gogh? Head to Barbizon, where you can visit his historic museum and studio. [Read more]