Review: Barbizon and the Auberge Ganne

What’s this place all about?The forest of Fontainebleau inspired 19th-century painters like Jean-François Millet and the landscape artist Camille Corot, both members of the Barbizon School, the art movement anchored in Realism that was named for the village at the forest’s doorstep. Oozing charm, the village is still an inspiration to present-day artists—you'll see plenty of galleries lining the cobblestone streets. Take a stroll down the main road to see the Théodore Rousseau house and Jean-François Millet’s art studio. The Auberge Ganne, the inn that hosted many of the period painters, has been converted into a small museum (Musée des Peintres de Barbizon). Downstairs is a recreation of the original grocery shop; the upstairs rooms show off a collection of Barbizon School works, including the artists' scribbles on the bedroom walls.

What’s it like being there?This is a real immersion in the French countryside with the added benefit of lots of compelling art history.

Is there a guide involved?It’s possible to arrange a guided visit at the Musée des Peintres de Barbizon. The Barbizon tourism office has also arranged walking circuits where you can see the where the artists once lived.

Who comes here?Parisians coming to relax in the countryside and some French celebrities who have taken up residence here. But Barbizon also draws curious travelers combining a trip to the Fontainebleau Chateau with an excursion to the very forest where Barbizon School painters set up their easels.

So then what, or who, do you think it’s best for?You can't visit Fontainebleau without learning about the famous artistic movement that was inspired by the setting.