Issue No. 25

Barbizon, Seine-et-Marne
At the edge of the Fontainebleau forest,
around 60km from Paris, Barbizon is
nicknamed the village of the painters,
because of the role it played in the history
of French pre-impressionism. Artists like
Renoir, Sisley and Monet flocked here,
charmed by the picturesque village and
surrounding nature.
A listed Village of Character, today its
postcard pretty streets are home to art
galleries, artisan workshops and the
Museum of the Painters of Barbizon
musee-peintres-barbizon.fr
The village is surrounded by woods and
perfect for a walk to see what inspired so
many artists...
Take the train to Fontainebleau (see page
43) then a taxi or bus 21 to Barbizon.
Painting: Charles-Francois
Daubigny, 1877, Barbizon
school.
Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse, Yvelines
The town of Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse at the
gateway of Paris is pretty, romantic and a real
taste of the countryside. You’ll find the
promenade des petits ponts, a path along a
canal lined with stone houses and old wash
houses. The history of Chevreuse dates back at
least 1,000 years, and there’s a 12th century
castle which is free to explore. And the lvoely
17th century Chateau de Dampierre is a 22
minute cycle from the town. There’s a cheese
farm and several excellent restaurants – an
idyllic place. Take the train from Gare du Nord
to Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse which takes
about 50 minutes. From the station you can
rent ebikes and bikes – great to explore the
Rambouillet Forest.
Details: chevreuse-tourisme.com