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Historic village · Fontainebleau, Ilha de França
Barbizon
The village on the edge of the forest where Théodore Rousseau, Jean-François Millet and other painters worked outdoors in the 19th century. It houses the museum at the Auberge Ganne and Millet's house‑studio on the Grande Rue.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Barbizon
Barbizon is about 10 km northwest of Fontainebleau, on the edge of the forest. In the 19th century the village attracted painters who wanted to leave the studio and paint nature outdoors. Théodore Rousseau was the first to settle there; Jean‑François Millet arrived soon after, and Corot, Daubigny and others passed through. The group became known as the School of Barbizon and paved the way for the Impressionists.
The village essentially has one main street, the Grande Rue, with stone houses, art galleries and restaurants. On it is the Musée départemental des peintres de Barbizon, housed in the Auberge Ganne, the inn where the artists stayed and sometimes paid their bill with paintings on the furniture and walls, which are still there. Théodore Rousseau's house‑studio, also connected to the museum, hosts temporary exhibitions.
On the same street is Jean‑François Millet's house‑studio, where he lived until his death in 1875 and where he painted peasant scenes such as The Gleaners. At the exit of the village toward the forest, a bronze medallion on the rock honors Millet and Rousseau.
From the end of the Grande Rue trails begin to the Gorges d'Apremont, with rock formations and views over the forest.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
2 to 3 hours for the village and the museum. With the Gorges d'Apremont trail, half a day.
Best time
From April to October, combining the village with a walk in the forest. The museum is closed on Tuesdays; check days and opening hours before you go.
How to get there
There is no train to Barbizon. By car or taxi it's about 15 minutes from Fontainebleau or the Fontainebleau-Avon station. You can also reach it by bike along the forest roads.
Tip
Have lunch on the Grande Rue and save the afternoon for the walk to the Gorges d'Apremont, which starts at the edge of the village. The museum and the Château de Fontainebleau are closed on Tuesdays: choose another day if you want to do both on the same outing.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Barbizon
Can you get to Barbizon by public transport?
There is no train to the village. The most practical way is by taxi or car from Fontainebleau or from Fontainebleau-Avon station, in about 15 minutes. Arrange your return in advance, because the village has few taxis.
Who were the painters of Barbizon?
Théodore Rousseau, Jean-François Millet, Camille Corot, Charles-François Daubigny and other 19th-century landscape painters who painted the forest and countryside en plein air. The group is known as the Barbizon School.
On which day is the museum closed?
The Musée départemental des peintres de Barbizon is closed on Tuesdays and on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. Check opening times before you go.