Barbizon
Barbizon, a commune in the Seine-et-Marne department of Île-de-France, became a famous artists’ colony in the mid-19th century. Located near the Fontainebleau Forest, it attracted artists from across Europe and America, drawn by its natural beauty and the creative atmosphere. By the 1850's, foreign artists joined their French counterparts in Barbizon, creating a lively cultural scene. The Siron Hotel opened an exhibition space in 1867, welcoming painters and writers such as Robert Louis Stevenson.
Key figures of the Barbizon School, including Jean-François Millet and Théodore Rousseau, were instrumental in establishing Barbizon’s reputation. After 1875, younger artists like Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Alfred Sisley visited the area, continuing the artistic legacy. In 1890, the "Barbizon School" term was coined, referring to these early artists who revolutionized landscape painting.
While Chailly-en-Bière was initially more prominent, Barbizon’s popularity grew, and it became a center for writers, philosophers, and musicians. Tourism flourished, boosted by a train line from Melun. By 1903, Barbizon separated from Chailly to become its own commune, marking the end of its rural past. The town’s international artistic renown remains tied to its heritage as a haven for creatives as shown at the Barbizon Painters Museum.
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Quick Links
Arts and Entertainment
L'Atelier de Bérengère
Handicraft
Website: atelier-berengere.fr
Fashion and lifestyle
Carpe Diem Institut
Beauty salon
Website: facebook.com
Côté Boudoir
Hair salon
Website: coteboudoircoiffure.fr
Food and dining
Aux Delices de la Foret
Bakery
Website: facebook.com
Aux P'tits Gourmets
Fast food restaurant
Website: aux-ptits-gourmets.fr
La Galerie des Pains
Bakery
Website: facebook.com
Maison Morin
Catering
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Others
Pimentine
Florist
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Professional Services
Au Bonheur des Dames
Landscape designer
Website: aubonheurdesdamesbarbizon.com
In Sinu Architectes
Architecture firm
Website: insinuarchitectes.com
LPM Barbizon
Car repair and maintenance service
Map: maps.app.goo.gl
Real Estate and Construction
Boittelle Immo
Real estate agency
Website: boittelle-immo.fr
CENTURY 21 Agence Chaumette Barbizon
Real estate agency
Website: century21-chaumette-barbizon.com
L’Angelus Barbizon
Real estate agency
Website: barbizon-prestige.com
Retail and consumer services
Arte Milenario
Hat shop
Map: maps.app.goo.gl
Boucherie de l'Angelus
Butcher shop deli
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Cycles lekeuss
Sporting goods store
Website: cycles-lekeuss.com
Epicerie de Barbizon
Grocery Store
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Imprimerie Artisanale
Print shop
Website: imprimerie-artisanale.com
L'Enes Tabac Presse Barbizon
Tobacco shop
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L'Epicerie Végétale BIO
Organic shop
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Val'et des fromages Fromagerie
Cheese Shop
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