Le Village d’Art Préludien
A unique world created by Chomo
Le Village d’Art Préludien is the extraordinary domain of Roger Chomeaux, known as Chomo (1907–1999). For more than 40 years, this visionary artist lived and created here as a hermit in the Forest of Fontainebleau, near Achères-la-Forêt. Using discarded materials found in the woods and local dumps, Chomo built a world entirely his own — a blend of art, philosophy, and mysticism.
The site includes his house and three spontaneous architectural works:
- The Refuge
- The Church of the Poor
- The Sanctuary of the Burnt Woods
These structures, filled with sculptures, paintings, and poetic inscriptions, embody Chomo’s creative universe — a “total art” environment that stands apart from any artistic school or movement.
Chomo, who trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, turned away from traditional art circles, declaring:
“I don’t create to sell. I create to astonish myself.”
“I am rich in poverty. They are poor in riches.”
His work spans sculpture, painting, architecture, poetry, sound recordings, and experimental film — always exploring themes of spirituality, nature, and human purpose.
The Association des Amis de Chomo
After Chomo’s death in 1999, the Association des Amis de Chomo was founded to protect and share his legacy. In 2022, following the settlement of the artist’s estate, the association became majority owner of the site, securing its long-term preservation.
Art critic Laurent Danchin, a close friend and advocate of Chomo, played a key role in documenting and promoting his work. His efforts led to several major retrospectives and to the restoration and reopening of the Village in 2015.
Visiting the Village
Location
24 rue Paris-Forêt,
77760 Achères-la-Forêt, France
Opening period
From April to October – open the 3rd weekend of each month
(plus special events such as the July open days and European Heritage Days in September)
Hours
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (continuous)
Admission
- Entry: €3–5
- Guided tours (11 a.m. and 3 p.m.): €5–10
- Free for children under 6
- Reduced rates for students, job seekers, and people with disabilities
Group visits
By appointment (15+ people) – €8 per person
All on-site activities are free.
Access
By car: Exit 14 (Ury) from the A6 motorway, then follow signs to Achères-la-Forêt. Parking is available 1 km from the site (Parking Cailleau).
By train: Line R from Paris (direction Montargis) to Fontainebleau-Avon, then take the on-demand bus to Les Hanches (Achères-la-Forêt).
(Note: The bus must be booked in advance and does not run on Sundays.)
Contact
Legacy of a visionary
Chomo’s Village d’Art Préludien is not just an artist’s home — it’s a living artwork, a refuge for imagination and spiritual exploration. His message, painted on a wooden sign at the site, still resonates today:
“What trace will you leave on Earth so that your God may be pleased?”
