This is a small town that became a “mecca” for French landscape painters in the 19th century, who organized the “Barbizon school.” Its representatives include Théodore Rousseau, Millet, Aubigny, and other artists.
They are now called the precursors of the Impressionists, the most famous of whom is the landscape painter Corot, and today he captivates the viewer with the power of emotion conveyed through seemingly ordinary landscapes.
The town, or rather the village, is very picturesque. The houses and villas of famous artists, an ancient church, and cozy, exquisite streets have been preserved. There are many good restaurants and souvenir shops here. Barbizon is located in an ancient oak forest, strewn with boulders and rocks left here by the last ice age.
It is no coincidence that not far from Barbizon, in this extraordinarily picturesque forest, lies the Franchard Gorge – a gorge where, according to legend, among the inhumanly large fragments of rocks, the evil forces from all over France gathered in the Middle Ages.
A pleasant half-hour walk reveals to the tourist the charm of the French village, the gentle and well-kept landscapes, cozy lines, and enchanting colors.
