Barbizon: A Secret Paris Getaway
It's safe to say that most of us need to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life every once and awhile, regardless of how magical Paris is. There are many fresh, country-air options in France but most are just too far to go for a short day or weekend vacation from Paris.
So what if I told you that you could wake up in the morning and be in a charming, art village in time for an early lunch?
Barbizon is picture-perfect. In a jiffy, you can a Barbizonais for a day, or a weekend, to enjoy a true breath of fresh air. It lies right outside of the Fontainbleau forest and was the 19th century home to the Barbizon School of painters started by Theodore Rousseau and Jean-Francois Millet. By the 1860s Barbizon was popular with young artists like Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who wanted to practice plein air painting. As I discovered for myself, it's not hard to imagine where their inspiration came from, once you experience a day strolling through the natural beauty and quaint streets of this beautiful village.
Image credit: Google+/Harry Hadders
There are many exploring opportunities here- charming lunch spots, unique art galleries, and easy access to the Fontainbleau forest for a picnic or a hike.
Artists, writers, and appreciators: pack your weekend bags and go experience an easily accessable and very worthwhile getaway from the city.
Where: Barbizon, 77630, Seine-et-Marne Department, one hour south of Paris
