Just a short drive out of Paris is the small town of Barbizon. A town epitomized by the pre-impressionist painters that went to to practice the art of painting outdoors, with natural light. Artists like Jean François Millet, Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot moved there in the 19th century when this place was just inhabited by peasants and farmers. They had (gasp!) the “audacity” to paint those peasants doing their daily work, which before that time was considered an unworthy subject for art. A lot has changed since! Barbizon sits on the edge of the forest Fontainbleau, and is a great place to lunch, shop for art, meander, and then stroll in the forest. Although the town has become quite frequented by tourists, it still remains fertile territory for artists, antiquaries and the like.
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