An autumnal weekend in Barbizon

As you know, I love getaways. Sometimes it is healthy to get away for a bit, even if you stay very close to where you live, to recharge your batteries, change the scenery, or take a break from your daily routine… That is why I was so happy with this trip with my favorite photographer to Barbizon, in the Seine-et-Marne department, the stronghold of pre-Impressionist painters (the name of the Barbizon school of painting might ring a bell…). Barbizon is located just 60 kilometers from Paris, and therefore less than an hour from the capital by public transport!

Barbizon owes its fame to its status as a “refuge” for pre-Impressionist period painters, who came there seeking inspiration from 1820 onwards, particularly in its nature and forest.

Autumnal forest path in Barbizon lined with trees featuring russet leaves.

Woman on the covered balcony of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in autumn.

Gravel path between two tall trimmed yew trees leading toward a tree in the park of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau.

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Where to stay in Barbizon? L’Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau

The Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau is a romantic haven of peace run by Dominique and Jean Pierre Fava, representing the 3rd generation of the family to run this establishment (pretty impressive, right!?). This hotel is located about 40 minutes from Paris (by car), on the edge of the beautiful Fontainebleau forest in Barbizon. It is an elegant former hunting lodge, set in the heart of a 1-hectare park, featuring 16 rooms, 4 suites, a swimming pool (outdoors, so unfortunately only available in fair weather), a gourmet restaurant, and a bistro.

The establishment is part of the “châteaux hôtels & collection” chain, in the 4-star boutique hotel category.

Autumn terrace with white tables and oak trees at the Bas Bréau, Barbizon.

Wooden outdoor staircase at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon.

Terrace of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon in autumn.

Cozy lounge with leather armchairs, brick fireplace, and exposed beams, Hôtel Bas Bréau Barbizon.

Our room No. 18

Well, obviously we tried a few jumps, but it didn’t have the best effect… I’ll do better next time… Well, we had a good laugh anyway, and I acted a bit silly during this photo session!

So, clearly, the best part of this room is its jacuzzi tub! However, I advise you not to add bath salts at the same time as the jets like we did… Because it generates a lot (and I mean a lot!) of foam…. Once again, we had a fit of giggles!

Woman reading a magazine while sitting on a chair next to a desk, Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau room.

Oval gold mirror with reflection of curtains and window, room at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau.

Joyful woman in Bas Bréau Barbizon hotel room with feet in the air.

Bathtub full of foam and hot water at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau Barbizon.

Twisted metal towel rack with white towel in a bathroom in Barbizon.

Woman jumping on a bed in a hotel room in Barbizon.

Joyful woman jumping on the bed in a hotel room in Barbizon.

The hotel park

This 1-hectare park is located right at the back of the hotel grounds, past the buildings with the rooms; it is also where the swimming pool is located for those who are interested.

Park of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon in autumn with a woman walking.

Park of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon with a white house and fountain.

Park of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau with covered swimming pool and wooden deck in Barbizon.

Large tree with autumn leaves in the park of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau, Barbizon.

Woman leaning against a large tree with yellow leaves in a park in Barbizon.

Ancient female statue on a pedestal in a wooded garden, Hôtel Bas Bréau Barbizon.

Aperitif at the hotel bar

Just before our dinner, we took advantage of the charm and comfort of the lounge to have a very pleasant little aperitif by the fire…

Bar of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon with exposed beams and dark wood furniture.

Orange cocktail in a flute glass on a blue napkin, Bar Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau.

Fireplace in the restaurant of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon.

The gourmet restaurant

The gourmet restaurant offers menus starting from €45 to savor seasonal products. As for us, we tested the classic dinner menu (€60) with amuse-bouche + appetizer + main course + cheese or dessert, and we thoroughly enjoyed it!

On the menu: duck foie gras with apricot and mint chutneys, French-style frog legs, roasted grey hunting partridge with porcini mushrooms, venison medallions Grand-Veneur, and hot Grand-Marnier soufflé for dessert.

Table set for a gourmet dinner at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau, Barbizon.

Woman alone on her phone near a fireplace in the Barbizon restaurant.

Restaurant room of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau, tables set.

Tasting gourmet dish with red wine at L'Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau Barbizon.

Slice of pâté en croûte, gherkin, jam, and balsamic reduction.

Hands of guests eating grilled frog legs at the Barbizon restaurant.

Meat fillet with wine sauce and vegetables and rosemary, Barbizon restaurant.

Soufflé au Rhum Diolèz being poured at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau restaurant.

Glass of yellow digestif, aperitif, or pousse-café served at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau restaurant.

Breakfast

It is presented in the form of a buffet, varied and of very high quality. You can even ask to have the daily newspaper at your table (a little extra that I find very classy).

Plate of cheeses, dry-cured ham, grapes, strawberries, and blackberries at the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau restaurant.

Whole dry-cured ham on a carving stand, ready for breakfast in Barbizon.

Facade of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon, Stevenson's House.

The hot tip: weekend packages from €230 for 2 people in a classic room, with dinner and breakfast

Hôtellerie de Bas Bréau

22 Rue Grande, 77630 Barbizon

Things to do in Barbizon and the surroundings

As usual, I offer a small selection of ideas for outings, visits, in short, things to do in the surroundings of Barbizon.

Take a stroll in Barbizon

This charming little village of international renown houses the museum of Barbizon painters, which exhibits the works of the precursors of Impressionism, such as Millet, Corot, Rousseau… Barbizon is located right next to the Fontainebleau forest, where 19th-century landscape painters settled to work outdoors. I strongly advise you to take a walk in this village, which is truly charming.

Today, the village hosts studios and art galleries, as well as several museums, such as the departmental museum of Barbizon painters.

Entrance to the Barbizon church with rooster weather vane and vegetation.

Lit rusted head sculpture in the park of the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau in Barbizon.

Jean-François Millet Workshop House on rue Diolez, Barbizon, with walkers and a dog.

Traditional half-timbered house in Barbizon with red tile roof, autumnal view.

Studio of J.F. Millet, Barbizon school, museum. Historic Monument.

Take a walk in the Fontainebleau forest

Very easily accessible on foot from the hotel, I highly recommend you put on comfortable shoes and set off to discover the beautiful trails of this forest. It is, by the way, one of the most beautiful forests in France, and it is even classified by UNESCO! It is also called the green lung of the Ile-de-France region…

For our part, we were enchanted by the beautiful autumn colors of the trees this season. I suggest, for example, following the painters’ trail for family hikes or simply getting lost at the turn of a path…

Autumnal walk of a person in the Barbizon forest covered in leaves.

Signpost "1 - Barbizon" in an autumn forest with russet leaves.

Tinder polypore or bracket fungus on a tree trunk during an autumnal walk in Barbizon.

Autumnal walk in the Fontainebleau forest near Barbizon, tree stump amidst golden foliage.

Couple cycling on a forest path with autumn colors near Barbizon.

Autumnal walk in Barbizon in the forest with large stone blocks and brightly colored trees.

Barbizon forest path littered with yellow and brown autumn leaves.

Autumnal walk of two people on a wooded path in Barbizon.

Visit the Château de Fontainebleau

If you come to the area by car (which remains the simplest option), I advise you to go for a tour in Fontainebleau (10/15 min by car from the hotel) to discover the city and, above all, the château and its gardens.

60 km from Paris, the site is a summary of the history of France, from Philippe Auguste (12th century) to Napoleon III (19th century); about forty sovereigns followed one another there. The furnished interior of the château, which is open to visitors, presents 800 years of history, and numerous rooms represent the different periods of the building’s occupation.

Facade of the Château de Fontainebleau with horseshoe staircase and paved courtyard.

Diolez wing of the Château de Fontainebleau, facade with slate roof and cobblestones.

Silhouette of a woman passing under stone arches outside the Château de Fontainebleau.

Horseshoe staircase of the Château de Fontainebleau, with visitors.

Richly decorated interior of the Château de Fontainebleau, light streaming through windows.

Richly decorated interior of the Château de Fontainebleau with gilded balustrade.

Dioles pond near Fontainebleau with pavilion, ducks, and gulls.

Octagonal painted ceiling of the Château de Fontainebleau with cherubs and monograms.

Gallery of the Deux Diôles, Château de Fontainebleau, with visitors and chandeliers.

Spectacular gilded interior of the Château de Fontainebleau with blurred visitors.

Detail of a four-poster bed richly draped in green and gold, Empire style, Room No. 18.

Sumptuous and decorated four-poster bed in a room of the Château de Fontainebleau.

Ceiling painting adorned with winged figures and gilded scrolls at the Château de Fontainebleau.

Château de Fontainebleau
77300 Fontainebleau

Visit rates for the château: €12 / €10 reduced

The hot tip: the château's gardens are accessible for free / furthermore,
access to the Château de Fontainebleau itself is free every 1st Sunday of the 
month, excluding July and August

Thanks to the Hôtellerie du Bas Bréau for this invitation and the warm welcome!

Woman in a leather armchair in front of a fireplace in a hotel lounge in Barbizon.

I hope that with all this I have made you want to discover Barbizon, and if you, too, have your own favorite addresses and tips for this destination, don’t hesitate to share them in the comments!

Photo credits: Nicolas Diolez
Photos not royalty-free, permission from the photographer mandatory before any use