Creating Landscapes in France: Barbizon and Paris

In quiet villages and deep green forests, artists once captured a world untouched by the rush of modern life. Beneath shifting skies and rustling leaves, a new way of seeing was born. Trace paths through Fontainebleau’s royal woods and the forests of Barbizon, where Millet and his circle found inspiration. Wander through châteaux and gardens shaped by older dreams, before reaching Paris to explore the great collections of the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

The artistic culture of the natural environment (landscape painting, garden design) in France has been one of the richest, stretching from the Renaissance (such as the gardens of Fontainebleau) right up to contemporary times. This tour visits a series of remarkable examples located in and around Paris. We will look at the history of how nature/landscape was being represented by artists and designers, and the reasons why they chose to adopt their particular approach. 

ITINERARY

Day 1: Travel by Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris and transfer to Barbizon. Afternoon visit to the Chateau de Fontainebleau - From the time of François I (1515-1547) to Napoleon I and his successors in the 19^th century, this was one of the favoured residences of the rulers of France, and has elements of architecture and decoration of very wide-ranging dates. Welcome drink, talk by Peter: 'Art and the landscape in the 17th and 18th century France', and dinner.

Day 2: Guided tour by Peter of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte, the model for Louis XIV’s Versailles. Afternoon visit to Château de Courances which is famous for the restored formal water gardens. Evening talk from Peter: 'Barbizon painters: New engagements with nature'.

Day 3: Guided walk in the forest of Fontainebleau, following the artists’ paths, and thoughts, led by Peter. Later, visit Musée de l’école de Barbizon in the village at the Auberge Ganne, where many of the painters stayed, followed by a visit to the studio of J. F. Millet.

Day 4: Depart for the Château de Sceaux, the residence of Louis XIV’s first minister, Colbert. Its extensive gardens by Le Nôtre are famous for the great cascade and a series of enormous canals and ponds. Afternoon visit to Ermenonville and the informal, philosophic garden dedicated to Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Continue to Paris for three-night stay. Dinner at the hotel.

Day 5: This full day in Paris begins with a visit to the world famous Louvre to enjoy spectacular French landscape paintings dating from the 17th to early 19th century. In the afternoon, visit the Musée d’Orsay to study works by Barbizon painters Millet, Rousseau, Daubigny and Diaz as well as related works by Corot and the Impressionists.

Day 6: Visit the contemporay garden at the André Citröen. Later, head to the Musée de l’Orangerie to view Monet’s Waterlilies series (Les Nymphéas).

Day 7: Today we return to London on Eurostar.

NB: Exact order of itinerary may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion.

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 23 passengers. 

INCLUDED

• Return standard class Eurostar from St Pancras to Paris
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Mercure Demeures de Campagne, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Three nights' bed and breakfast at the four-star Le Parchamp Hotel, based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Welcome drink and dinner
• Dinner at the hotel
• Two lectures
• Transfers, tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Dr Peter Higginson and tour manager throughout

NOT INCLUDED

• Double room for sole use supplement £750
• Holiday insurance
• Standard Premier upgrade on Eurostar
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls
• Porterage and gratuities.
  
  

PLEASE NOTE: All clients are responsible for handling their own luggage, including carrying it on and off the trains and lifting it onto the luggage storage racks, which may be located overhead. Therefore, all luggage must be of a manageable size and should not exceed 15kg in weight.

Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore removing the worry about carrying your cases onto and off the trains. Please click here for more information and we have arranged a 10% discount exclusive to Travel Editions clients off the thebaggageman service. Tel: 01844 264890

HOTELS

Le Parchamp, Paris
Le Parchamp is a stylish 4-star hotel located in historic Boulogne-Billancourt. Blending modern design with artistic flair, it features Le Corbusier-inspired colour-block ceilings and bespoke artwork. With well-appointed rooms, a rooftop bar, and easy metro access to central Paris, it offers a chic, convenient base for cultural exploration.

Le Parchamp Website

Mercure Demeures de Campagne 
Mercure Demeures de Campagne offers elegant countryside retreats near Paris, blending 4-star comfort with the charm of historic estates. Set within expansive estates like Parc du Coudray and Château de Fontainebleau, guests can enjoy tranquil settings, gourmet dining, and a range of activities such as woodland walks, tennis, and petanque. These properties provide a serene escape from city life, ideal for relaxation and cultural exploration.

Mercure Demeures de Campagne Website