If the Hexagone is overflowing with treasures, from atypical landscapes to historic sites, the Île-de-France region is a fine illustration of this wealth. A host of little nuggets are just a stone’s throw from Paris. These small, picturesque villages have inspired artists of all eras and earned themselves a fine reputation over the years. Here’s an overview of these idyllic communes just a few kilometers from the capital.
Barbizon
It’s not called “The Painters’ Village” for nothing. Barbizon, on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, has attracted the likes of Millet, Corot, Monet and Renoir to its bucolic alleys, with its unspoilt beauty in all seasons. A delightful little hamlet in the Seine-et-Marne region, it is populated by charming buildings, each with its own unique architecture and style. If you’re passing through, don’t miss a visit to the museum or a table at one of the authentic restaurants.
Giverny
It’s impossible to list all the painters’ villages without mentioning Giverny, one of the most authentic and historic of this selection. Strongly marked by the imprint of Claude Monet, this small Normandy commune has become a place of pilgrimage for lovers of Impressionism. Enjoy the idyllic setting of the painter’s house and gardens, admire the Japanese bridge, the pond, the water lilies… The perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris.
Auvers-sur-Oise
Here too, the legacy of an illustrious artist is undeniable. None other than Vincent Van Gogh, who settled in Auvers-sur-Oise at the end of his life. Inspired by the beauty of the village and its church in particular, the Dutch painter spent his most prolific, but also his most tragic, period here. During your visit to this charming place, you can also visit the famous Auberge Ravoux the artist’s last place of residence.
Vétheuil
In the heart of the Seine Valley, wrapped in a web of charm and tranquility, lies the picturesque village of Vétheuil. A treasure rooted in history and embedded in the natural beauty of the region. A trip there is like a journey back in time, where every street corner is imbued with memories of illustrious artists, such as Claude Monet, and the tranquility of the French countryside.
Moret-sur-Loing
A thousand years of history, architectural treasures and lush greenery: the charming town of Moret-sur-Loing has it all, making it an ideal stopover just a stone’s throw from Paris. In fact, this pleasant commune on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest can be reached in just over an hour. Popular with painters in search of inspiration, the little Seine-et-Marne town counts Alfred Sisley as one of its most famous regulars. Today, the painter’s soul still lives here, and the atmosphere is simply idyllic!
Gerberoy
In every ranking of France’s most beautiful villages, Gerberoy always comes out on top. That just goes to show the cachet of this postcard-perfect commune. Fans of half-timbered houses, bucolic passageways and cobbled lanes, you’re sure to find something to suit your taste in this Oise village. As attractive in the cold of winter as it is in the warmth of summer, the hamlet has also attracted its fair share of artists, some of whose houses still stand today.
So, where are we going this weekend?