Just an hour south of Paris, on the edge of the scenic forests of Fontainebleau, which were once known as one of the greatest hunting grounds in Europe, lies the genteel town of Barbizon. Today the cobbled streets are lined with chic galleries and upmarket restaurants, but back in the mid-19th century, this little village was home to one of the most important artistic centres in Europe.
The Barbizon School of Painters, initially led by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, was established here. These were the first landscape artists in France to discover the joys of painting outdoors, an activity that would later come to define the work of the Impressionists.
Its artists would eat, drink and make merry in the Ganne Inn, an auberge in the heart of town that has been transformed into a museum showcasing works by the Barbizon school. Most fascinating are the original drawings and scribblings left on the walls, which are well worth scrutinising. Nearby, the former studio of Barbizon painter Jean-François Millet is also now a museum filled with his paintings (pictured), sketches and his easel.