On 15 April 1874, around thirty young painters held their first group exhibition at 35 Boulevard des Capucines in Paris. Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Berthe Morisot, Edgar Degas, Camille Pissarro, Alfred Sisley and Paul Cézanne, who had been rejected by the official art salon, unveiled works that would profoundly change the course of art history. Impressionism was born – 150 years ago!

The 150th anniversary of Impressionism offers an extraordinary opportunity to celebrate the rich and captivating artistic legacy of the painters who lived and worked in Barbizon, Moret-sur-Loing and the surrounding regions. The Gîtes Dame Jouanne, situated in the heart of this land of inspiration, are delighted to be part of this commemoration by offering not only comfortable accommodation but also an ideal base from which to explore the iconic sites of Impressionism.

Barbizon, known as the cradle of Impressionism, was home to many revolutionary artists such as Jean-François Millet, Théodore Rousseau and Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot. These masters found their inspiration in the idyllic landscapes of the Fontainebleau forest and the picturesque surrounding area. Today, visitors can still discover the same scenes that inspired these brilliant artists as they stroll through the forest and explore the charming paths.

Moret-sur-Loing, another favourite destination of the Impressionists, was immortalised by the brushes of Alfred Sisley and Camille Pissarro. The picturesque quays of the River Loing, the cobbled streets and the peaceful surrounding countryside provided the backdrop for these visionary painters. Visitors can stroll along the same quays and admire the same views that inspired these timeless masterpieces.

To celebrate this historic anniversary, the region is organising a series of cultural and artistic events.

1 – The 150th anniversary of Impressionism: art exhibitions:

Barbizon and Moret-sur-Loing are hosting Impressionist art exhibitions featuring iconic works by painters such as Millet, Sisley, Pissarro and many others.
These exhibitions offer visitors a unique opportunity to admire up close the masterpieces that have left their mark on art history.

2 – The 150th anniversary of Impressionism : Guided tours:

Guided tours are organised in Barbizon, exploring the places that inspired the Impressionist painters. These tours allow participants to discover the secrets hidden behind the famous paintings and learn more about the life and work of the artists.
In Moret-sur-Loing, guided tours of the picturesque quays, charming alleyways and iconic sites immortalised by the Impressionists are also on offer. The guides also share fascinating anecdotes about the artists and their creative process, offering a unique insight into Impressionism.

3 – The 150th anniversary of Impressionism : Open-air painting workshops:

Outdoor painting workshops are being organised in the surrounding area, allowing participants to follow in the footsteps of the Impressionists and create their own works inspired by the region’s magnificent landscapes.
These workshops are led by experienced local artists, who share their knowledge and techniques with participants of all levels.

4 – Lectures and discussions on impressionnism :

Lectures and discussions are planned in local community halls and cultural centres. Art historians and experts will share their knowledge of Impressionism, its historical context and its influence on modern art.

5 – These events offer art lovers a unique opportunity to deepen their understanding of this revolutionary artistic movement.

These exhibitions, guided tours, workshops and discussions are an integral part of the festivities organised to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Impressionism in the Fontainebleau region. The Gîtes Dame Jouanne will be happy to help you organise your schedule to make the most of these exceptional events.

Whether you’re a passionate art lover, a budding artist or simply a curious traveller, the 150th anniversary of Impressionism offers a unique opportunity to delve into the fascinating history of this revolutionary artistic movement. The Gîtes Dame Jouanne invite you to join in this celebration and discover the timeless beauty of the landscapes that inspired some of the greatest artists of all time.