NEW IN 2024 : FULL DAY TOUR FONTAINEBLEAU & VAUX-LE-VICOMTE!

Palace of Fontainebleau: Embark on a journey throughout French History thanks to the Palace of Fontainebleau. The most celebrated French monarchs, from Saint Louis up to Napoleon III, left their indelible mark. Its history looks like the one of the Palace of the Louvre in Paris. Indeed, both are former royal residences. Their story began during the second half of the 12C.and goes up to the end of 19C. Walk through the halls that witnessed the grandeur of those kings of France who promoted during the 16C. the Italian art in France: Francis I and his son, Henri II. The former built a gallery decorated by the Italian painters: Rosso, a pupil of Michelangelo and Primaticcio, a follower of Giulio Romano. King Henri II commissioned the fantastic Ballroom we can still admire today. It was decorated by another Italian artist, a leader of the Manierist style,N.Dell’Abate who worked for King Henri II under the supervision of a French architecte, Philibert Delorme. Altogether those French and Italian artists founded during the 16C. the 1st “School of Fontainebleau”. The 2nd “School of Fontainebleau” was born during the reign of Henri IV (1589-1610), the founder of the new Bourbon dynasty. He is the one who broke up with Italian artists and commissioned mainly artists from Flanders, such as Ambroise Dubois.

During the 17thC. each Bourbon king of France added new buildings in Fontainebleau. Then came Napoleon I, who commissioned a new bedroom and a Throne room, set right in lieu of the former King’s bedroom! Eventually, the Emperor Napoleon III and his wife, the Empress Eugenie, built a theater and several rooms (15 in all) were transformed in order to shelter their wonderful collection of Chinese works of art. It is now a Chinese museum, located right inside the Louis XV wing. Immerse yourself in history as you explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, a living testament to the splendor of bygone eras.

Castle of Vaux-le-Vicomte: Step into the captivating history of the Castle of Vaux le Vicomte, a jewel that sparked the inspiration for Versailles. Our exclusive day trip unveils the tale of Nicolas Fouquet, the influential finance minister, and the lavish soirée that changed French history. Traverse the opulent chambers and gardens that echo with stories of ambition, betrayal. The castle of Vaux-Le-Vicomte heralds a new architectural style in France, the Classical style, a style which will reach its apex with the palace of Versailles.

Village of Barbizon: Discover the artistic legacy of the village of Barbizon, a serene retreat that captivated renowned painters of the Barbizon School: Rousseau, Daubigny, and probably the most celebrated one, J.F Millet who realized in Barbizon his famous painting «L’ Angelus». Nestled in the Fontainebleau Forest, this charming village became a genuine source of inspiration for generations of painters. Among them, the future leader of the Impressionist painters, Claude Monet! Join our private excursion to stroll through the main street of Barbizon, packed with many art galleries and tiny, but very interesting museums
(Auberge Ganne, Rousseau Museum and Millet Museum). Breathe in the creative air that inspired landscape masterpieces. A journey through art and nature awaits.