Fontainebleau & Barbizon Tour: Is it Worth it? (Honest Review)
Planning a day escape from Paris and considering the Fontainebleau and Barbizon Private Guided Tour? You’re in the right place! So, you can find many tours promising history, art, and a escape to the country, that it’s almost hard to pick which one truly delivers. Well, after experiencing it firsthand, I’m going to give you an honest breakdown, that hopefully helps you decide if this tour is the adventure for you. The article walks you through what you could expect, that includes some of the highlights, and what to keep in mind to ensure your trip is awesome.
Why Choose Fontainebleau and Barbizon?
Paris is amazing, yet sometimes you just crave some open spaces and different vibes, doesn’t that ring true? A visit to Fontainebleau and Barbizon can be just that. Fontainebleau is rather famous for its royal palace, that goes way back to the 12th century, it even served as a residence for French monarchs for centuries. That being said, imagine seeing a place where so much history has happened! Now, Barbizon, just a little bit away, that is know as the “painters’ village,” once the home to various 19th-century artists who sort of changed landscape painting, almost overnight.
This tour combines impressive royal architecture with pretty artsy village vibes, which means you get to experience a big slice of French history and culture, all away from the hectic city pace. If you appreciate art, history or just like seeing beautiful buildings, this tour could very well be worth looking into.
What the Private Guided Tour Offers
Okay, so the private guided tour angle is usually interesting. Most of these tours, provide a few pretty significant things, for example personalized attention from the guide. That means, you won’t be fighting to hear over large group or feel rushed. Another benefit you get, is transportation from Paris in a comfy vehicle, that typically makes for a relaxed drive to and from these locations, and, depending on the tour, you could be looking at included entry fees, which saves you from queuing up to get tickets yourself.
But remember, that specific options could be different, make sure you read all the details before booking. Is there lunch included? What exactly will you see at each spot? Making a point to do some investigation assures there are very few surprises on your trip!
A Look into Fontainebleau Palace
Fontainebleau Palace, pretty magnificent, that definitely feels like walking into history. The place is packed full of impressive architecture, fancy rooms and art at basically every turn. Your guide walks you through the different areas, filling you in on what they were for and sharing fun tidbits about the people who hung out there in the past. Apparently, from Francis I’s Gallery to Marie Antoinette’s Turkish boudoir, so much history there, and photo opportunities!
The gardens are almost too pretty. A casual walk around offers great views, sculptures, and water features, a bit relaxing. Based on how the guide words it, you hear many stories of kings, queens and other royal folks, really puts the palace in context, bringing to life important events of French history.
Exploring Barbizon: The Painters’ Village
Leaving Fontainebleau, the tour then carries over to Barbizon, a village oozing artsy vibes. So, picture wandering down streets where artists used to hang out and got pretty well known. This location is known for the Barbizon school of painters who really helped shift the idea of landscape painting in France. That means you see spots that impacted their masterpieces, turning nature into amazing artwork.
You could get to visit the Barbizon School Museum, that almost takes you back to the mid-1800s, you come across paintings and memorabilia from artists like Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet. Many tours make time to take a stroll around the forest, perhaps just for a bit, that is often shown in some of their paintings. I feel its a place for people who want to maybe step into the canvas, feeling inspired like these guys back then.
Is a Private Guide Worth It?
Opting for the private guide element has pluses. Firstly, your guide will be able to modify things based on your pace and exactly what you find the most interesting, a perk when compared to going in large group settings. I think this is the real value add to justify extra costs. I want to get nerdy and learn tons? Lets linger in one spot longer. Interested in getting the highlight reel? Perfect! Plus, you will have lots of opportunity to ask some follow up questions. Now, compare that to going in a pack of thirty, its apples and oranges.
You might feel like its quite the splurge at first glance, it also might very well enrich the experience more than going solo or as a member of large group. However, a small self guided group or audio tour can save tons of money and can bring the same excitement to some people! It almost circles back to priorities and how much enjoyment you get when you have someone with you.
What to Expect on the Tour
You usually start bright and pretty early. Pick-up will happen straight from your hotel or an agreed place inside Paris. This tour company drives you directly to Fontainebleau. Now, bear in mind that drive time is almost an hour, but hey you can get relaxed and enjoy scenery passing by. The way you spend time is typically balanced. Seeing parts of the palace at a easy to consume pace, spending plenty of time hearing from the guide and independent looking around. The Barbizon segment looks the same, but often more village-centric.
This day is a long day of touring, you might feel a bit tuckered out by the time the vehicle drops you off back in Paris. Yet with a lot to experience in these areas, it should come as almost expected. Always try to stay open to random cool finds along the way; maybe you will stop at a local spot or see something unexpected.
Food and Drink Considerations
So, talk to your tour contact before you leave! In some tours lunch may or may not be offered. If not then try to pack a little bite in your backpack or day bag before hand. In case you are craving that food made on the spot, Barbizon does feature great restaurants, ranging from those fast casual places to fancy french places. A tip, you may consider sampling one or two local treats! Paris probably features great dessert places too, but try the new dessert.
When exploring, hydrate! Especially those trips happening mid-summer. You probably should carry a water bottle, perhaps purchase somewhere while on break. Having options really lets you focus on having great memories!
Things to Keep in Mind Before Booking
Planning any kind of tour needs awareness of some aspects that can certainly sway it from average to wonderful. Take these tidbits seriously, and maybe experience zero problems.
- Confirm exactly what is included: Before solidifying the booking, know exactly the admission costs, foods, drinks, and transport aspects involved.
- Dress Comfortably: Good footwear certainly is needed; you will traverse lots of terrain.
- Weather Preparation: Inspect the local forecast before setting off with maybe an umbrella and wearing layered clothing, it really might give options, considering the circumstance.
- Ask relevant questions: Acquire some notes regarding questions or discussion to ask your private host as possible. This brings greater involvement with one or more historic periods of importance or certain artistic styles.
The Final Verdict: Should You Go?
So should you commit? In case you admire personalized care, and want to escape out to two very interesting places outside of the chaos, this type of Fontainebleau and Barbizon exclusive, moderated visits are awesome choices. Should the cost versus benefit line up alongside these considerations, go, enjoy.
Hopefully the discussion offers clarity whether the trips meet personal requirements. Irrespective whether choosing this tour package or opting alternate plans: enjoy making memories whilst traveling abroad!