Essoyes, Renoir's inspiration

The village of Essoyes is inextricably linked to the work of Pierre-Auguste Renoir , who spent all his summers here from 1888 onwards. The painter found true inspiration in the rural setting of the town, where there are still beautiful half-timbered houses along the Ource . The village is announced with a painter's palette.

To get acquainted with the artist's work, go to the espace des Renoir center .

Continue your journey of discovery with the Renoir route, which takes the visitor in the footsteps of the painter and the locations that inspired him. Reproductions of his most famous paintings such as "The Washerwomen" (Les laveuses), "Gabrielle and Jean", or "Dance in the Countryside" (Danse à la campaign) are displayed on the facades in the village, next to the houses decorated with flowers.

We can also take a look at Renoir's studio , nestled in a neat garden. Don't forget to take a look at the Renoir family home , where he had his first studio in Essoyes, for an impression of the home life of this artist family during the 1900s. Finally, you can visit the Essoyes cemetery , where they are buried together.

An unforgettable route awaits you here...

Willem Vandenameele