Hôtel Les Biches

The rooms were large and reasonably clean, and the area was very quiet, right at the forest entrance. I was passing through Barbizon on a business trip in January, which clearly isn't the tourist season. It seems to be more of a second home or weekend spot for wealthy Parisians, with quite a bit of art history. On arrival, the staff seemed a little surprised to see guests. Reception was friendly but somewhat disorganized, and the evening staff couldn't answer questions about the area, like where to charge an EV or when restaurants would open. The morning and breakfast staff knew more and were very friendly. For some reason, most of the guests seemed young and hip.

The musician's sound world was amazing, a real highlight of the Equinox festival at la folie barbizon, and we'd gladly recommend that experience to friends. The orange wine at dinner was also excellent. Sadly, the rest of the festival and our one-night stay felt inauthentic, poorly handled, and overpriced for the quality. The nature walk had potential with such a beautiful forest nearby, but it felt odd and unprepared. The guide seemed unprofessional and didn't know much about nature. The festival was overbooked too, with groups so large that we couldn't properly fit into the yoga space. We didn't feel welcome when we arrived. Whenever we asked staff for something, they seemed to avoid us or look bothered, and we had to keep asking for basic things. Our room key didn't arrive for the first couple of hours, so we left the room unlocked. When it finally came, it didn't work, and we slept without being able to lock the door. The room was for three people but there was only one set of towels, and we found a dirty used bandage in the bathtub. Dinner was upsetting. The first course was boiled eggs with an oddly textured sauce. The main was very oily polenta porridge with lumps, half a mushroom on top, and chewy spinach. The dessert was probably the worst I've ever had. I couldn't tell what it was meant to be: a cookie with a little jam, sugary slime-like sauce, and an orange slice that tasted like an ashtray. The waiters forgot most things, and each time we had to ask again, they seemed bothered, which made us uncomfortable. We had such high expectations, and the experience didn't come close. We hope things go better in the future.

This is Art Camp, plain and simple. La Folie brings together your creativity, their creativity, friendship, and artistry, with the forest there for a hike when you want one. Walking through the front gate felt like leaving city stress behind and discovering what love is about. I was already planning my next visit before I left.

The restaurant was fresh, vegetarian, and delicious, and the forest begins right beside the garden. I slept better than I ever have in a calm, beautiful room. The whole place feels like a unique gem, with a garden in full bloom, art everywhere, and wonderful decor and atmosphere. It felt like a home away from home, and I can't wait to return. Merci la folie!