Alfred Sisley Art of the French Medieval Town of Moret-sur-Loing
An hour away from hectic Paris is the magnificent and tranquil, medieval town of Moret-sur-Loing. Visit this beautiful town that inspired so many Alfred Sisley artworks. Here will find a town full of architecture dating back to the Middle Ages, complete with arches and town gates. Absolutely charming!
An Impressive Impressionism Past
Moret-sur-Loing’s claim to fame is that it has a rich artistic past. The town captivated many impressionism giants, such as Claude Monet and Camille Pissarro. Both artists visited this town, set up their easels by the banks of the river Seine and captured the scenery onto their canvases.
This town was also home to the impressionism painter Alfred Sisley. He lived here for nearly 20 years!
Alred Sisley, the French landscape painter, could barely make a living from painting. Unable to pay the expensive rent in Paris, he needed to find cheaper accommodation away from the city. Alfred Sisley ended up in Moret, living a quiet and humble life with his wife and two children. He stayed in Moret until his death. His resting place is in the local Moret cemetery.
If you are a fan of Alred Sisley, you will recognize many of the sites from Alfred Sisley’s artworks. The church, the River Loing, the Moret bridge and the mills.
However, you don’t need to be a Alfred Sisley fan to fall in love with Moret-sur-Loing.
Wander through the Picture Perfect Streets
Walk through the stunning streets of Moret. The architecture is beautiful and the streets are lined with boutique shops, ice cream parlours, cafes and creperies, cosy restaurants and small family-owned delicatessens. Purchase artisan cheeses, wines and awarding-winning croissants. Make sure you come to this town on an empty stomach!!
Walk in the Footsteps of Alfred Sisley’s Art
You cannot miss the grand Notre-Dame church, just off Grande Rue. This church was built between the12th and 15th centuries. The organ inside is one of the oldest in France and one of the three remaining from the renaissance period. Those who love Alfred Sisley may recognize this church from a few of his paintings.
Another building worth visiting is the Town Hall on Samois square. This stunning building dates back to 1527.
If you continue walking along Grande Rue and pass underneath the stone tower at the end of the street, you will be on Sisley’s bridge. This is is the bridge that has been immortalised in many Alfred Sisley paintings.
There are footpaths leading from both sides of the bridge, but take the path leading to the left. This path will lead you to the River Loing. The views of the River Loing from the bridges are stunning. Just stop, sigh and enjoy the moment!!!
It is no wonder that Alfred Sisley and other painters never tired of capturing these beautiful landscapes.
A Museum for those with a Sweet Tooth!
There is one museum in Moret and it is not an art museum but a barley sugar museum!! It is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday – and in the afternoons only. This museum is said to be the smallest museum in France. It sells the most delicious candies!
But hands down, the most beautiful part of this village is the river. Alfred Sisley knew this and never tired of setting up his easel on the banks of the Loing and capturing the changing light and seasons. Go for a walk along the river and enjoy the beauty and tranquilty…
Photo by C. K. McClelland on Flickr (CC BY-NC 2.0)
Public Transport to Moret is Easy Peasy!
Moret is 79 kms south-west of Paris and is easy to reach by both car and public transport.
Take the train from Paris’s Gare de Lyon railroad station. From the station, catch the train in the direction of the towns of Fontainebleau and Melun. Trains on this route run every half an hour. The train ride is around one hour and you descend at the station Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons station.
This station serves two towns. The station itself is in Veneux-les-Sablons. The walk into Moret is only 20 minutes. When exiting the station, walk to your right and you will reach Moret.
A Nice Side-Story – The Missing Sisley Paintings in Moret… True? Not sure!
Alfred Sisley’s art did not sell well during his lifetime. However, we now know that he sold many of his paintings to Moret-sur-Loing villagers at bargain prices in order to pay for rent and food. Today, these canvases would be worth millions.
This has led to a more interesting turn of events. According to the article from The Guardian, art historians believe that villagers in Moret may be hiding original Alfred Sisley artworks that their ancestors may have bought or bartered decades ago.
Why are they hiding these paintings?
The Moret heirs are afraid of the tax authorities….If they admit to an original Sisley painting in their possession, they may need to pay incredible amounts of inheritance tax! It is thought that there may be over 500 original Alfred Sisley paintings missing and perhaps somewhere in Moret!!
So if you are staying in a local B&B is Moret, have a peak in their attic or basement. You may find a Sisley original!!!!!!
Bon Voyage
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