Museum of the studio of Rosa Bonheur

She was one of the most adored artists of her time, rubbing shoulders with the most important figures, princes and kings, and was respected even in the most remote regions of the United States. And yet, this French animal painter to whom we owe the famous Labourage Nivernais exhibited at the Musée d'Orsay remains little known in her own country.

Rosa Bonheur Château: a unique destination between authenticity and emotion

Time seems to stands still in her studio.at the By Castle where she spent the last 40 years of her life. We discover her beloved stuffed pets, painting cabinet, sculptures, sketches, photography studio and more personal objects such as her embroidered blouse, hat, boots, palettes, brushes, colours, sketchbooks and notes, right down to her cigarette butts. Even the canvas she didn't have time to finish seems to be waiting for her on her easel. You can almost hear the footsteps of Empress Eugenie on the stairs, there to present the Legion of Honour to this great artist, a feminist ahead of her time.

The adjoining charming tea room offers you a gentle gourmet break. Sweet or savoury, the recipes, imagined by Céline, Rosa Bonheur's faithful cook, are made from organic products grown for the most part in the château's orchard and vegetable garden. The Sunday brunch is so popular that it is even advisable to book in advance!

An exceptional guest room

And for a total experience, why not stay at the castle for a night like no other? The faithfully restored Mistress's room awaits you with its timeworn furniture, the delicate fall of the hangings, the smell of the waxed parquet floor… Unless you choose to stay on the top floor of the house, in Rosa's winter studio. This is where she liked to take refuge to paint when it was too cold and her large studio was too difficult to heat.
A blissfull moment to be savoured during a well-deserved weekend, far from the hustle and bustle of the city!