THE CULTURAL PROJECT
If the village left its mark on the Renoirs, the reverse is even truer ! Discover how the Renoir project came to life in Essoyes.
Discover the history of the Renoir cultural project in Essoyes. Immerse yourself in a range of artistic events, exhibitions, and community initiatives that celebrate local art, culture, and heritage.
Explore our commitment to promoting local art, cultural diversity, and community enrichment. Join us for unique artistic experiences, creative workshops, and the opportunity to explore Essoyes’ rich heritage.
A FAMILY LEGACY
The foundation stone of this project was laid by one of the painter’s grandsons, who founded the Renoir Association in 1986 with the goal of supporting young artists through the Renoir Bursary.
In the early 1990s, the Renoir Association opened the doors of the painter’s studio for the first time, allowing many visitors to immerse themselves in the artistic world of the master of Impressionism.
A comprehensive community PROJECT
In response to the growing interest of tourists eager to follow in the footsteps of the painter, the municipality embarked on an ambitious cultural project centered around the Renoir family.
In 2011, the descendants of the painter transferred the studio to the commune of Essoyes, which, at the same time, inaugurated a cultural center in May of the same year.
Essoyes also highlighted the places frequented by the Renoir family by creating a walking tour, marked by reproductions of works linked to the village. This project culminated in the rehabilitation of the family home, which remained in the Renoir family until 2012. The restoration was made possible thanks to the support of the Fondation du Patrimoine.
Since June 2017, Essoyes has offered visitors a complete initiation tour, revealing the intimacy of the master and allowing them to discover the places that inspired his art.
BERNARD PHARISIEN, A LOCAL SCHOLAR
Bernard Pharisien devoted tireless research to Essoyes, the village where he was born and raised. He is one of the first to have successfully promoted its exceptional, often overlooked heritage and history, including the connection between the Renoir family and Essoyes.
From 1998 to 2018, Mr. Pharisien shared the fruits of his passionate work with the public through lectures and his renowned tours, known as Les Matinales, establishing himself as a recognized specialist in the field.
