La Folie Barbizon

There are so many people involved in this slightly crazy project that it's easy to get lost, and yet each one, in their own way, truly embodies what La Folie Barbizon is all about: a place for exchange and intellectual stimulation, an artists' residence and a spot to unwind and answer the call of the forest, a social hub and a utopia, a little bit of everything at once... It all started with Lionel Bensemoun, a gentle eccentric and visionary man, and his partner in crime, André Saraiva. It's bold, it's authentic, it works, but it can't last forever. He brought Nicolas Saltiel and his young Chapitre Six collection into the adventure. Saltiel brought in Sarah Valente and the Greenline Foundation to handle the artistic direction, Marion Collard to design the interior architecture and decor with a truly clever touch, Eric Fava to design a family table, and Estelle Marandon to design the garden. And around twenty artists (impossible to name them all), often based nearby, to create works of art and worlds, adding that extra touch of soul. Together, they have created a shared work and cause. There is, of course, a touch of madness here, but rest assured, it is perfectly controlled: all the codes of a chic, committed, responsible, and virtuous hotel are respected.