Fleur De Lupin is in a small, characterful village in the Seine-et-Marne department of the Île-de-France region, around 60km from the heart of Paris.
Less than a 5-minute drive away, buy fresh bread and a small selection of gourmet groceries from a nearby boulangerie, then head to a local farm, 7km by car, for fresh eggs, meat and seasonal organic fruit and vegetables. Indeed, you will find many excellent farm shops dotted across the countryside and local villages selling regional produce including an especially wonderful honey farm near Boutigny-sur-Essonne.
The historic village of Barbizon (4km), famed for its 19th century landscape artists, features a wealth of very charming shops, restaurants, bars and of course art galleries. Barbizon is the gateway to the Forêt de Fontainebleau, a paradise for walkers, hikers, horse-riding enthusiasts, rock-climbers and mountain bikers. There are further hikes and walking trails across the diverse landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais Français.
In the historic town of Fontainebleau (11km) is one of France’s most famous royal palaces, Château de Fontainebleau, visited from tourists from across the world. History lovers also note that the beautiful gardens of Château de Fleury-en-Bière are within easy reach whilst Château de Courance (7km) is a little further, close to the picturesque villages of Dannemois and Moigny-sur-École.
The pretty town of Milly-la-Forêt (12km) is home to Jean Cocteau’s former house, now a museum, as well as a wonderful Thursday morning market showcasing some of the finest seasonal products of this rich region including watercress grown locally by L’École River. The town is also known for its medicinal herbs and there are two traditional herb shops you can visit in the main square. Look out for the monthly Sunday morning brocante in Milly-la-Forêt and other towns in the area.
Golf-lovers will be delighted to know that the 18-hole UGOLF course at Golf de Cély is only 6km by car whilst Golf de Fontainebleau and Golf de Mennecy-Chevannes are just a little further, both within a 20-minute drive.
The Region
Fall in love with la ville lumière during your time in Paris, one of the most famous capital cities in the world.
Everyone has different reasons for visiting this beautiful city. Perhaps you hope to visit some of Paris’ fine museums and art galleries, climb the Eiffel Tower or shop to your hearts content along the iconic boulevards. You may prefer to simply wander around the city parks, enjoy leisurely lunches on the left bank before strolling across Pont Neuf to admire the grandeur of the Louvre.
Discover the many charming neighbourhoods of Paris following the footsteps of famous writers, artists and philosophers. Start off on the right bank in Le Marais, the Jewish quarter, with its boutiques, old bakeries and kiosks selling delicious falafel (expect a queue!) – take a guided walking tour to learn all about this neighbourhood’s heritage. On the other side of the river, soak up the student ambience of the Latin Quarter, home to La Sorbonne, and sip coffee on a café terrace on Boulevard Saint-Germain for a truly iconic Parisian experience.
Meanwhile, a walk around Jardin du Luxembourg is a must, especially for families who will adore the little boats by the fountain, donkey rides, carrousel and a popular new playground (with an entry fee). Pack a picnic and sit on a bench beneath the shady trees as you people watch Parisians and tourists alike making the most of this atmospheric park.
Keen shoppers will appreciate the likes of Galeries Lafayette as well as the luxury stores of the Champs-Elysées. If you are visiting Le Centre Pompidou, you could also walk up to the vast Forum des Halles for recognisable brands in central Paris. Not forgetting the many markets from the twice-weekly Bastille Market selling delicious food to the sprawling weekend flea market at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen that dates back to the late 19th century.
Embrace the romantic ambience of Paris when you walk by the river on La Rive Droite with beautiful views as you pass Île Saint-Louis and Île de la Cité. It’s especially lovely as evening nears with vibrant bars by the riverside whilst children will love the play areas and climbing walls as you stroll. Look out for the Eiffel Tower in the far distance which sparkles so magically on the hour from dusk.
