In the Essonne department, close to the border with Seine-et-Marne, Maison Porthos enjoys a privileged setting on the edge of a private château’s domaine and its stunning public gardens. Guests have access to the "Petit Parc" of the château whilst the formal gardens and water features can be visited during normal opening times (see below).
Set on the road leading to the village in one direction and the château’s main gates and beyond in the other, you can stroll to the village in a few minutes where there is an excellent boulangerie, open every morning except Tuesday and Wednesday. The village itself is an atmospheric place to stay – feel like a local as you pass children on their way to school and listen out for the church bells every half hour from morning to late evening.
From April to end-October the château’s domaine features a restaurant (open for weekend brunch and evening meals from Thursday to Sunday), a tea room (most weekends and public holidays) and a village farm shop (open Friday afternoons and all day at the weekend). The farm shop is a delight, selling fresh herbs, organic fruit and vegetables, honey and flowers straight from the estate as well as jam, eggs, cheeses, juices and more.
The château's beautiful gardens and water features are usually open weekends and public holidays from April to end-October and there are occasional short tours of part of the private château – entry fees apply in both instances. The garden’s natural springs and ornamental ponds are stunning – it’s said that when King Louis XIII was in residence at nearby Château de Fontainebleau, he would insist on only drinking water from one of the fountains. Nowadays the gardens are classified as a ‘Jardin Remarquable’.
There is also the opportunity to play polo organised by the château’s prestigious polo club – please enquire in advance or look out for matches as a spectator. Meanwhile, golf-lovers will appreciate the close proximity of the 18-hole course at Golf De Cély (7km) and Fontainebleau Golf Club (20km).
Beyond the château’s domaine and village, you are just 5km from the charming town of Milly-la-Forêt (5km). As well as its wonderful Thursday morning market and monthly Sunday brocante, the town is famous for its Maison Jean Cocteau, now a museum, and the medicinal herbs which are grown in this region – you can visit two traditional herb shops in the main square.
Milly-la-Forêt is the gateway to the diverse landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional du Gâtinais, ideal for nature walks, long hikes, horse-riding, biking and a wealth of other adventures. The Forêt de Fontainebleau is also amazing for outdoor activities and it is especially popular with rock-climbers.
Elsewhere, potter around the shops, restaurants and art galleries of Barbizon (13km), an idyllic village with surrounding landscapes that inspired a wave of 19th century landscape artists. One of France’s most famous royal residences, Château de Fontainebleau (18km) is also within easy reach, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
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.
