The enchanting French manor house we have for rent in the small village of Arbonne la Forêt, is approximately 45 minutes drive to the south-east of Paris. Staying in this part of the Ile de France, it is hard to believe that you are so close to the centre of Paris. Surrounded by rolling hills, vast forests, grand chateaux and charming stone villages, it is an area which has totally retained its charm, and makes a wonderful holiday base with an endless choice of things to see and do.
Among the many excursions and activities nearby, a visit to the 16th century royal palace at Fontainebleau is a must. Without the sumptuous grandeur of Versailles, nor does it have the crowds, so it can be enjoyed in relative peace. The forest of Fontainebleau, listed by UNESCO, was the preferred game forest of the Kings of France and even today its 22,000 hectares are filled with wildlife. It is a wonderful place for a drive, cycle, walk or picnic, and is also an international centre for rock climbing.

Barbizon is a charming village with cobbled streets, which was a centre for the Impressionist painters, many of whose works now hang in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. Artists such as Rousseau, Millet and Corot all stayed at the local Auberge du Père Ganne, now an Impressionist museum, and the walls are covered with their work. Known as the Barbizon Group, they were followed by many other artists, together with musicians and writers, forming an influential artistic community. The home of Theodore Rousseau and the Maison Atelier of Jean-Francois Millet can also be visited. Other picture perfect villages within 10 minutes drive of Arbonne, include St. Martin en Bière, Cély en Bière and Fleury en Bière.

The nearby town of Provins, one of the largest and most important trading towns in 13th century France, remains an authentic medieval town with fine ramparts, towers and cobbled streets . It celebrates a Middle Ages’ festival in May, a spectacle well worth seeing. Alternatively the sound and light ‘Spectacular’ takes place on the banks of the Loing River every Saturday evening from the beginning of July to mid-September. There are also classical music concerts in antique churches, or you may prefer to take an afternoon peniche along the river from the beautiful old village of Moret sur Loing. Not to be missed is a visit to the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Built between 1656 and 1661 for finance minister Nicolas Fouquet, it embodies the quintessence of French 17th-century splendor.

The outdoor market is a big event in all the surrounding villages with each having its market on a different day. Fontainebleau market, just 15 minutes away, is particularly good. Another very good market is at Milly le Forêt, with its ancient market place dating from the 15th century, also 15 minutes away. There are wonderful small farms and markets right in the village of Arbonne, as well as several daily vans which visit the village of Arbonne, selling their specialities, including one for fresh croissants and pastry, and another for meat and fish, and another every Thursday evening delivering delicious freshly made pizzas. Barbizon, in particular, has an excellent choice of delightful small authentic restaurants to try.

For those who dream of experiencing the magnificent lifestyle of a luxurious 17th century chateau, need look no further than Chateau de Villette. Situated 35 minutes to the north-west of Paris, the chateau is located within the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional de Vexin, offering numerous activities, including biking, hiking, horseback riding and hunting. Within a 25 minute drive there are four golf courses, as well as places to visit of great renown, such as Versailles, Monet’s home and garden at Giverny, Maison de Van Gogh at Auvers-sur-Oise and Chateau de Chantilly. A little further, between 30 and 50 minutes, will bring you to Paris, Fontainebleau and Vaux le Vicomte