Le Domaine de Courances

Drive through the outer château wall, pass the spring that feeds the mill, and enter your chosen home. There are five beautiful places: four sleeping from 2 to 8 (but you could gather the clans and take the lot for a grand get-together) and and one sleeping up to 20 (la Métairie). All are filled with light, relaxed and traditional with big comfy sofas, pretty fabrics and good artwork. Beds and linen are superb, bathrooms have antiques, rugs, retro sinks and lovely organic soaps.

Cook in good-sized kitchens with all the basics left for you plus a bottle of wine, and if you prefer to be looked after, la Métairie can also be taken on a B&B basis. All have their own private outdoor spaces or you can head to a shared lawn and some sunbeds. The Jardin Japonais – one of the most famous gardens in France – is open to the public on weekend afternoons or you can ask for a private visit.

From here, a short walk brings you to impressive lakes and avenues. For real, wild nature, borrow the bikes and pedal to the Forest of Fontainebleau. There is a shop at the garden.