Domaine de
Courances
Just a stone’s throw from Milly-la-Forêt and Barbizon — the cradle of the Impressionist painters and many other artists — this destination, blending nature, culture, and epicurean pleasures, is a must for city dwellers seeking to get away for a few days.
On the grounds of the Château de Courances*, discover elegant and refined houses nestled in a park classified as a “Remarkable Garden,” for a journey back to the 17th century in a rejuvenating, timeless atmosphere.
*The château is open to the public from April to early November on weekends and public holidays only.
Domaine de
Courances
Estate Services Courances
Leisure and Sports Facilities
- Small park of the Château de Courances
- Japanese Garden
- Bicycles
- Library
- Board games
Amenities
- Parking and charging stations for electric cars
- Free Wi-Fi
- Nespresso machine
- Kettle
- Toaster
- Oven
- Microwave
- Induction cooktop
- Dishwasher
- Hairdryer
- Television with Canal+ channels
- Baby bed and high chair on request
- Garden & terraces
- Fireplace / stove
À la Carte Services
- Breakfast delivery
- Meal delivery
- Massage
- Babysitting
- Vivier du Bien-Être spa
- Pets
- Taxi
Estate Location Courances
- Take line R from Paris Gare de Lyon station towards Montereau or Montargis and get off at Melun or Fontainebleau-Avon station. Then order a taxi to the estate (20 minutes).
- A6 Highway
- 50 minutes from Paris
- 25 minutes from Fontainebleau
- Orly Airport (55 min)
- Roissy Airport (1h30)
Our Houses at Courances
A few steps away, an old farmhouse has become La Métairie.
At the entrance of the estate, along the road, La Régie stands proudly, offering a magnificent view of the tree-lined park.
Carefully and authentically restored, the houses of Courances are the perfect destination for a timeless retreat with family or friends.
Experiences around your stay
Beyond walls and stones, it’s about moments to live. Enjoy unique experiences inspired by the history of the place, the surrounding nature, or local craftsmanship.
Estate Managers
Each Pierres d’Histoire location benefits from the presence of a dedicated estate manager. They know the house, the history of the place, and ensure that every detail of your stay unfolds in the best possible conditions. Available before, during, and after your visit, they are your main point of contact for an experience as smooth as it is memorable.
Olivier
The calm strength of Pierres d’Histoire! A former gendarme, Olivier is attentive and always looking out for you.
The History of the PlaceThrough the Centuries
The Domaine de Courances, located about twenty kilometers southeast of Paris in the Gâtinais region of France, was originally a vast seigneury named Corancé, situated at the edge of the Forest of Fontainebleau. In the Middle Ages, the seigneury was already known, and a notable lord, Henri de Courances (Marshal of France, around 1268), is mentioned. However, the foundation of the seigneury of Courances dates back to 1233.
In 1552, Côme Clausse, Secretary of State to King Henry II, acquired the Domaine de Courances from the Lapite family, who had lived on the estate for a century. It was in 1546 that King Francis I came to spend a few days at Courances to hunt near the royal hunting grounds of Fontainebleau. At that time, it was more of a small manor house than an imposing château. Under his direction (and/or that of his successors from the Clausse family), the first waterworks were created: the École River and several springs (fourteen in total) were managed, canals and ponds were dug. The park became a true “water garden,” where basins, canals, and moats dominated the landscape.
The château as we know it today was built between 1627 and 1630 by Claude I Gallard, after his acquisition of the estate in 1622. The building adopted the “Louis XIII” style, with an “H”-shaped plan or a platform surrounded by moats, featuring a central body and two side wings. The park still retained traces of earlier water-centered layouts but would later be modified. In 1642…
In the 18th century, under the Gallard family and later through marriage with the Potiers de Novion/Nicolay families, the château was “modernized”: new windows were opened, and the main courtyard was redesigned. The park also evolved from the strict “water garden” design toward more natural, landscaped forms, although water remained its central feature.
The estate then went through a long period of abandonment—42 years in the first half of the 19th century. In 1872, the Swiss-German banker Baron Samuel de Haber acquired the property and entrusted its restoration to architect Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur, who was also overseeing the restoration of the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. During this restoration, the Louis XIII style was emphasized (red bricks, stone, slate roofing), and the “horseshoe” staircase inspired by the Château de Fontainebleau was added by Destailleur. The gardens were also entirely restored by Henri and Achille Duchêne.
During World War II, the estate was occupied by the German forces, specifically the Luftwaffe. After the war, around 1948, Jean-Louis de Ganay, heir to the estate, undertook an extensive restoration of the park, favoring a more natural and simplified approach (large lawns, minimal trimming, and reorganization of the water features). The park is now recognized as a “Remarkable Garden” spanning 86 hectares. Not to be forgotten is the Japanese Garden, created in the early 20th century by Berthe de Béhague, Marquise de Ganay, wife of Jean de Ganay. The Domaine de Courances is often cited as one of the finest examples of “water gardens” of the Renaissance or early 17th century in France. It harmoniously combines water, architecture, and landscape, evolving over time while preserving its historical coherence—an emblematic destination for lovers of gardens and heritage.
1552–1630
Establishment of the Courances estate
1830–1872
Abandonment of the estate following the exile of its owners to Switzerland
1872
Baron Samuel de Haber acquires the Château de Courances and launches an ambitious restoration project. He entrusts the work to architect Hippolyte Destailleur and landscape designer Achille Duchêne, who breathe new life into the estate. Under their direction, nearly all of the outbuildings are rebuilt, and new structures — such as La Régie — are erected.
1940–1944
During World War II, the Courances estate was occupied successively by the German army and, after the Liberation, by the American army, impacting the long-term preservation of the buildings.
2016
Restoration of the Domaine de Courances carried out jointly by the owners and Pierres d’Histoire.
FAQEverything you need to know
Need a hand with booking, understanding our properties, or offering a stay? Browse our answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Before you leave, find all the practical information here to help you plan your stay with peace of mind.
Experience History Differently
Seminars, weddings, film shoots, photo shoots, or private events... Our carefully restored, history-rich venues transform into unforgettable settings for your most ambitious projects. Surrounded by nature and imbued with heritage charm, they offer an authentic, inspiring, and timeless atmosphere. Whether you're a company seeking an inspiring seminar venue, a couple looking for a unique wedding location, or a creative scouting for a shoot: Pierres d’Histoire opens its doors to you.
Seminars
Offer your teams an inspiring setting, far from conventional meeting rooms. Work differently in a place steeped in history and surrounded by nature.
Weddings
Celebrate your union in an exceptional venue. Authenticity, charm, and intimacy for an unforgettable moment.
Events
Host your receptions, birthdays, or gatherings in a unique setting. Lively, elegant, and timeless locations await.
Photo Shoots
Authentic settings for your photo or video shoots. Ancient stones, natural light, and distinctive atmospheres guaranteed.
What Our Guests Say
Denis Moron
We stayed at the Moulin and highly recommend it. A magical place thanks to its location, the layout of its rooms, and the quality of the renovation work carried out. Added to that is the beauty of the château’s park. We were won over and will definitely come back.
Christelle PARANT
A very good one-night stay — we would have loved to stay longer to enjoy even more of the charm of the place! There were 12 of us staying on site: 4 in the Closerie, 5 in the Bosquet, and 3 people in 2 rooms of the Métairie, and we rented the Loft in the evening to gather 20 people together. Don’t hesitate to ask about converting some double rooms into rooms with two single beds — it’s possible depending on availability. Excellent welcome also at the Café de Courances, which quickly made up for a small internal communication error and served all the breakfasts we had requested in just a few minutes!
Antoine Ottavy
An incredible experience at the Domaine de Courances! The Métairie room was very charming for two people and takes you back to another era. A walk in the park of the Château de Courances was delightful even in winter. Generous breakfasts at the Café de Courances the next morning — the people there are adorable. We will be back!
Henry Mona
A very pleasant stay in a magnificent place! We stayed 4 nights at the Atelier de Courances (2 adults + 2 children). Everything was perfect: the setting, cleanliness, peace and quiet, the beds... It was wonderful to be able to borrow the many bikes, all in excellent condition, to explore the surrounding villages and forests.
Virginie Gallezot
It feels like a privilege to be able to sleep in the heart of the estate. The hamlet is beautifully decorated and restored, and the rooms are comfortable. Don’t miss the visit to the park — it is absolutely stunning!
Cécilia Lefebvre
A 3-day, 2-night stay as a couple. Beautiful gardens, a comfortable and beautifully decorated room, and an overall very pleasant setting. The Café de Courances is a warm and welcoming place with friendly service, offering generous and delicious breakfasts and delicious pastries made on site. A special mention for the banana-chocolate cake :-)
Claudia
We spent the weekend at the Atelier de Courances and loved the authentic charm of the place. The house, spotlessly clean, is decorated with great taste. We enjoyed the fireplace with a cozy dinner by the fire (a basket of local products picked up from the Café de Courances across from the cottages). The natural setting with the Japanese Garden is truly relaxing. We also enjoyed a private walk through a small part of the estate. It was truly a perfect weekend!
Rémi Fourmeaux
An unforgettable stay on this magnificent estate. The room was very comfortable, with warm décor — a real timeless escape. The château’s park is simply exceptional.
Château de Carneville
I’m delighted! After this two-night stay at the Moulin de Courances, my batteries are fully recharged! The château’s hamlet has been restored with taste, celebrating the art of living in an unparalleled natural setting… I can only encourage you to discover this place.
Manon Studnia
A magnificent place! We stayed at the Moulin, which was absolutely perfect for a romantic getaway. It was refreshing, very pleasant, and Olivier (the host) was extremely kind! We will be back.
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