Le Moulin de Courances

SMALL COUNTRY HOUSE IN THE PARK OF A CASTLE

Le Moulin du Hameau de Courances is the dream place if you want to reconnect with nature. Together with la Pompe and l’Atelier it forms what is known as the Hameau de Courances. They can be rented and privatized as an entity for up to 9 people depending on availability. The tranquility of the small private terrace situated just a few paces away from the magnificent Japanese garden, officially labelled as “Exceptional Garden”, is what we really seek when we want to leave our busy city lives for a few days.
This historical outbuilding, formerly essential to the activity of the domain, is now a small charming sanctuary set in the heart of one the most beautiful historical domains of Ile de France. In the countryside and yet not far from Paris, le Moulin de Courances is the ideal haven for an unforgettable stay with friends or family.
Open wide the French windows the kitchen and listen to the hypnotizing music of water trickling down the length of the stone wall outside. From that same kitchen, an unusual glass wall partition overlooks a large living room with a fireplace and a comfortable sofa perfect for cold winter evenings. The wood panels, the floor tiles as well as the “country chic” furniture create a cozy atmosphere.
In summer with the warm sun shining, the serene garden is an invitation to just lazing around. A stay in the idyllic tranquility of le Moulin, is the opportunity, to reconnect to the basic pleasures of life.

  • Nomber of persons
    • 3 peoples
  • Area
    • 80 m²
  • Price
    • From 309€ the night
      2 nights minimum
  • More product
    • Fireplace
    • Bathtub
    • Garden
  • Exterior & Environment
    • Private garden
    • EXCEPTIONAL VIEW
  • Configuration
    • 1 DOUBLE BEDROOM & 1 SINGLE BEDROOM
  • Near
    • CHÂTEAU & FOREST OF FONTAINEBLEAU, BARBIZON PAINTERS’ VILLAGE, GOLF DE CÉLY
  • Location
  • Services included
    • LAUNDRY, CLEANING, BICYCLES, HOUSE MANAGER AT YOUR SERVICE
  • A la carte services
    • WELL-BEING, DELIVERY OF PREPARED MEALS AND BREAKFASTS

Outside our walls

La Boutique des Jardins de Courances can be found right next to the village of Moulin. It offers seasonal organic products that are grown in the Domaine. In fact, there is quite a demand by the Parisian chefs for these wonderful products. For less expensive products, you will find a producer who holds a fruits and vegetables stand on the road to Milly-la-Forêt. In Milly, you will find a good choice of food stores that will satisfy all your needs. A special note should be taken for the wine shop, Cave d’O , at the entrance of the village as well as the cheese shop Aux Délices Fromagers. If you are a fan of herbal teas, the place to go is l’Herbier situated in Milly as well. The best bread shop, however, is located in Courances and the very best of croissants are to be found at Dardonville, rue des Sablons in Fontainebleau. That is if it is what you are craving for on those lovely Sunday mornings!
Spoil yourself with a well-deserved moment of relaxation. Marine Le Gouvello, in Le Vivier de Courances offers massages and individual yoga classes that are perfect. It is the little house that you can see in front of your kitchen window. Be sure to reserve prior to your stay at: https://marinelegouvello-naturopathe.com/contact/

The atmosphere at le Moulin is so warm and cosy, that you will most likely find yourself not wanting to do anything else but sit and relax next to the fireplace. So much the better! But should you want to get out a little bit, pick up a bike and go on the country roads; explore the nearby villages, each more picturesque than the other.
The better athletes can do some rock climbing, or go horse riding in the amazing playground that is the Domaine de Fontainebleau.

Everything to know about the adress
  • Is the access to the Château automatic if I rent a Pierres d'Histoire house?
    • Château de Courances is a private house, therefore you cannot visit it outside of public visiting hours. On the other hand, you do have access to "Petit Parc" of the château.
  • Do we have access to the Japanese Garden from le Hameau?
    • From the Hameau, you can follow the special trail set by Pierres d'Histoire that allows you to pass in front of the garden so as to admire it. However, because of the fragility o f the garden you cannot enter it unfortunately.
  • Can we build a fire?
    • Yes , you can build a fire. All the houses of Courances have either a fireplace or a woodburning stove as well as a reserve of firewood.
  • What is the cost of a massage? How can we make reservations?
  • Are there washing machines in the houses of le Hameau?
    • No, there are no washing machines in the houses of le Hameau
  • Is firewood provided for the fireplace or the woodburning stove?
    • Yes, firewood is provided should you wish to start the chimney or the woodstove
Everything to know on a Pierres d'Histoire reservation
  • How can I reserve?
    • You are interested in on of our houses? You can reserve directly on our website or by calling our number at 01 84 83 04 00. If you reserve directly through Pierres d'Histoire, we guarantee you the best price.
  • Is housekeping included?
    • It is possible for a daily housecleaning service if requested and if available for a fee of 25€/hour. If you stay longer than a week, at mid-stay the bathroom and kitchen will be cleaned with a change of your bedsheets. This is free of charge.
  • Is it possble to rent a single room?
    • Our houses have to be rented as a whole, except for Hôtel de Tingry and the suites of de Fleury.
  • Can I reserve for a single night?
    • You have to stay a minimum of two nights as the rent of our houses necessitates a high cost of upkeep in order to always maintain our high quality.
  • Does the price include half-board?
    • No, meals are not included in our service. Our kitchens are fully equiped enabling you to prepare your own meals. However, if you do not wish to prepare your meals, most of our houses have a local catering service selected especialy by us. Our caterers prepare the meals themself and work with local products.
  • Are animals allowed?
    • Yes, dogs are allowed in our houses for an extra fee of 20€ per dog.
  • At what time can I arrive and at what time do I have to leave the house?
    • The house is available as of 4:00 p.m. on the day of your arrival. Check-out is at 11:00 a.m. at the latest. On Sundays, Pierres d'Histoire gives you the opportunity to decide yourself your departure time (except for Hôtel de Tingry).
  • In case of a poblem during my stay, who should I contact?
    • There is no reception desk at the Pierres d'Histoire houses. For any problems or queries you can get in touch with the house manager whose contact number is given in the confirmation mail when you reserve.He/she can be reached by telephone should you encounter any problems and will answer any of your questions.
  • Can I cancel my reservation?
    • You can cancel directly your reservation on line or by calling us at 01 84 83 04 00. Cancellation is free upto 30 days before your date of arrival. Less than that there will be a cancellation fee (see General Conditions of Sale).
  • Can I change my reservation?
    • If you wish to change your reservation, please contact us at 01 84 83 04 00.
  • What means of payment do you offer?
    • Reservations are made on line with your credit card. Our site is of course fully secured. We do not accept any other kind of payment and you cannot pay on the premises.
  • Do I have to make a down-payment?
    • For all reservations we ask a down-payment. A direct debit pre-authorisation will be registered a few days before your arrival. The security deposit is upto the amount of the down-payment depending on the house, but will not be debited unless damage has been noted.
  • When will I be debited?
    • A 30 % down-payment will be debited when you reserve. The balance will be debited between the 2nd and 5th day before your arrival.
  • Am I insured/responsible if I break something in the house?
    • Should we note an important damage in the house or if the furniture is damaged by misuse or volontarily broken, all or part of the security deposit will be debited in the 30 days following your departure.
  • Do Pierres d'Histoire houses have baby beds and high chairs?
    • Yes, upon request we can provide a baby bed and a wooden high chair. Ask your house manager when you call . However, baby bed sheets are not provided.
  • Is there air-conditioning and heating in the houses?
    • The houses are heated (heaters and fireplaces or wood-burners) but not air-conditioned (except for Hôtel de Tingry).
  • Is there a television in the houses?
    • Yes, every house has a television as well as wifi access and speakers.
  • Is household linen provided?
    • Yes, we provide sheets and towels in all the houses.
  • Are the kitchens and bathrooms equipped according to modern standards?
    • Yes all the kitchens and bathrooms of our houses have been built and equipped according to modern standards and European rules.
  • Are the kitchens fully equipped?
    • Yes, every kitchen at Pierres d'Histoire has a stove, an oven and a refrigerator. They also have all the pots and pans and various utensils you might need.
  • Is there internet service in the Pierres d'Histoire houses?
    • Internet coverage varies. Some of our houses have excellent internet service whereas others because of their geographic location in the countryside are less well covered.
  • Is there wifi in the Pierres d'Histoire houses?
    • Yes all our houses have wifi.
  • Are the basic necessities such as toilet paper, soap, tea or coffee provided?
    • Yes, in every Pierres d'Histoire house you will find toilet paper as well as shampoo and liquid soap shower. In the kitchens, dishwasher soap, tea and coffee are provided.
  • Are Pierres d'Histoire houses accesible to a person with reduced mobility?
    • Our houses are not accessible to a person with reduced mobility because of the architecture that very ofen are old, the stairways are narrow, the doors are not large enough, etc….
  • Are Pierres d'Histoire houses child friendly?
    • Yes, most our our houses are child friendly. They have gardens for them to ran around in and explore. However, some of the houses might be less adapted for very young children because of their proximity to water such as a swmming pool or a river, or else there might be stairs. Pierres d'Histoire declines any/all responsibility in case of an accident. For more information on the amenities of a house, do not hesitate to contact us.
  • Do we need to clean the house before departure?
    • The house will be cleaned after your departure, however we do ask that you leave the house the way you found it. Garbage cans need to be emptied and the dishwasher run.
  • Do we need a car during our stay?
    • Our houses are very often in the countryside, in places that are calm and peaceful. To get to these houses, to be able to discover the area or to be able to go grocery shopping we recommend that you have a car.
  • Is there a bed and breakfast rate?
    • No, breakfast is not included except for Hôtel de Tingry where it is. However, it is possible to order breakfast ahead of time, when you get in touch with the house manager.
  • When is the swimming pool open?
    • Our swimming pools are open between May and end of September depending on the weather.
  • Is the swimming pool heated?
    • The swimming pools of la Marcotte and la Clairière are heated, that of Tingry is not.
  • Is there a barbecue?
    • The houses with a barbecue are : La Marcotte la Clairière, the 3 houses of de Ravenoville as well as that of le Moulin de Pézenas.
  • Do you do long term rentals?
    • Yes we would be happy to welcome you for a long term rent subject to availability. Do not hesitate to call us so as to discuss the possibilities.
  • How do I get to the house that I have booked?
    • Prior to your arrival, you will receive a mail giving you all the necessary informations including the code for the key box of your house

History

The park as well as the outer walls of Chateau de Courances are inscribed as Monuments Historiques. Although the rest of the buildings of the domain are not listed per say, they are pretty much subject to the rules governing the Monuments Historiques in case of any works. When renovating the Hameau, the architect of the Batiments de France required, quite rightly, that the buildings keep the rural aspect of their original functions.

The restoration took eighteen months and needed about ten people. Manolo, the Courances gardener was hired to help. He knew everything there was to know about Courances and becomes little by little the site manager coordinating the different artisans: a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter who executed the door and window frames, the shutters and the staircases. A few masons and four other people who usually worked for the upkeep the Park of Courances were also hired.

Because of the proximity of the buildings to the water, the biggest difficulty of the work site was to clean up the foundations; without knocking down anything it had to be repaired from underneath so as to reinforce and protect it from the waters. This structural work implied moving … the Pump. It can be imagined how difficult it was to move such an imposing system. As for the very bad state of the paved court it was best to completely redo it. It was set in the traditional way, that is to say, on a bed of sand slightly treated with lime.

Following damages during World War II, some sections had been repaired in the seventies and eighties with concrete. When talks of restoration took place, there was very little if any, of the original elements that could have been used. However, it was obvious that high quality materials had to be used. This is why the walls were worked with whitewash and the floors covered with old terra cotta tiles. Insulation was done with hemp, a vegetable fiber known for its transpirant qualities. The regional park of Gatinais, in which sits the château de Couranes, has put in place a procedure for the availability of local hemp and encourages the use of this wonderful material that not only is very efficient but also perfumes pleasantly the walls.

Decorated both soberly and elegantly, each of the three houses have a particular charm and atmosphere. A place for the family or a group of friends, for relaxing, breathing, simply taking a pause.

The peacefulness of the Hameau de Courances comes very much because of the pretty paved courtyard. But also because of the grandiose beauty of a small hidden, private garden : THE Japanese garden, known to be one of the most beautiful of Europe.

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