Domaine de Courances

Nestled in the heart of a vast, constantly evolving park, the Château de Courances and its grounds of plane trees and ornamental lakes – labeled a “remarkable garden” – is just a stone's throw from the Fontainebleau forest. Known for being the only classical romantic park, Courances finds itself somewhere between the era of enclosed medieval gardens and classical parks. From the Japanese garden to the minimalist park, over its 75 hectares you will observe the influences of the five generations who have lived there.

Superb water garden

Whether it is still in a pond or gushing from fountains, water is omnipresent; it structures the landscape and invites quiet contemplation. It is the most beautiful example in France of a Renaissance water garden, which inspired Le Nôtre, Louis XIV’s gardener, one century later.

Do not miss the almost 3-hectare vegetable garden, resurrected by the owner Valentine de Ganay to grow organic fruits and vegetables for sale in Paris Region. The gardener Antoine Berthelin, known for his input into the famous Rosendal Gardens in Stockholm, helped to bring a harmony to the garden. You can even taste the garden’s produce in the tea room, La Foulerie. And if you want to take some garden freshness home with you, a visit to the shop Les Jardins, in the centre of the village, is essential.

The immense park of the castle shelters a Picturesque hamlet composed of three small houses. A true haven of peace in the heart of one of the most beautiful historic estates in the Paris Region, it is the perfect place for a romantic weekend!

Our favourite château gardens in Paris Region