The Area

Description of Ile de France

Ile de France is the region where the village of Arbonne and the French farm house Papillon Mignon is located. This ancient heartland of France is a pastoral dream of French countryside. It is a state of mind as much as it is a place. This area epitomizes sophistication, romance and the simplicity of the best of French country life with an elegance surpassed by none!

The most stylish residents of Paris, in fact, escape to Ile de France for their country weekends. More than any other province in France, Ile de France boasts years of distinct royal heritage. In some ways it is a paradox, provincial and yet sophisticated due to its proximity to Paris. For many, this new “treat” will be one of sheer delight.

Convenient trains arrive from Paris (Gare de Lyon) in 40 minutes to the quaint Fontainebleau-Avon country train station.

If instead you are driving, don’t be surprised if you feel a bit overwhelmed by the soft serenity of the Ile de France, Seine-et-Marne province. The rolling hills, bucolic in their beauty have old trees, grand stylish chateaux and charming groomed stone villages, so different from the bustle of Paris. There is little here that is ostentatious or out of place. So untouched is the countryside, it seems almost fairytale like in its innocence. When here, one feels far removed from the stress and aggressive deadlines of the city and today’s schedules.

This little known area that encircles Paris in a snug embrace, is rich and varied in the quality of life it provides. Those French words, “We take pleasure very seriously”, are so pertinent and come immediately to mind.

What is there to do?

On a lovely spring or fall morning, how about a horse back ride on a country lane, tree lined and alive with bird chatter? The fields are plentiful in wild game in the Fall. The forests echo sounds of hunting horns during the seasonal “chasse a courre”. There are aristocratic hunters mounted on horseback, accompanied by their packs of yelping hounds in pursuit of the fauna of the region.
    If not horses, go on a bike ride or take a hike to a country market. The Milly la Foret farmer's market on Thursday, or the Friday or Sunday market in Fontainebelau. Picnic on chilled wine or cheese from one of the many local farms. Pickup along the way, a bouquet of lilacs, lilies of the valley roses or red poppies that are prolific throughout the countryside.
    On the morning of May 1st, every village square fills with amateur vendors, selling lilies of the valley, which are a traditional flower and a portend of good luck. Many towns also sponsor an annual fair or festival which celebrates a local product or event.
    In the afternoon, watch a team compete in a local polo match, or visit the beautiful estates and chateaux dotting every unique town. The area is filled with homes of wealthy Parisians.

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is great entertainment for the entire family, and there are Horseback Riding Stables right in Arbonne. At the far end of town is a fun, if not a bit "funky" stable with a big horse painted on the barn wall. The owner was the coach for the French national pony club. There are, in fact, many young women that are riding and grooming their horses throughout the day. This stable accompanies people on one hour or half day rides through the forest (20E per person for an hour).
    Blondine (about 22 years old) helps train the horses and teaches classes. The rides through the forest with Blondine are memorable to say the least. On hot days, the forest is an oasis of cool and calm. Knee high ferns soften the ground with the century old trees overhead. Along the path are still tree plaques that served a bit like road maps for Louis the 14th when he went on his famed hunting outings. They prevented him and his entourage from getting lost. Some are still the original direction signs used for the king himself.

Painting
Take along an easel and paints and recapture the beautiful sun streaked fields seen by; Rousseau, Millet and Corrot of the Barbizon school, as well as Monet, Renoir, Manet, Sisley, Pissaro and Cezanne. These are Impressionistic favorite landscapes seen a hundred years ago. There are broad fields of wheat preserves, woodlands, and tracts of brilliant yellow rape.

Village Antique Shops
Wander along country lanes and delight in the discovery of out of the way antique shops which are hidden behind this corner or that bend in the road. These shops are full of fun French treasures. Or try the paved shopping streets to the left of the market square in Fontainebleau.

Golf
Golfers can enjoy two of the best golf courses in France. Cély (18 holes) is five minutes from Papillon Mignon and is accessible to everyone. It is a magnificent castle like clubhouse behind a large black wrought-iron gate. It is right in the middle of gardens, lakes, and flowers. The golf course at Fontainebleau is also very accessible. It is one of the oldest golf clubs created in the center of the Fontainebleau Forest. This private course is accessible with the payment of green fees. These courses are enriched by the lush, green landscapes.

Tennis
Village tennis courts are just up the road: a 10 minute drive to Milly la Foret or in Fontainebleau, just behind the Insead graduate school.

Sightseeing
Visit the Musée Ganne along the charming cobblestone streets of Barbizon. You can follow up with the sound and light "spectacular" on the banks of the Loing, Saturday evenings July 1st through September 15th. See our sightseeing page for more ideas.

Concerts
There are other classical-music programs in the antique churches, throughout the summer and fall. Take an afternoon "piniches" or a river barge from Moret sur Loing and marvel at the view of this spectacular old village with its charming roof tops and church towers.

Country Restaurants
At the end of the day enjoy the superb cuisine of country restaurants. They are full of charisma. Each varies in ambiance and is a true French delight. See our restaurant list.

Walking or Hiking
The Fontainebleau Forest is a beautiful setting for an afternoon walk or hike.

Fly Fishing

Reservations for concerts, restaurants, horseback riding, golf and catered dinners can be arranged. For your convenience, telephone numbers are on hand during your stay.

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