Stay in an exceptional setting in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau
Located in the heart of the Fontainebleau range and the Regional Natural Park of Gâtinais, on the edge of the village of Arbonne-la-Forêt, Gîte Arbonne offers you the opportunity to experience a stay that is close to nature. Strategically placed near hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and rocky ranges that are famous for climbing, Gîte Arbonne is the ideal accommodation for your sporting stays in the forest of Fontainebleau. Maps, hiking guides, and climbing topographies are at your disposal.
A barbecue, sun loungers, hammocks, board games, petanque balls, table tennis, and a large lounge are at your disposal to share enjoyable moments between guests and visitors.
Panorama du Gîte ArbonneThe Grand Salon
A treehouse perched in the trees
The Arbonne Cottage invites you for a unique stay: at the Acousmahome. This cabin is in a tree, 5 metres high. Fully insulated and heated in winter, this accommodation offers a double bed, kitchenette, toilet, and small shower.
The Acousmahome
Sleep in wooden chalets
The 3 charming cottages have a capacity of 4 people each and offer a unique experience. Staying in these accommodations, equipped with a kitchen, is an opportunity to live in the heart of the forest and perhaps observe the animals walk through the garden.
A guest house in the heart of the forest
This large room integrated into the guest house has a separate entrance with a glass door and allows direct access into the forest. Designed as a studio, the "Noisette" room has a shower room, toilet, and kitchenette.
Interview de l'éco-acteur
Sandra Le Texier
Sandra Le Texier manages a very special cottage in Arbonne-la-Forêt, as it is in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau.
Can you tell us about your work ?
The Arbonne Cottage is a lodging site that can accommodate a total of 16 people, comprised of three cottages, guest house, and an "Acousmahome" hut which was the first hut labelled as a "unique accommodation" by Gites de France in the Ile de France region.
How did this project come to be?
I was able to create this initiative thanks to grants from Gites de France, which sought to support family-oriented structures and open tourism to new aspects. My small cottages are a different kind of accommodation, they are close to nature and really change the idea of a bed and breakfast or hotel.
Your project started in 2010, what has changed since then ?
The Arbonne cottage now offers table d’hôte for those who wish. To the extent possible, the products are from local agriculture, market gardeners and a goat farm near the cottage.
I also make breakfast products myself: bread, jams, and yoghurt, which I prepare with local flour, eggs, and fresh milk.
I also equipped one cottage with a rainwater collector and installed a new woodstove in the common room, which are more economical systems and materials and more environmentally friendly!
Can you tell us about the Biosphere Ecotourism network and the reason why you joined ?
The values and recognition by UNESCO and the Fontainebleau Biosphere Reserve unite us. There are approximately 30 signatories of the Biosphere Ecotourism Engagement Charter, and we are getting to know each other. This networking is essential as it allows the sharing of know-how, ideas, and associations.
For me, it is very stimulating and rewarding to be able to offer tourists a blend of natural and cultural heritage!
Sandra, do you have new projects in store for the future ?
I would like to install a small caravan in the garden as a place for tourist and educational information.
I would also like to organize a learning tour on the trees on the property. The Arbonne cottage is in the heart of the forest of Fontainebleau, and reflects its own ecosystem on a small scale: sandstone, rocky chaos, white sand, oaks, pines, etc.
This project is part of a fun and informative approach to our environment for people who wish to discover the nature of the area and its heritage.
