Idyllic Eco Retreat with Pond Access near Fontainebleau Forest, Burgundy

Description

A few steps from the Yonne River
A few steps from the Yonne River — a natural border with Seine-et-Marne — your refuge is nestled in the heart of nature, on the edge of a beautiful pond with crystal-clear water during the warmer months. Come and enjoy a sublime setting just 30 minutes from the Fontainebleau Forest and 1 hour and 30 minutes from central Paris!

SPACE
Installed on the banks of the pond owned by Benjamin and Gwenn, the refuge offers every comfort within 14 perfectly optimized square meters:
Sleeping area: one queen-size bed (160x200 cm) for 2 adults, and a convertible bench (extra bed for 1 adult)
Kitchen area: refrigerator, gas stove, sink, utensils, dishes, and condiments
Living/dining area: high table and stools
Bathroom: sink, Italian-style shower, and eco-friendly dry toilets
Soap, towels, and bed linen provided
Heating: gas stove
Ceiling fan for cooling (no air conditioning)
Outdoor furniture (except during winter): table, chairs, barbecue, & deck chairs
Drinking water: provided via a 5-liter dispenser — tap water is from a tank and is not drinkable (for showering and dishwashing only)
Cleaning included
Free parking

Dining & activities
Available at an extra cost and upon reservation at least 48 hours before your stay (then subject to availability thereafter):
Appetizer platter & beers (€30)
Bottle of champagne (€30)
Barbecue party: rib steak, potatoes & a bottle of wine (€60)
Canoe/boat rental for the day (€8 per person)
Romantic decoration (€30)
Fishing session in the pond (rates on request, up to 4 people per session)

Swimming is allowed in the pond, at your own risk. A liability waiver may be requested on-site.

GOOD TO KNOW
The refuge is set in nature and is completely self-sufficient: electricity is generated by solar panels, the kitchen and heating run on gas, and running water is stored in a tank. You’ll have all the usual comforts, but the goal of this alternative accommodation is also to raise awareness of your environmental impact!

As such, a few rules apply during your stay:
Except for phones and laptops, do not plug in any other electrical devices than those provided, as this could damage the solar system. You cannot use hair dryers, straighteners, raclette machines, etc.
Wastewater is filtered by plants — only use the 100% natural products provided (shower gel, dish soap).
Dogs are allowed for an additional €30 fee, provided they are clean.
Category 1 and 2 dogs and dogs over 30 kg are not allowed.
Only one dog per stay.
Dogs are not allowed on the bed and must not be left alone in the lodge.
Outside, they must be kept on a leash (other animals are on the property).
If wet, please dry your dog before entering.
Any damage will result in an extra charge.
During the day, your pet can be looked after in Gwenn’s dog boarding facility next to the lodge (price on request).

ACCESS
Check-in: from 5:00 p.m.
Check-out: before 11:00 a.m.
Key box available for late arrivals.
Free parking space available near the refuge.
As the refuge is located by a pond, we strongly recommend wearing shoes suitable for wet areas, especially in winter or rainy weather (e.g., boots).

NOTES
The refuge is located on the property of Gwenn and Benjamin, who live and work on site. Gwenn runs a small dog boarding business, so you may encounter them — and their animals — during your stay.

There is no Wi-Fi in the accommodation.

The refuge entrance is not at ground level — there is a small 3-step staircase.

The lodge is not accessible to guests with reduced mobility (PRM).
But don’t worry, you’re not far from everything:
Villeneuve-la-Guyard train station: 5 min
Sens: 28 min
Fontainebleau: 45 min
Paris (city center): 1 hr
Troyes: 1 hr 10 min
Auxerre: 1 hr 10 min
Orléans: 1 hr 45 min
Reims: 2 hrs

We immerse you in a world of extraordinary adventures, close to the locals and their surroundings.

Our concept: we design beautiful eco-lodges and install them for free with friendly hosts who wish to welcome travelers into the heart of their regions, passions, and local curiosities.

Our ambition: to install 1,000 refuges with 1,000 fantastic hosts all around the world (including Antarctica).

ADDITIONAL RULES
Here are the house rules applicable during your stay:
Do not use the gas stove heater for more than 2 consecutive hours, and turn it off at night by closing the gas valve completely. The gas valve for the kitchen stove must also be closed after each use.
Do not handle the gas bottles (except for closing the valve at night) and do not unplug the detectors.
Gas smell = Danger! If you smell gas, open the windows, do not light any flame, and leave the lodge immediately. Contact your hosts right away.
Except for PCs, phones, and the appliances provided, do not plug in any other electrical devices, or you may lose power. Do not tamper with the electrical systems.
Make sure the indoor temperature never drops below 10°C to avoid freezing.
Do not drink tap or shower water (non-potable). Your hosts will provide a bottle of drinking water upon arrival; you can request more if needed.
If the taps stop working, turn them off immediately and inform your hosts — even late at night — to prevent damage to the pump. If you can’t reach them, stop using water until the issue is resolved.
Swimming in the pond is allowed at your own risk. A liability waiver may be required on-site.
This house manual must be followed and engages your personal responsibility during your stay.

Idyllic Eco Retreat with Pond Access near Fontainebleau Forest, Burgundy