Is the hustle and bustle of back-to-school or the frenzy of holiday preparations starting to make itself felt? Parisians know all too well: sometimes all it takes is a few kilometers away from the capital to rediscover absolute calm. The greyness and hectic pace of the capital can quickly take its toll, but an express getaway to the Paris region is the perfect way to recharge your batteries.
At the heart of Les Étangs de Corot, prepare yourself for total immersion in a bucolic and enchanting setting, where the urban hustle and bustle is but a distant memory. Here’s a place that combines relaxation, gastronomy and nature, the ideal address for taking a breather on your own or as a duo, or even for a family day out.
A haven of peace inspired by nature
Nestled just 15 minutes from Paris by train, the Étangs de Corot estate in Ville-d’Avray is a veritable nugget, a place steeped in history and serenity. As its name suggests, this idyllic site was a major source of inspiration for the famous 19th-century landscape painter Jean-Baptiste Camille Corot. To walk along the banks of these ponds is to follow in the artist’s footsteps, and to understand why he so loved to paint this particular light and atmosphere, which changes with the seasons.
The site is home to a luxury hotel, but the real treasure is the spa suspended above the water, inviting you to deep relaxation. Imagine yourself in a steaming outdoor Jacuzzi, enjoying the benefits of hydrotherapy while surrounded by the soothing calm of the forest. It’s the ultimate experience for disconnecting: the body relaxes, the eyes lose themselves in the landscape and the mind is soothed.
And it’s not all about swimming: Les Étangs de Corot also offers you the chance to take a stroll in the nearby Parc des Étangs. Put on your most comfortable shoes, and set off along the paths that wind between the hundred-year-old trees. Whether you’re here for a long walk or simply looking for a spot to admire the sunset over the pond, all reasons are good.
The place stands out for its chic yet authentic ambience, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big Parisian hotels. The architecture of the site, the lush interior gardens and the meticulous decoration all contribute to creating an atmosphere of immediate well-being. Gourmets can also extend the experience with a break in one of the estate’s restaurants, offering refined, seasonal cuisine.
Practical information
📍 Les Étangs de Corot is located at 55 rue de Versailles, 92410 Ville-d’Avray.
🚆 To get there by public transport, take Line L from Paris Saint-Lazare to Gare de Sèvres – Ville d’Avray.
🚌 You can then take Bus 469 or 471 and get off at theLes Étangs stop.
⏰ Journey time from the center of Paris is around 30 to 45 minutes in total, which is the equivalent of a journey to a remote part of the capital!
💸 Prices and times of spa treatments may vary. It’s highly recommended to book your slot in advance, especially at weekends, to guarantee your place in paradise.