Le Domaine des cabanes de l'Île: unusual floating cabins for a night on the water in Andrésy

Perhaps the town ofAndrésy doesn't ring a bell, but this is where you'll find the Domaine des Cabanes de l'Île, on theÎle Nancy, which was already famous in Louis XIV's time for its beautiful gardens. Back then, Parisians would take a steamboat from the Quai d'Orsay and arrive in Andrésy for the weekend. Today, the island has just seven inhabitants, including Isabelle and her two children. Whether you're looking for a place to get away from it all for a weekend with your family or a romantic getaway, welcome to the Domaine des cabanes de l'île, the unusual accommodation less than an hour from Paris.

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The project isIsabelle Szedleski 's: a former professional in the events industry, she went out of business because of the pandemic. So she began looking for a house to renovate, with a view over the Seine: Domaine des cabanes de l' Île was born. "I didn't even know there were islands accessible only by boat on the Seine," confides the manager.

You can choose to stay in Le Nid, a former boathouse converted into a cosy nest or, even more unusual, opt for the Cabane Robinson, made entirely of wood. The only means of transport to reach these accommodations is by boat. "When you want to get to the Domaine, you have to row," points out Isabelle, who has her boating licence and proudly owns a "fleet of four boats". Fully equipped, Le Nid offers you a relaxing stay in the Ile-de-France countryside, with all the comforts you need for your stay: shower, laundry, barbecue, kitchen, iron, dishwasher, wood-burning stove and even a trampoline! It's the perfect accommodation for a green getaway with the family; on the other hand, the Cabane Robinson is more like a cocoon, perfect for a romantic getaway. This time, you'll have everything you need to spend two days on site - kitchenette, heated outdoor bathroom, wood-burning stove, tea and coffee-making facilities - and enjoy a totally different experience.

Then, to extend the experience, the Domaine offers (whether you've opted to rent the Nest or the Cabane Robinson) Nordic bath sessions - these outdoor, heated baths from Northern Europe - where you can bask in 40-degree water in the heart of nature. Rates start at €90 per night for Cabane Robinson and €120 for Le Nid, with Nordic baths at an additional cost (€25-30). The spot is perfect for a hike or a romantic boat trip down the Seine... "It's adventure at the gateway to Paris," says Isabelle. What's more, it's within easy reach of the Navigo pass, as you only have to walk (at best) 10 minutes from Maurecourt station (Transilien line J) and (at worst) 24 minutes from Conflans Fin-d'Oise station (RER line A) to get to the island.

If you're looking for an unusual getaway that's perfect for disconnecting and recharging your batteries, head for the Domaine des Cabanes de l'Île, in Andrésy.