Les Cabanes de l'Orvanne: we tried a night perched in the trees near Moret-sur-Loing

The capital has you spent, and you’re craving a green getaway for a night in an unusual lodging? The Cabanes de l'Orvanne are awaiting you, in Seine-et-Marne, just a stone’s throw from the Fontainebleau forest and the bucolic town of Moret-sur-Loing. A complete immersion in nature, far from the Parisian hustle, where you swap the traffic din for the rustle of leaves, distant birds, and animals splashing in the marsh.

The former country residence of President Sadi Carnot, long forgotten for decades, the Orvanne estate has just been reborn as a natural sanctuary of exceptional beauty, created by Coucoo Cabanes. At the heart of this 95-hectare protected site lie 30 cabins built with eco-friendly design and untreated wood, blending seamlessly into the landscape without disturbing wildlife, beside a large body of water, in a restorative, silencing calm.

We reached our stilted cabin suspended three meters above the marsh via a wooden walkway and then a spiral staircase (a playful nod to Shrek—but with no smell!). Inside, the concept dispels any preconceptions about wild camping: the space is bathed in light and equipped with a real bathroom featuring a walk-in shower and a toilet.

There you'll find premium beauty products and plush bedding that give the place a luxurious feel. On the private terrace, the heated, private Nordic bath offers a direct view of the surrounding greenery.

If you're after an unobstructed view of the water, note that cabin number 6 has no direct sightlines to the large pond and its swans (nor any nearby neighbors—the next cabin is quite a distance away); a small caveat that tends to be forgotten, since it lets you observe other scènes de vie naturelles in the marsh. We even enjoyed a charming ballet of nutria splashing right in front of us.

As with any stay in a humid, lush region, mosquitoes can still be present on warm days: they’re fewer than you might expect, but be sure to pack insect repellent in your luggage (the front desk also sells it in the shop if you need it).

For dinner, there’s no need to drive back to Moret-sur-Loing’s town center, as the estate offers hearty delivered hampers (€40–€58 extra, depending on the chosen menu) delivered right to the foot of the cabin in a rustic, eye-catching basket.

Appetizer boards, raclette, bourguignonne fondue, or a brunch basket are also on offer. Created with caterer Revy under the guidance of a Meilleur Ouvrier de France chef, the dishes—served cold in a cooler—give pride of place to summer recipes, featuring 100% local and seasonal produce.

Across the wooden table, we begin with the starter of tomato, watermelon, red onions and herbs, a welcome burst of freshness thanks to its delightful fruity pairing (it was 39 degrees Celsius on our visit). The gravlax-style sea bream with green apples, horseradish, cucumber and strawberries captivates with its finesse, mingling with the fish’s tender, silky texture, the olive oil’s gentle sweetness, and a bright tang that wakes the palate.

As for the foie gras served plain, it pairs wonderfully with a luscious fig purée and Nemours poppy on a generously crispy layer of house-made bread. Vegetarians will appreciate the bulgur, quinoa and bohemian vegetable dish slow-cooked at a low temperature, which is unconventional, even if the olive-oil dressing served cold can feel a touch rich at the end.

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The meal continues with generous portions of local cheese, led by the iconic Brie, served with salad and fresh bread. For the sweet touch, the fruit salad isn’t perfectly balanced because of a mint juice that’s a touch too strong, while the intense chocolate dessert satisfies cacao lovers—the ideal indulgence to end a high-quality dinner, almost bistronomic.

After that delicious moment, we were able to enjoy the Nordic bath, hot and scented with eucalyptus, while listening to the sounds of the night around us. We arrived during the peak of the Perseids, allowing us to settle into the loungers and watch the many shooting stars. In normal conditions, you can look forward to a clear and starry sky, if the weather is kind.

In the guestbook, previous guests said they’d been visited by a fox, whose den isn’t far away. Although he, unfortunately, didn’t deign to grace us with his presence, the nutria, herons, bats, and even a wild boar that came to bathe late in the evening delighted us, with binoculars loaned so we could observe them without disturbing them. Note that a ceiling fan helps cool the room during heat waves!

After a night’s sleep in our cozy little cocoon, we wake to a stunning sunrise over the forest, and our journey closes with a petit-déjeuner left discreetly at the door, included in the stay: the coffee is excellent and all the products come from the terroir of Seine-et-Marne, from artisanal bread and pastries (Avon), strawberry jam (Moret-sur-Loing), yogurts (Nangis), and apple juice (Vaux-sur-Lunain). If you liked what you drank or ate, a boutique awaits at the entrance where you can buy some of these products!

Expect a beginner price of 275 euros for a stay like the one we tried, namely the Cabanes du Marais. A hefty budget, yes, but given the premium quality of the experience, it feels fully justified—especially for a special occasion or for a romantic moment for two, or for families. For bigger groups, there are larger cabins that sleep up to 5 people, as you can see. You can also rent bikes for 15 euros a day to explore the grounds at your own pace, with ease.

Not all cabins overlook the pond or the marshlands. There are several areas to choose from in advance: the Riverside, the Marsh, the Hill, the Meadow, or the Circus. Only two of them are family-friendly. You can bring your dog for an extra 25 euros, plus an included welcome package to make the stay seamless.

How to get there?

To reach the place, having a car is ideal, whether you’re driving up to the estate with its ample parking, or getting around the town if you plan to dine there in the evening. If you’re not driving, the cabins are only about a ten-minute ride from the Moret-Veneux-les-Sablons station. Start from Gare de Lyon in Paris and take the Transilien Line R for a 50-minute journey.

Next, you can grab a taxi or hop on bus 3437 from the station, which drops you at the Charmois stop. Then a short walk to the estate entrance, followed by about ten more minutes to reach the reception, along a relaxed stroll on a clear path. That’s the option we chose, and if you’re used to walking, it’s no problem!

An evocative escape that proves you don’t need to drive hundreds of kilometers to truly disconnect: the Cabanes de l'Orvanne offer a genuine bubble of fresh air, where understated luxury blends beautifully with respect for the surrounding nature. Make the most of your visit to explore the area, which is packed with exceptional finds, and sample the local produce!

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This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.