A few kilometers from Paris, in Ville-d'Avray, The Ponds of Corot embody an enchanted interlude, suspended between art, nature, and French elegance. This rare place, halfway between a charming inn and an artistic refuge, offers a timeless escape, where every detail celebrates the beauty of simple things.
Far from standardized hotels, this bucolic place cultivates a strong identity, rooted in the history of the impressionist landscape, respect for the Île-de-France region and a sensitive vision of contemporary hospitality.
A treasure trove of history and inspiration
The estate owes its name to Jean Baptiste Camille Corot, an iconic 19th-century painter and precursor of Impressionism. Ville-d'Avray, with its ponds, forests, and soft light, was one of his favorite places, a recurring source of inspiration in his work. Strolling along the water's edge or through the greenery-lined paths still captures the contemplative atmosphere that so captivated 19th-century artists.
The main building, adorned with climbing vegetation, evokes a country house where old-world charm and understated refinement blend. Inside, the 42 rooms and suites feature elegant decor, blending fine fabrics, antique furniture, contemporary details, and breathtaking views of the ponds or gardens. A gentle poetry emanates from the building, echoing the artistic past of the place.
A privileged natural environment
Located in the heart of the Fausses-Reposes forest natural park, the estate benefits from an exceptional setting. ponds of Ville-d'Avray, classified as a natural area of ecological interest, are the setting for invigorating walks and birdwatching. The scenery changes with each season: an explosion of green in spring, a golden palette in autumn, and low light in winter. Guests can borrow the bikes provided, follow the forest trails, picnic by the water, or simply sit back and read while listening to the birds singing.
Well-being in its most natural version
One of the jewels of the estate is undoubtedly the Caudalie Sources Spa, inspired by vinotherapy. Spread over several levels, it opens out onto the surrounding nature. Hammam, outdoor Nordic baths, sauna, facial or body treatments based on grapes or local essential oils… everything here is designed to reconnect with a form of slowness and balance. Cabins overlooking the ponds allow you to extend this interlude in a total sensory immersion.
The wellness program is complemented by sunrise yoga sessions, breathing classes, and personalized treatments provided by a caring team. The spa is also a place for daily self-care, for locals and travelers alike seeking deep renewal.
A Michelin-starred restaurant connected to its terroir
The culinary excellence of the Étangs de Corot is embodied in the Michelin-starred restaurant Le Corot, where the chef's cuisine celebrates seasonal produce and producers from the Île-de-France region. Each dish is designed as a tribute to the region: vegetables from the King's Vegetable Garden, poultry from neighboring farms, herbs picked from the surrounding undergrowth...
The chef makes a point of composing his dishes like paintings, with balance, finesse, and inventiveness. The experience continues on the terrace, by the water, in a setting worthy of the finest open-air cafés of yesteryear.
A new sweet rendezvous by Baptiste Vial
Recently, Baptiste Vial, a talented young pastry chef, has joined the establishment to write a new gourmet page. Crowned French champion of plated desserts at only 19 years old, he has learned the ropes in the greatest Parisian establishments: Plaza Athénée, alongside chef Stéphanie Le Quellec, Le Bristol… Before returning, with emotion, to Les Étangs de Corot, where he made his debut.
With this return to his roots, Baptiste signs a new gourmet snack menu, both sensitive, committed and rooted in the culinary heritage of the Paris region. Available every weekend from 15 p.m. to 18 p.m., by reservation 48 hours in advance, this exclusive experience can be enjoyed like a sweet stroll through eras and landscapes.
A pastry walk between heritage and modernity
Every dessert tells a story, a memory, a place, a plant, a tradition revisited with finesse:
- The pear-lemon balm-almond iced Bourdaloue offers a plant-based, airy, and contemporary take on a great Parisian classic. Homemade pear and lemon balm sorbet, crisp meringue, almond cream, and pear brunoise: a subtle harmony with botanical accents, inspired by fresh herbs grown nearby.
- Linden Honey Madeleine, for its part, pays homage to the royal history of this iconic cake. Baptiste enhances it with a rare honey, from the Saint Cloud Park, with delicately minty and floral notes. A lemon glaze awakens the indulgence and prolongs the softness of the cake.
- Paris-Brest with burnet surprises with its lightness and aromatic depth. This dessert evokes both the cycling tradition of the place—recalling the arrival of the 1903 Tour de France in front of the hotel—and the plant treasures of the surrounding area. Vanilla almond praline, fresh burnet mousseline cream, and revisited choux pastry compose an ode to local history.
In addition to these creations, there are artisanal ice creams and sorbets, available all week: pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, lemon, agastache… accompanied by homemade toppings (cocoa crisps, lemon confit, meringues, vanilla streusel, etc.). An ideal moment to enjoy by the water, with your loved one or family.
An exceptional place for precious moments
Whether it's for a romantic weekend, a starry lunch, a moment of well-being or a sweet getaway, The Ponds of Corot manage to combine all the pleasures without ever falling into ostentation. The soul of the place rests on a subtle balance between nature, culture and gourmet delights. Here, everything exudes delicacy: from the soft light filtering between the branches to the aromas of the kitchens, from the golden-reflected water to the discreet rustling of the surrounding forest.
The Ponds of Corot, more than a hotel or a restaurant, are a sensory, poetic and rooted experience. An invitation to slow down, feel, taste. A rare luxury: that of simplicity rediscovered.
Patrick Koune
Report and Photos
