It’s hard to believe that the tiny hamlet of Raray tucked amidst rolling farmland is just an hour’s drive from central Paris and 12 minutes from the A1 Autoroute du Nord between Paris and Lille. Here, in the grounds of a handsome 18th-century castle turned hotel, those with romantic leanings will find the accommodation of their dreams high in the treetops.

The Cabanes des Grands Chênes are the ultimate treehouses, with hot showers, coffee machines and even fluffy bathrobes. Yet for all that, there’s a true back to nature feel to them - access is by woodland track (on foot or by chauffeured golf buggy), and at night the only sounds you hear are the hooting of owls. That and the bubbling of your open-air hot tub - five of the 12 huts are Cabanes Spa, some with bedrooms in pod-like ‘bubbles’ hanging from the trees.

The hotel golf course is on hand, or you can just wander around this magical estate where Jean Cocteau filmed the outdoor scenes of La Belle et la Bête in 1945, amidst the evocative statuary. The minuscule (but expanding) shop in the treehouse reception sells local products including honey from the surrounding woods, and in the evening you can order a basket with dinner - also comprising regional produce - to be brought to your treehouse, along with champagne or artisan beer.

Venturing Out

It’s a 20-minute drive from Raray to Senlis with its charming cathedral and antique shops such as Scène d'intérieur brimming with typically French objects to take home with you. There’s also delicious dining to be had at Le Scaramouche, with lovely views of the cathedral facade to be enjoyed as you feast on the inventive likes of wild boar pâté with coriander and blackcurrant. Pratical Information