Treehouse Retreat in a 27‑Hectare Forest Near Rouen

Nestled in a private 27‑hectare forest, Domaine de Fontaine‑Châtel offers an authentic treehouse retreat designed for guests who want to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Located just 20 minutes from Rouen and about two hours from Paris, the estate blends three centuries of family heritage with sustainable practices to create a peaceful escape in Normandy. The domaine features ten handcrafted treehouses perched between 2 and 12 meters above the forest floor. Each cabin is deliberately off‑grid: there is no running water or mains electricity, and lighting is provided by LED lamps and candles for ambiance. Guests will find dry toilets inside the cabins and shared sanitary facilities with hot showers at the estate entrance. A small paraffin heater is available during the winter season (November 1 to March 31) to ensure comfortable nights. Bed linen and towels are not included by default but can be rented on site for convenience. Louis and Juliette, the current stewards of the estate, combine agronomic expertise and event and ecotourism experience to maintain the property with respect for biodiversity, sustainable forestry and local culture. Their approach means the domaine feels alive: reasoned agriculture, sustainable sylviculture and preserved architecture create a genuine sense of place that guests can enjoy. Practicalities are simple and deliberate: arrivals are between 15:00 and 18:00, departures before 11:00, and same‑day bookings close at midnight. Access to the cabins is on foot to preserve quiet and immersion; cabins are typically a 5‑15 minute walk from reception and between 600 and 900 meters from parking. Age and safety limits vary by cabin — some are intended for adults or older children and certain cabins are reached via adventurous routes (suspended bridges, ladders, or zip lines). Gastronomy is local and thoughtful. A gourmet breakfast is included and delivered to your cabin each morning. Optionally, you can book a warm, regional dinner prepared by a local caterer to enjoy on your elevated terrace by moonlight. Guests may also bring their own food and reserve a barbecue for a small fee. Nearby attractions include Normandy beaches such as Étretat and Veules‑les‑Roses (about one hour away), the gardens of Clères, châteaux and abbeys, family attractions like Le Bocasse, and regional activities such as accrobranche and bison watching. Pets are not accepted to protect wildlife and guest comfort. Domaine de Fontaine‑Châtel is ideal for couples seeking a romantic, off‑grid night, families looking for a memorable outing in nature, or adventurers craving an elevated challenge. Reserve in advance, consider linen rental for comfort, and prepare to trade screens for bird song and starlit terraces.