I also visited nearby Saint Simeon and the Fromagère de la brie where you can organise visits to see the cheese being made, and naturally there are dégustations à la Laiterie.
This region is close to the home of Champagne. It's easy to get to and try a little tasting (or two) and take some bottles of bubbles home with you.
No matter where you house sit in France, there’s always something wonderful close by and in this case, one of the many great places to visit was Fontainebleau. Both the gardens and chateau were exquisite, really easy to negotiate and not at all crowded, not like Versailles which has been plagued by long queues whenever I have visited. Originally a fortified castle dating from the 12th Century, this chateau has weathered more than 800 years of history, 36 monarchs and an Emperor.
Above left: the mountains of Reims, Champagne, above right: Chateau de Fontainebleau; right: Susan's chickens!