Auberge de la Dame Jouanne

September 30, 2025 Larchant

The Auberge de la Dame Jouanne is a historic inn and restaurant nestled in the heart of the Fontainebleau Forest near Larchant, at the foot of the famous Dame Jouanne rock massif. Managed by Laurence and Vincent Mével, the auberge offers authentic French cuisine in a cozy forest setting. Guests can enjoy two renovated dining rooms or a large shaded terrace under centuries-old oak and lime trees, with a fireplace adding warmth during the winter months.

Auberge de la Dame Jouanne

Dining Experience
- Menu Highlights
- Events & Private Dining
History
Nearby attractions
Gallery
Practical Information
- Opening Hours
- Address
Map

Dining Experience

The menu features inventive French cuisine using seasonal ingredients, with meat, fish, and local cheese prominently featured. Desserts and starters rotate regularly. The auberge is particularly family-friendly, offering a children’s menu, booster seats, and staff attentive to young guests. Outdoor dining is available in summer. Vegetarian options may be limited, so it’s advisable to check in advance.

Authentic, inventive French cooking with seasonal produce
Two dining rooms and a spacious summer terrace shaded by centuries-old lime and oak trees
Warm atmosphere with a fireplace in winter

Menu Highlights

Starters such as terrine with pickles, marinated sardines, or poached egg with labneh and pomegranate
Main courses including beef flank steak with red wine sauce, roast pork with house fries, smoked burrata salad, lentil dahl, or fresh fish with seasonal garnishes
Desserts such as floating island with pistachio, rum baba with citrus and thyme, chocolate praline cake, Basque blueberry cake, or pistachio éclair
Local cheeses from Brie and Larchant

Events & Private Dining

The auberge offers two renovated dining rooms for private events such as business seminars, family celebrations, and weddings. Menus can be customized for groups of 20 adults or more.

History

Founded in 1945 as Chalet Jobert, the auberge originally served climbers visiting the Dame Jouanne rocks and Parisians seeking a weekend retreat. It was expanded in 1964, modernized with running water and electricity in 1974, and fully renovated in 2011 by Laurence and Vincent Mével. Despite modern comforts, the restaurant retains its rustic charm and connection to the forest environment.

Expanded in 1964 with stone-built dining rooms
Running water and electricity installed in 1974
Taken over by Laurence and Vincent Mével in 2010 and fully renovated, reopening in 2011
Terrace modernized in 2016 for outdoor dining

Nearby attractions

The Dame Jouanne Massif

The Dame Jouanne massif, south of the Fontainebleau Forest, is renowned for its sandstone formations, pine trees, and sandy terrain. Notable rocks include the Maunoury, Baleine (Whale), and Elephant. The massif’s name likely derives from Jeanne de Malicorne, a 13th-century noblewoman. A 9.3 km hiking loop around the massif takes approximately 2.5 hours and offers panoramic plateau views, the historic Thieves’ Cave, Saint Mathurin fountain, and the iconic Dame Jouanne rock, which rises about 30 meters above the auberge. Dogs are welcome, and the trails are accessible year-round.

Family-Friendly Hiking

Short walks near the Elephant rock are suitable for young children with supervision, making it possible to combine a forest hike with a meal at the auberge.

Larchant Village

Larchant, a few kilometers from Fontainebleau and Barbizon, is accessible via Nemours train station. Visitors are drawn by the Saint-Mathurin basilica ruins, historic houses, and the village’s scenic location at the edge of a forested cirque. The area is popular with hikers, climbers, and history enthusiasts alike.