Weekend Escape from Paris: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay

The hotel can be easily accessed by car (a 40-minute drive), train and even Uber or a taxi service (note that it'll likely be around 75 euros from central Paris). From the entrance, you'll feel as if you have been transported from an old English manor, to a grand and glamorous era. Fun fact, this hotel used to be the Rothschilds family since the late 1800s. It has now been acquired by Paris Society, a restaurant group known for many of its Parisian hot spots. The hotel itself has three excellent restaurants and two bars. In the summer of 2024, they will be adding an extra restaurant and farm space to the property. On weekends, you can even purchase local organic produce onsite.

For couples, you can expect a very relaxing few days indulging yourself in the Tata Harper Spa, enjoying the saunas of the hotel's outside heated pool. You can also take long walks (or bike rides) around the property, enjoy a boat stroll throughout the property's lake and even do some shopping nearby (full of Parisian it girls favorites). Breakfast is grandiose, followed by long, late lunches. The hotels host a "gouter" or tea time every afternoon, worthy of Maria Antoniette style cakes and crepes. At night, you can indulge in a drink (or two) and light bites near one of the many fire places, play some board games or just catch up.

It's not easy to find hotel-friendly spaces near Paris where families can escape the city and enjoy the countryside. The Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay has definitely noticed this, quickly becoming a family favorite. The hotel has an amazing kids club for the younger crowd, and a game room for the more mature guests. They also have a private cinema (popcorn included), and hold supervised activities during the weekends. Enjoy the bikes provided, visit their in-house animals (like lamas) and their soon-to-open farm.

I would recommend staying inside the Abbaye, especially during the winter season. Additionally, each of the family rooms or connecting rooms options are available. There is also another area of rooms, Le Haras, near the spa, pool and kids club, as well as some individual private rooms through the property.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Paris. In need of further inspiration? Check out Caryn Ruocco’s guide, A Sojourn Through Paris.