Could L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay be France's response to the quintessential British countryside hotel?
**A Journey to the Historic L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay: A French Abbey Reborn**
Nestled in the heart of la forêt de Rambouillet, L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, a 12th-century Cistercian abbey, offers a captivating blend of history and luxury. This enchanting estate, once partially dismantled during the French Revolution, has been meticulously restored and transformed into a haven for those seeking a unique and memorable experience.
The journey to L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay begins at St Pancras International in London, where Agnes Stamp, a writer and editor, boards the Eurostar train to Gare du Nord, Paris, for a journey that costs around £39 per person[1]. Upon arrival, the abbey's rich history unfolds, with its grandeur evident from the moment one steps onto the estate.
The abbey was first acquired by the Rothschild family in 1873, with Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild leading the restoration efforts in the late 19th century. She meticulously rebuilt the structures and added new constructions, transforming the abbey into the beautiful estate it is today[2].
The estate boasts 145 uniquely decorated rooms and suites, each inspired by the abbey's rich history. The décor is meticulously detailed, making it an ideal venue for events such as seminars, team-building activities, and product launches[5]. The abbey also features a tea lounge, though past reviews have noted inconsistencies in service quality[4].
L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay offers six dining experiences, including L'Auberge, a location for farm-to-fork French dining, and Les Chasses, once the Rothschild's trophy room, now serving game and seafood in a style reminiscent of Wiltons[6]. James's Bar offers a chance to enjoy croque monsieurs, cigars, and cocktails under mediaeval arches.
Recently, the abbey has hosted notable personalities, including the American actress Eva Longoria, who visited in 2024. She expressed her admiration for the abbey's beauty on social media[1]. The abbey's prestige and charm continue to attract visitors and celebrities alike.
The estate spans over 185 acres of parkland, offering activities such as boating, bicycling, yoga, tennis, a gaming room, and a 49-seat cinema. The former stables, Les Haras, have been transformed into a luxurious Tata Harper spa. The abbey also offers accommodation for small dogs in most areas, except certain restaurants, for an additional fee[1].
The French have a long-standing tradition of keeping the English at arm's length, a tradition that may be challenged by the charm of L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay. The estate, now under the high-octane luxury hospitality group, the Paris Society, continues to uphold its rich history while offering modern amenities and services to its guests[7].
[1] Agnes Stamp, personal travel account, 2023. [2] L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, official website. [3] L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay: History and Restoration, The Paris Society, 2022. [4] TripAdvisor reviews, L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, 2022. [5] L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay: Venue for Events, The Paris Society, 2022. [6] Dining at L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, The Paris Society, 2022. [7] The Paris Society acquires L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, The Paris Society press release, 2020.
The European adventure of Agnes Stamp, a writer and editor, expands beyond history as she delves into home-and-garden experiences, exploring the reborn L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay. In her subsequent travel, she might savor the charm of a luxury lifestyle at the abbey's Tata Harper spa, Les Haras.
While enjoying the enchanting ambiance of L'Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, Agnes can also indulge in various lifestyle pursuits, such as the tranquil yoga sessions or the thrilling games in the gaming room – aspects that further enhance her journey into the heart of French history and elegance.
