Located just 45 minutes from Paris, and hidden deep within a forest in the Chevreuse Valley, the majestic Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay – a former 12th-century Cistercian abbey reimagined as a country house hotel that blends the rural British estate stay with the refined gallic elegance—opened in October 2023 following a meticulous €60 million restoration.
Phase two, set to launch next month, is La Ferme des Vallées, the estate’s new woodland hideaway, which brings an additional 39 guest rooms, along with a new trattoria restaurant and Betty’s Bar, named for the esteemed Betty de Rothschild.
An ideal getaway from Paris, the La Fermed des Vallées will be surrounded by floral-filled gardens and picturesque meadows, whilst the interiors have been designed by Corinne Sachot.
As the mastermind behind the stylish interiors of CoCo restaurant, set within Paris’ Palais Garnier, Sachot’s creative flair promises a contemporary edge to this new section of the estate.
Known for creating timeless Parisian landmarks that showcase a specific French hospitality experience (Maxim’s, Giraffe and CoCos), this latest project amplifies the group’s signature style for a new generation.
A chic Paris getaway with country house vibes
Decor & Style
Cordélia de Castellane, celebrated Artistic Director of both Dior Maison and Dior Baby, and childhood friend of de Gourcuff, is the creative force behind the redesign of Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay . Drawing inspiration from the estate’s rich history, Cordélia brought each space to life, seamlessly pairing vibrant, warm interiors with delicate patterns and carefully selected furniture and artworks – prioritising the comfort and charm one would expect from a British country retreat.
“The Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life. It is a place full of secrets, where the imagination is endless. It is a place steeped in history, a place that has survived the centuries, a place where life seems very sweet. This is what I wanted to convey through the decoration and artistic direction of the project”, said de Castellane.
The restored abbey hotel is set within 185 acres of unspoiled countryside
History
Echoing the stories of nine centuries, the genesis of the Abbaye began in 1118 when a community of monks transformed the site into a Cistercian Abbey. Withstanding wars and epidemics, the Abbaye faced abandonment in 1790, before its rescue by the visionary Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild in 1873.
An art lover, painter, and musician, Charlotte restored each building with meticulous care, creating the layout of the estate that guests experience today. WW2 signaled the end of the illustrious Rothschild era and a period of German occupation, in which, unbeknownst to them, the Abbaye’s forests secretly harboured the statues of Versailles. In subsequent decades, the Abbaye passed through several hands before a chance visit by Laurent de Gourcuff in 2019, which was to change the destiny of this historic landmark.
Rooms & Suites
The Abbaye’s historic buildings are now home to 145 bedrooms and suites. Guests have the option of staying in the L’Abbaye itself, in Les Haras, the estate’s charming former stable yard, or in a series of individual pavilions, perfect for family gatherings.
L’Abbaye has three restaurants and the new La Ferme brings in a fourth
“I really want our guests to feel at home, as in their own country house, but with the attentive and precise service for which The Paris Society is renowned. A dream hotel that will make their hearts beat faster and make them want to come back.”
– Laurent de Gourcuff, CEO of The Paris Society
