Located just 45 minutes from Paris, hidden deep within a forest in the Chevreuse Valley, stands Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay – a former 12th-century Cistercian abbey which has been restored and reimagined as a country house hotel, marrying the spirit of a rural British estate stay with the the refined gallic elegance typical of its owners; The Paris Society.
The vision of Laurent de Gourcuff, Founder and CEO of The Paris Society, with interiors by Cordélia de Castellane – Artistic Director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison – the Abbey opened in October 2023 following a meticulous €60 million restoration, with phase two of the estate set to launch later this year. Known for creating timeless Parisian landmarks which showcase a specific French hospitality experience – including Maxim’s, Giraffe and CoCos – this latest project from The Paris Society amplifies the group’s signature style for a new generation.
“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
Divine Intervention
900 Years Of History Reimagined By The Artistic Director Of Dior Maison
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 estate’s redesign. 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” – Artistic Director, Cordelia de Castellane
Echoing with the stories of nine centuries, the genesis of the Abbaye began in 1118, when a community of monks transformed the site, hidden within the forest, 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 which guests experience today. WW2 signalled 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.
After four years of tireless work, the estate opened in 2023, the historic buildings now home to 145 bedrooms and suites. Guests have the option of staying in the bedrooms of the L’Abbaye itself, in Les Haras – the estate’s charming former stable yard – and in a series of individual ‘Pavillons’, perfect for family getaways – all of which exude a distinctive atmosphere and style.
Life On A Rural Country Estate
185 Acres Of Meadows, Lakes, Forests And Activities Await
Like a huge playground, the Abbaye’s estate promises only a problem of choice – the tranquil lake allows guests to pedalo, fish, or relax on sailing boats; there are biking trails, art studios, a cinema room, and even a Kids’ Club from the renowned French brand Tartine et Chocolat. The Spa has been carefully curated by The Paris Society in collaboration with premium skincare brand Tata Harper, and boasts 7 treatment rooms, a wellness area, and a serene heated outdoor swimming pool. The three restaurants marry seasonal produce with traditional French cuisine. Le Réfectoire des Moines features a constellation of candles, chic wood panelling and gastronomic indulgence, whilst L’Auberge emulates a rustic charm with a menu of classic dishes.
The Next Chapter…
In September 2024, La Ferme des Vallées will open on the estate – a new woodland hideaway, boasting an additional 39 guestrooms, as well as a new Trattoria restaurant and Betty’s Bar – bearing the name of the esteemed Betty de Rothschild. Farmhouse in style, the new accommodation will be perfect for families, 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, Corinne’s creative flair promises a contemporary edge to this new section of the estate.
