Bloody Marys at a Hogwarts-Esque Hall and Croque Monsieur at a Restored Abbey at This Enchanting Castle Hotel in the French Countryside

Think Hogwarts meets Bridgerton, and you’ve got the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, a 900-year-old restored abbey, just outside of Paris. This awe-inspiring hotel boasts 185 acres of untouched countryside, interiors by Cordélia de Castellane, the Artistic Director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison, and a blend of medieval and Neo-Gothic French architecture with the feel of a contemporary members-only club.

Photo Credits: Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay

 

Where History Meets Modern Luxury

Just a short 45-minute drive from Paris, nestled in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley forest, lies Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay. This isn't your typical high-end retreat, it’s a transformed 12th-century Cistercian abbey reborn as a sumptuous country house hotel. Imagine classic British estate charm infused with effortless French chic. The team behind this stunning transformation? Laurent de Gourcuff, Founder and CEO of The Paris Society, collaborated with Cordélia de Castellane to reimagine the interiors. Following a meticulous €60 million restoration, the abbey welcomed its first guests in October 2023. With this property, The Paris Society, known for iconic Parisian hotspots like Maxim’s, Giraffe, and CoCos, brough its signature style to the French countryside. With 145 bedrooms and suites, guests can choose from the main abbey building (L’Abbaye), the charmingly converted stable yard (Les Haras), or one of the private Pavillons—ideal for a family getaway. Each offers a distinctive ambiance and style.

 

 

This Abbey's Seen It All (and Lived to Tell the Tale)

The Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay boasts a rich, nine-century history, beginning in 1118 when Cistercian monks established their abbey in this secluded forest. Despite surviving wars and plagues, the abbey was abandoned in 1790. Its fortunes turned in 1873 with Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild, a true Renaissance woman—art lover, painter, and musician—who lovingly restored the buildings and shaped the estate’s layout much as we see it today. The Rothschild era ended during World War II with the German occupation, and the property subsequently changed hands several times. Finally, in 2019, a visit from Laurent de Gourcuff marked a turning point, ushering in a new chapter for this historic landmark.

 

 

Where History Gets A Hip Makeover

Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay’s redesign is the work of none other than Cordélia de Castellane, Artistic Director of Dior Maison and Dior Baby (and a childhood friend of de Gourcuff!). She masterfully paid homage to the property’s rich history, infusing each space with a vibrant warmth, delicate patterns, and a thoughtfully curated collection of furniture and artwork. The result? A lavish take on the classic French country retreat.

 

 

Abbey Chic 

Cozy Bridgerton vibes for a family get-together? Yes please! Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is home to 145 well-appointed guest rooms and suites, each with its own unique character. Cordélia de Castellane’s careful attention to detail is showcased in the rooms at L’Abbaye, Les Haras, and the Pavilions, where she has crafted a fresh interpretation of classic country-house design aesthetic. Inspired by the estate's rich history, Castellane has incorporated textures, patterns, and hues via carefully curated artwork and furnishings that bring each space to life. The interiors are charming, featuring beautiful floral prints and Toile de Jouy fabrics from Pierre Frey, William Morris wallpaper, vintage radiators, and porcelain light switches. 

Moreover, each guest room is equipped with modern amenities including a TV, a minibar, a Nespresso coffee machine, a tea-making kit, free bottled water, bathrobes and slippers, a hairdryer and bespoke bath products. Meanwhile, at La Ferme de l’Abbaye, interior design guru Corinne Sachot, known for her work on the stylish CoCo restaurant at Paris’ Palais Garnier, lends her signature touch. Her vision adds a modern and chic twist to this part of the property.

 

Pictured Above: La Pagoda

Pictured Above: La Ferme

 

Dining Experiences That Will Make Your Instagram Pop

Hello leisurely meals in grandiose European-style spaces! Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is home to six one-of-a-kind dining spaces, each an experience in itself, and all perfectly in tune with the region’s changing seasons. 

French Countryside Elegance 

Conceptualized by Cordélia de Castellane, Les Chasses is a rustic manor-esque eatery with interiors that scream Rothschild hunting lodge chic. The food menu? Beautifully plated, elegant French dishes exhibiting the best seasonal ingredients. We can’t help but picture ourselves at the estate’s most elegant dining hall, sitting by the roaring fireplace in winter, and soaking up the sun on the terrace in summer.

Biophilic Beauty 

For a more relaxed vibe, L’Auberge is your spot. During the summer months, dine under a majestic weeping willow, its branches draping over a serene pond. As the sun sets, fairy lights twinkle, a pianist plays, and laughter fills the air. L’Auberge is straight out of a fairytale!

Put Your Wands Away!

Calling all Harry Potter fans! Make your way to Le Réfectoire des Moines. Candles illuminate the arched ceiling, crafting a captivating Hogwarts-esque ambiance. This Insta-worth eatery is a must-visit. Breakfast is served here daily for guests, and on weekends, they put on a delectable brunch buffet fit for kings (or anyone willing to pay extra – it's open to non-guests too!).

A Lively Italian Gathering Spot 

Craving Italian? Head to La Trattoria in La Ferme de l’Abbaye. This modern classic serves up all the favorites – truffle tagliatelle, wood-fired pizzas, homemade tiramisu – in a casual, nature-meets-indulgence setting.

Craft Cocktails And Croque Monsieur

Located in L’Abbaye, James’ Bar is the heart of the social scene. Whether you’re in the mood for an indulgent club sandwich, an afternoon game of chess with snacks on a cozy couch, or expertly mixed cocktails and a fine cigar in the evening, James’ Bar has you covered. Their snacks menu is top-notch. It features comfort food classics like Croque Monsieur and smash burgers alongside lighter options like a delicious green bean salad.  This bar also boasts a curated wine list and a team of expert mixologists ready to craft your perfect drink.

Aperitivo Anyone? 

Lastly, we have Betty’s Bar, named after the legendary Betty de Rothschild. Situated in la Ferme de l’Abbaye, this striking bar embodies her hospitality and artistic spirit. Aperitivo is the name of the game here, with delicious concoctions designed to delight. Order the Limoncello Spritz, Negroni or Martini, and you will not be disappointed!  Betty’s Bar is where Italian flair meets French countryside charm, making it the perfect spot for a milestone birthday or anniversary celebration. 

 

From Tennis To Tranquility, The Abbaye Has it All

The Abbaye’s communal spaces are just ideal for unwinding. They have that welcoming country house feel, striking the perfect balance between luxury and comfort. Elsewhere on the grounds, you’ll find a kids’ club, a private cinema, a gaming room, and tennis courts. And there’s acres and acres of gardens and the encompassing forest just waiting to be explored. Active guests can start with a tennis match, then zen out with a rejuvenating yoga class (courtesy of Bandha Yoga/Alexandra Capton) after a quick warm-up on the fitness trail. Adrenaline junkies? Grab a bike to roam around on land, or take a boat out on the lake for a different perspective.

Party animals, listen up! Kick things off with a game of boules, hit the gaming room, and then head to the cinema or belt out some tunes at karaoke. Families can check out the vegetable garden and meet the Abbaye’s resident animals, which include alpacas and peacocks. Kids can captain remote control boats on the pond, and younger children (ages 3-8) will be delighted by the Tartine et Chocolat-designed kids’ club. This dedicated space houses a games room, an art studio, and a charming village area, promising hours of fun.

 

 

Get Your Zen On (And Your Glow Up)

No family getaway is complete without some well-deserved pampering, and the Abbaye’s spa and wellness area is the perfect sanctuary. At the spa, guests are enveloped in serenity, surrounded by botanical accents and indulging in luxurious treatments featuring the legendary Tata Harper skincare line. The spa menu, curated by Paris Society, offers a variety of experiences, from relaxing facials that will leave you glowing to transformative body therapies.

Enhance your relaxation with their innovative ‘sound menu,’ allowing you to create a personalized audio escape. For a deeper dive into wellness, the Abbaye hosts year-round workshops and events with renowned experts, all designed to help visitors discover inner peace and a renewed sense of well-being.

Shop ‘Til You Drop (Country Chic Style)

Forget your average hotel gift shop – the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay’s quaint boutique is a treasure trove of French country chic. It’s brimming with a curated range of everything from stylish clothes and accessories to jewelry, watches, tableware, and gourmet delicacies. This boutique retails custom creations with vintage finds and has partnered with some seriously cool brands like Le Chameau, Bernardaud, Tartine et Chocolat, and Mellerio. Basically, it’s the perfect spot to find a special souvenir to take back home.

 

 

The Takeaway? Stay a Little Longer, Indulge a Little More

Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay isn’t just a hotel—it’s an invitation to slow down, savor, and sink into a world where history meets modern-day magic. Whether you’re sipping a Bloody Mary in a candlelit hall straight out of Hogwarts, lingering over a croque monsieur in a sun-drenched courtyard, or losing track of time wandering through the gardens, this is the kind of place that begs you to stay just a little longer.

So book the trip, order the extra cocktail, and let yourself be swept up in the effortless elegance of it all. Because at the Abbaye, perfection isn’t about being polished—it’s about embracing the beauty of the moment. 

Ready to experience it for yourself? Send this to your travel crew and start planning your escape to this enchanting French countryside retreat.