Last Fall (2024), I stayed at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, and it was pure magic. The air was crisp, the forest paths blanketed in golden leaves.
Evenings were for candlelit dinners at Les Chasses, each bite savored in the warm, intimate glow. Days were spent horseback riding through the countryside and gliding across the lake in a gentle pedalo, soaking in the serene beauty of the surroundings.
Floating Padel Courts
Now, there’s a new reason to return that promises to add an exciting twist to this idyllic retreat: floating padel courts on the lake.
France’s first floating padel courts on Lac de l’Abbaye offer a unique, exclusive experience, blending sport, nature, and awe-inspiring scenery. The Abbaye is now home to two padel courts on the lake.
The Abbaye at a Glance
Nestled in a picturesque 80-hectare estate just 45 minutes from Paris, L’Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is an incredible historic country home.
Rich in history—from its Cistercian origins to its Rothschild golden age—this architectural treasure embodies the beauty of untouched nature and offers an incomparable setting for exceptional events.
- Fully renovated in 2023 by Paris Society and magnificently redesigned by Cordelia de Castellane, the talented Artistic Director of Dior Home.
- 80 hectares of private estate in the heart of the Rambouillet forest. Can be fully privatized.
- 144 unique accommodations spread across 3 remarkable buildings: the Abbaye, the Haras, and the Ferme.
- 14 function and banquet spaces spanning 1,600 sqm, all with natural daylight and adaptable to your needs, hosting up to 150 participants.
- 4 signature restaurants by Paris Society, offering a complete and exceptional culinary journey & two bars, with refined English and Italian ambiance.
- Entertainment: karaoke, private cinema, blind test, and a 200 m² gaming room with arcade machines, pinball, and shuffleboard.
- Recreational activities: 2 tennis courts, 2 padel courts, ball-trap, bikes, row and pedal boats on the lake, a 500m fitness trail.
- A wellness sanctuary: Spa by Tata Harper with 7 treatment rooms, a heated outdoor swimming pool, 2 Nordic baths, a gym, yoga and aerial yoga, sound meditation, wellness masterclasses.
Abbaye des Vaux-De-Cernay at a Glance
Getting there:
- By car, 45-minute drive from Paris
- By train 15 min from stations Rambouillet & Saint-Rémy-Lès-Chevreuse
- By plane 40 min drive from Orly Airport – 1h10 from Roissy CDG Airport
- By helicopter 20 min from Paris (Helipad on the estate)
No matter the season, every visit is special. By the fire in winter or by the lake in summer, you can rejuvenate and enjoy exceptional moments.
Bookings
For booking inquiries, please visit the hotel’s feature on Sophibee. Or read more about my stay at the Abbaye and review.
If you prefer to book yourself, you can check out the rates and availability on my Virtuoso website to ensure you receive Virtuoso amenities and recognition. Rest assured, we can still oversee your booking.
Ilonka Molijn – van Ginkel
Creator & Founder of Sophibee
Luxury Travel Advisor Sophibee & 360 Private Travel
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