Our favorite hotels just a short trip from Paris

September 03, 2024

Written by Lotte

Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay

Are you ready for something different from a city trip to Paris? Or do you want to seamlessly blend city and nature on your next getaway? These hotels, less than an hour's drive from Paris, are the perfect choice for you. Escape to a charming estate or stay in the tranquil French countryside – the ideal spot for complete relaxation. These unique locations offer a delightful mix of serenity and French charm, making your stay truly unforgettable.

Domaine de Primard

About an hour's drive from Paris, you'll find the stunning Domaine de Primard estate. This hotel offers a luxurious and serene experience amidst nature. Stroll through the lush rose gardens, enjoy a drink overlooking the ponds, or indulge in a summer lunch with your feet in the grass. There is also a large outdoor pool, perfect for cooling off during the warmest months of the year. During the colder months, you can warm up by the fireplace or unwind in the expansive 450m² spa, spread over two floors. The spa features saunas, a hammam, jacuzzis, and a fitness room. Treatments are inspired by the products of Susanne Kaufmann, known for their natural, hypoallergenic properties—and you can feel the difference!

Your stay includes elegantly decorated rooms and suites, all equipped with soft fabrics and luxurious amenities such as king-size beds, rain showers, and organic bathroom products. The estate also boasts three restaurants serving seasonal dishes, with one offering an exclusive experience featuring a private chef. Additionally, unique activities are available, including garden tours, fresh pastries in the afternoon, and wine tastings.

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Le Barn

For the ultimate escape to the French countryside, Hotel Le Barn is the ideal destination. Located southwest of Paris, this hidden gem will surely surprise you. It's particularly well-suited for families and pets, embracing farm life with open arms. You’ll enjoy long picnic tables for communal meals, freely roaming farm animals, and an abundance of nature. The rustic decor, large windows, and fresh flowers on the tables create a warm and inviting home-like atmosphere, making it the perfect place to truly unwind. The property offers plenty of play areas and activities, such as horseback riding, volleyball, and garden games.

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The hotel places a strong emphasis on sustainability. It features its own organic garden where radishes, asparagus, celery, broad beans, white onions, strawberries, cherries, and rhubarb are grown sustainably. You can also unwind in the wood-fired hot tubs located outdoors. For an extra dose of relaxation, the spa offers a sauna, hammam, and Scandinavian-style whirlpools, along with a variety of holistic treatments. Le Barn is committed to eco-friendly practices, including recycling waste and water, composting organic materials, and using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in the restaurant. This ecological approach ensures that your stay is not only delightful but also environmentally responsible.

You’ll enjoy long picnic tables for communal meals, freely roaming farm animals, and an abundance of nature.

Abbaye Des Vaux De Cernay

Just south of Paris lies a sprawling 185-hectare estate, home to the ultra-luxurious Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay. This former medieval abbey complex has been meticulously renovated and transformed into a romantic retreat, complete with multiple restaurants, a spa, and dream-worthy rooms. The preserved Gothic vaults, cloisters, and stained glass windows tell the story of centuries-old history. It is a place where history and modern comfort seamlessly blend. Each room offers a unique stay, exuding a warm and nostalgic atmosphere. It's as if you've stepped back in time, surrounded by Pierre Frey fabrics, striped William Morris wallpaper, vintage radiators, and antique furniture. The hotel's ambiance is especially enchanting in autumn and winter, when the crackling fireplace truly brings the space to life. The estate offers a variety of culinary experiences across several restaurants, each with its own style and ambiance. There's also a cozy cocktail bar, serving the finest homemade cocktails. For ultimate relaxation, the spa—housed in a converted stable—is a sanctuary of tranquility. It features a heated outdoor pool, hammam, sauna, jacuzzis, and a range of wellness sessions, catering to every need. During the summer months, the Asian-inspired La Pagode by the lake becomes an idyllic spot, with a terrace overlooking the water. This private retreat is perfect for a romantic getaway. The lake also offers activities like rowing wooden boats and family-friendly options, making the hotel appealing to guests of all ages. Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is more than just a hotel—it is a unique destination where you can escape the everyday hustle and bustle. Whether you're seeking tranquility, romance, or a culinary journey, this estate offers it all.

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