Nestled in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley, less than an hour from Paris, lies the Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, a former Cistercian abbey dating back to the 12th century.
This historic site has been meticulously restored and reimagined as a luxurious country retreat.
The vision behind this transformation was brought to life by Laurent de Gourcuff, founder and CEO of Paris Society, and Cordélia de Castellane, the Artistic Director of Baby Dior and Dior Maison.
The hotel officially opened in October 2023, following an extensive €60 million restoration project.
"Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is a place that will capture the hearts of our guests and make them want to return. I want our guests to feel as if they are in their own country home, with the added benefit of attentive service for which Paris Society is renowned," commented Laurent de Gourcuff.
A Design Rooted in History
Cordélia de Castellane, the Artistic Director behind the project, is a long-time friend of Laurent de Gourcuff and a key creative force in the restoration.
With a deep respect for the abbey's 900-year history, de Castellane brought each corner of the estate to life, seamlessly blending warm, delicate motifs with carefully selected works of art.
“Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. It’s a place full of secrets, where imagination seems boundless. An edifice steeped in history, it has survived the centuries, and life here feels wonderful. This is what I wanted to convey in the artistic direction of this unique project,” said Cordélia de Castellane.
The abbey’s story began in 1118 when a community of monks transformed a hidden forest site into a Cistercian monastery.
Despite surviving wars and epidemics, the abbey was on the brink of ruin before being lovingly restored by art enthusiast Baroness Charlotte de Rothschild in the mid-1800s.
During World War II, the forests surrounding the abbey served as a secret refuge for the statues of Versailles. The abbey changed hands several times over the years until Laurent de Gourcuff stumbled upon it in 2019 and decided to acquire it. Following four years of meticulous restoration, the abbey was reopened in 2023 and now features 145 rooms and suites spread across three distinct areas: the main building, Les Haras—the estate’s charming former stables—and a collection of individual Pavillons.
Life at L’Abbaye: 75 Hectares of Natural Beauty and Activities
The estate spans 75 hectares of lush meadows and serene lakes, offering a wide range of activities.
Guests can fish or sail on the natural lake, explore the grounds by bicycle, visit art studios, enjoy a private cinema, or relax at the Kids Club by Tartine et Chocolat.
The Spa, developed in collaboration with Tata Harper and managed by Paris Society, offers seven treatment rooms, a wellness area, and a heated outdoor pool. Dining at the abbey is a true culinary experience with three distinct restaurants.
Le Réfectoire des Moines, with its elegant wooden interiors, offers traditional local dishes executed to perfection, while L'Auberge, with its rustic charm, serves classic French cuisine.
Coming Soon: La Ferme des Vallées
In September 2024, just over a kilometre from the main building, La Ferme des Vallées will open its doors.
This new addition to the estate will feature 39 rooms, connected to the abbey by a small wooden pathway. Designed to complement the existing property, La Ferme des Vallées will offer a more informal, relaxed style, ideal for families, and surrounded by blooming gardens and English-style lawns.
The creative touch of Corinne Sachot, known for her elegant design of the CoCo restaurant at the Palais Garnier in Paris, promises a contemporary feel for this new section of the estate. The offerings will include a Trattoria, serving delicious Italian cuisine, and Betty’s Bar, an American-style bar named after the esteemed Betty de Rothschild.
The Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay is not just a retreat; it’s a journey through time, where history and modern luxury come together to create an unforgettable experience.
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