Abbey to Castle Getaway
- Gallop through the Chevreuse Valley, from the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay to the Château de Dampierre,
- Visit Château de Dampierre, a historic masterpiece long admired by French nobility for its elegance and legacy,
- Stay at the historic/timeless/exquisite Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay.
Our weekends are exclusively private, allowing our guests to ride at their own pace and enjoy a personalized experience.
Our driver and guide will meet you directly at your hotel in or near Paris and transport you from site to site, throughout the whole day.
The journey to the Abbey typically takes about 1 hour, depending on your specific location and traffic conditions.
The Abbey to Castle Ride welcomes riders of all experience levels - from first-timers to experienced riders.
Our gentle, calm and well-trained horses and ponies are carefully matched to each rider based on individual height, weight, and riding background, ensuring a safe and enjoyable equestrian experience for everyone.
We are delighted to welcome families, with children aged 6 and above eligible to participate, depending on their size, stamina, and riding ability, to ensure safety and comfort throughout the ride.
Non-riders are also welcome to join the weekend: While equestrians explore the trails, we offer tailored alternative experiences including Tennis, Canoë rides, Falconry, and more – ensuring every participant enjoys a memorable and personalized experience.
When you reach out through our booking or contact form, our team will provide you with a comprehensive brochure of your chosen journey. This booklet includes the full itinerary, details about accommodations, rates, and available departure dates (along with many pictures to give you a glimpse of the ride!).
If the journey aligns with your wishes and you would like to join, we will send you a detailed form to complete. This helps us understand your riding level, background, and experience, ensuring you meet the required skill level for the ride. This step not only prioritizes safety but also guarantees an enjoyable experience for the entire riding group.
Once our team and riding guide confirm your suitability, you can secure your saddle by paying a 50% deposit.
For your convenience, this can be easily completed via our secure payment link or through a traditional bank transfer.
Escape the bustling streets of Paris for a peaceful weekend getaway in the Chevreuse Valley.
Stay at the historic Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, a 12th-century treasure steeped in 900 years of history—from its Cistercian origins to the golden era of the Rothschilds, now exquisitely reimagined by Dior artistic director Cordélia de Castellane.
Along with well-trained Iberian horses, set off from the Abbey and ride towards the baroque masterpiece, Château de Dampierre, and its manicured English-style gardens. A passionate historian will guide you through centuries of French heritage, allowing you to discover the stories, secrets, and traditions of the region, and Dampierre’s architecture and noble families.
Indulge in a rejuvenating massage or treatment at the Tata Harper SPA, glide across the estate’s tranquil lake on a canoe, or enjoy a cozy cinema night in the abbey’s movie room— just a few of the many experiences you can partake in at the Abbey.
Savor dinner at L’Auberge, a traditional French restaurant perched beside the estate’s lake, where the pianist’s notes mingle with laughter and conversation. In the morning, delight in a sumptuous brunch in the monks’ refectory.
An unforgettable weekend blending equestrian adventure, french heritage, and the timeless charm of the abbey, offering the perfect escape into tranquility, culture, and refined countryside living.
THE SCHEDULE
☽ P.M – In the afternoon, our driver will pick you up from your Paris accommodation, for a 1-hour drive to the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay. After settling into your room, discover the charm of the abbey, a beautifully restored 12th-century Cisterian property nestled in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley. Surrounded by romantic gardens, tranquil lakes, and medieval stone architecture, the abbey offers a unique blend of history, serenity & elegance.
Enjoy the wide range of activities available on the grounds—indulge in a massage at the Tata Harper SPA, take a refreshing swim in the pool, or explore the estate by bicycle. In the evening, savor a delightful dinner at one of the abbey’s three restaurants—Les Chasses, L’Auberge, or La Trattoria—each offering its own unique ambiance and culinary style.
☽ Night at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay
☼ A.M - Before your ride, savor a hearty breakfast at Le Réfectoire des Moines, an enchanting Hogwarts-inspired ambiance where constellations of candles illuminate arches. Then, meet your riding guide in the gardens of the abbey, along with your horses for the trail, carefully selected according to your riding level and background.
From there, embark on a captivating ride through the heart of the Chevreuse Valley. Follow historic 12th‑century paths, cross gentle rolling hills, and wind your way through verdant forests as the Chevreuse Valley landscape unfolds around you - 2h30/3h horse ride.
☽ P.M – You will arrive on horseback at the magnificent Château de Dampierre, a jewel of French Baroque architecture in the heart of the Chevreuse Valley. After dismounting, enjoy a glass of champagne followed by a gourmet picnic in the château’s gardens.
Upon finishing lunch, your historian guide will lead you on a 90‑minute private tour. Designed by Jules Hardouin‑Mansart, the architect of Versailles, the château is set within stunning grounds rich with history. Explore the legacy of the Luynes family, royal visitors, and the timeless elegance of this remarkable estate.
☽ P.M – Upon finishing your private visit of the Château, our driver will take you back to the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay. You will have time to unwind or enjoy some of the many activities available at the abbey - indulge in a facial treatment with Tata Harper skincare, embark on a boat ride on the lake, relax by the swimming pool, etc... - please find the list of activities on Page 10.
In the evening, we recommend dining at one of the abbey’s three restaurants. Our favorite, L’Auberge, is a traditional French restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, perched on the edge of the estate’s lake. On weekend evenings, the pianist’s first notes mingle with the lively chatter and laughter at the large tables, creating a magical ambiance. For a more classic and intimate experience, we suggest Les Chasses, where refined cuisine meets a tranquil setting.
☽ Night at the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay
☼ A.M - Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast at Le Réfectoire des Moines, where you will savor a generous selection of freshly baked pastries, seasonal fruits, and artisanal specialties in the Abbey’s historic dining hall. Enjoy a last moment at the Abbey, before checking-out and meeting our driver for your transfer back to Paris - 1h drive, depending on the location and traffic.
If you would like to extend your getaway, you may enjoy the following options:
Option 1: Saddle up again for a 1h trail ride within the Abbey’s estate, taking in the tranquility of the setting before getting back to the city,
Option 2: On Saturdays & Sundays, delight in the famous Abbey’s lavishing brunches, from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
What our riders say
Optional activities
Row boats
Enjoy a peaceful escape with our row boats on the tranquil waters of Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay.
Drift gently across the lake, surrounded by the lush natural beauty of the abbey’s grounds, and savor a moment of calm and connection with nature.
Perfect for relaxation or a romantic outing.
Bicycles
Discover the beauty of Abbaye by bicycle.
Pedal along scenic paths, enjoy fresh air, and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings of this historic estate.
Tata Harper SPA
Nestled in the heart of Les Haras, the spa offers luxurious body and facial treatments crafted with the high-end skincare brand Tata Harper.
Surrounded by a soothing floral-green atmosphere, each treatment is designed to provide deep relaxation and rejuvenation for your well-being.
Aerial Yoga
Aerial Yoga
Aerial yoga offers a sensation of weightlessness and sweet disconnection, immersing you in a feeling of effortless ease that fosters deep relaxation and a gentle drift into a world apart.
Tennis Courts
Discover tennis in a serene natural environment at the abbey’s courts.
Perfectly suited for both beginners and experienced players, the courts provide an enjoyable way to stay active and connect with the peaceful surroundings.
Cinema
Comfortably settled into plush armchairs, you can enjoy several screenings each day at L'Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, from the latest releases to timeless cinema classics.
Accommodations
Stay at the historic Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay, a remarkable estate with 900 years of history, from its serene Cistercian origins to the opulent golden age under the Rothschild family. Today, the abbey has been beautifully transformed into an inspired country retreat, thoughtfully reimagined by renowned Dior artistic director Cordélia de Castellane, blending timeless heritage with contemporary elegance. Wander through its tranquil gardens, explore its centuries-old architecture, and enjoy a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes this historic abbey feel like a home in the heart of the French countryside.
ABBAYE DES VAUX DE CERNAY
Historic, Luxurious & Warm
The horses
About this ride
Frequently asked questions
A glimpse into the Abbey to Castle Getaway
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