December 13th 2024.
The beautiful French countryside is a dream destination for many UK travellers. While I have explored the bustling cities of France, I had yet to fully experience the charm and tranquility of its rural areas. So, when I had the chance to venture south of Paris into the Île-de-France region, I was eager to see what it had in store for me. Often referred to as the "Home Counties" of France, Île-de-France is made up of eight regions that surround the capital city, Paris. My journey took me to the département of Yvelines, where I would be staying near the charming town of Bonelles.
According to TripAdvisor, Bonelles is a perfect mix of modern and traditional, making it an ideal destination for a peaceful getaway. As I made my way to my accommodation at Le Barn, a countryside hotel nestled in the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, I couldn't help but feel excited about the upcoming days. I flew with British Airways from Heathrow to Charles De Gaul and then took a taxi to Le Barn, which took around one hour and 45 minutes. However, the hotel also offers the option of arranging taxis from nearby train stations or taking a bus to Bonelles.
The hotel manager also mentioned that some guests prefer to arrive at Le Barn via bicycle, as we were, after all, in the country of the famous Tour de France. As I settled into my executive room, I couldn't help but be in awe of the idyllic surroundings. The old farmhouse buildings formed a crescent around a courtyard and garden, with the stunning backdrop of woodland hills. My room had a rustic yet cozy decor, giving it a warm and inviting feel. And the best part was the private balcony that offered a breathtaking view of the lake and the old farmhouse buildings, one of which had been converted into the hotel's spa.
Le Barn has a total of 73 rooms, with prices starting at €230 per night during low season and €290 during mid-season. The rates include a delicious homemade breakfast and access to the hotel's various activities. One of the unique features of Le Barn is its close proximity to Haras de la Cense, its sister venue and one of the world's finest horsemanship schools. The hotel grounds were filled with around 100 horses, some of which were owned by the school, while others were there for training. The picturesque surroundings reminded me of paintings by the renowned artist George Stubbs.
Guests at Le Barn have the opportunity to learn about horse training, ride the horses, and interact with them. The hotel also offers the "Whisperer's Experience," a two-and-a-half-hour session where guests can learn how to communicate and connect with horses under the guidance of an expert in ethology. During our stay, we had the pleasure of meeting with one of the horse trainers, who gave us a glimpse into the La Cense method and emphasized the importance of understanding the animals before working with them.
After a day of exploring the stunning countryside, I indulged in some relaxation at the hotel's spa. The old mill building had been converted into a spa, and although it may not have been the largest, it certainly had some innovative offerings. From hammams to a sauna, and my personal favorite, the Nordic baths, the spa had something for everyone.
Le Barn truly offers a unique and unforgettable experience, with its beautiful surroundings, warm hospitality, and various activities. It's the perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the peacefulness of the French countryside.
As a frequent traveler to France, I have always been drawn to the bustling cities like Paris and Cannes. But recently, I decided to venture off the beaten path and explore the rural areas of this beautiful country. My journey took me south of Paris to the Île-de-France region, which is often referred to as the "France's version of the Home Counties." Comprised of eight different départements, this region surrounds the iconic capital city.
My destination was the département of Yvelines, specifically the charming town of Bonelles. TripAdvisor described it as a perfect mix of modern and traditional charm. I was excited to see what this quaint town had to offer, expecting to find rolling hills, delectable cuisine, and of course, delicious wine. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the diverse offerings of the French countryside.
To get to Bonelles, I flew with British Airways from Heathrow to Charles De Gaulle airport. From there, it was just a short one hour and forty-five minute taxi ride to my hotel, Le Barn. However, for those who prefer alternative modes of transportation, the hotel also offers taxi arrangements from nearby train stations or bus links to Bonelles.
Le Barn, situated in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, is a countryside hotel that exudes tranquility and beauty. Its old farmhouse buildings surround a picturesque courtyard and garden, with the backdrop of lush woodland hills. I stayed in an executive room, which was both rustic and cozy, without feeling outdated. The overall theme of the hotel was a perfect blend of rustic charm and modern style.
My room had a private balcony that overlooked a serene lake and the old farmhouse buildings. One of these buildings had been transformed into the hotel's spa, which offered a range of relaxing treatments. Le Barn has a total of 73 rooms, with prices starting at around €230 per night during low season and €290 during mid-season. The rates also include a delicious homemade breakfast and access to the hotel's activities.
One of the most unique features of Le Barn is its proximity to Haras de la Cense, a renowned horsemanship school. The school has about 100 horses, both permanent and temporary residents, with only 15 students accepted each year. The students learn various disciplines such as show jumping, cross country, and dressage, making it one of the best horsemanship schools in the world. As a result, the hotel grounds resemble a scene from a George Stubbs painting, and it's not uncommon to hear the gentle whinny of horses in the morning.
Guests at Le Barn can not only admire these majestic creatures but also interact with them. The hotel offers horseback riding lessons and a newly launched "Whisperer's Experience," which teaches guests how to communicate and connect with horses. During my stay, I had the opportunity to meet with one of the horse trainers, who explained the training methods used at Haras de la Cense. She emphasized the importance of understanding the horse's perspective and building a connection with them.
After a day of exploring the countryside and bonding with the horses, I was ready to relax at the hotel's spa. Housed in an old mill building, the spa may not be spacious, but it offers innovative treatments like hammams, a sauna, and my personal favorite – the Nordic baths.
Le Barn proved to be the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It allowed me to immerse myself in the peacefulness and natural beauty of the French countryside. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and rejuvenating experience during their travels.
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