Within the enchanting Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, just 45 minutes from Paris, is Le Barn. A haven of nature, wellness, and refined hospitality, this countryside retreat invites you to slow down, disconnect from the distractions found in daily life and reconnect with the beauty of adventure of the outdoors.
Nestled within the Terres de la Cense, it is a restaurant, a serene spa, and an incredibly chic and welcoming hotel, all brought to life by two passionate lovers of open landscapes and equestrian culture. Just a short bike ride away, Haras de la Cense completes this idyllic setting. As Le Barn’s sister establishment, it stands as a renowned hub for excellence in the art of horsemanship.
At the heart of Le Barn is its extraordinary vegetable garden. The crops thrive in living soil, where biodiversity fosters a natural balance between fauna and flora. Spanning 2,500m², the garden yielded an impressive 1.5 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables in its first year, highlighting Le Barn’s commitment to sustainable cultivation.
Throughout the year, you can take part in hands-on workshops with our market gardener, learning to sow, plant, and harvest seasonal produce—an immersive way to connect with nature and the rhythms of the land.
Le Barn is perfect for a solo trip but it is best experienced as a romantic getaway or a fun adventure with a group of friends or family. Le Barn is a treasure trove of relaxed fun with something to offer for everyone.
Here’s a carefully curated 48-hour itinerary that immerses you in the all the best that Le Barn has to offer.
What to Pack?
- No dress code at the hotel – comfort is key.
- Exercise clothes and trainers for Pilates, cycling, and walking.
- A warm jumper or coat for an evening by the campfire.
- Outdoor shoes and a raincoat in case of wet weather.
- Swimsuit/swimming shorts for Nordic baths and sauna.
Day One
3pm – A Warm Welcome
Allow the serene surroundings of Le Barn to envelope you instantly. Allow the cares of the outside world to melt away as you begin your journey. You are greeted warmly, like an old friend and soon you will have a welcome drink in hand and feast on a delicious sharing lunch platter.
After a leisurely lunch, check into your charming suite at Le Barn, where rustic elegance meets contemporary comfort. Large windows frame views of rolling fields, whispering trees, and the estate’s resident horses.
4pm – Explore Suite Moulin: A Timeless Retreat by the Water
True to its name, the Suite Moulin is housed in a former water mill that once stood proudly over the Gloriette stream. Designed for 1 to 2 guests, this secluded suite is set apart from the main barns, offering a tranquil escape where time slows down. Exposed wooden beams and an abundance of natural light create a warm and inviting atmosphere, enhanced by custom-designed furniture and unique wall art by Studio ASL. Every detail has been carefully curated, from the curtains made of coated canvas and oiled cotton to the soft carpeted flooring that adds to the suite’s cosy charm.
Inside, the suite features a double bed dressed in 100% Egyptian cotton satin linens (300TC) and luxurious feather-down pillows, ensuring restful sleep. A convertible sofa is also available for a child under 12 at an extra charge. Guests can unwind in the private bathroom, complete with a bathtub, premium eucalyptus-based toiletries, and a hair dryer. Plush 100% cotton bathrobes add an extra touch of comfort.
For modern convenience, the Suite Moulin includes a 43-inch television, telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, heating, and 24/7 luggage storage. A minibar, stocked with a curated selection of beverages, offers refreshments at any time. Guests can also take advantage of room service and a wake-up service upon request.
One of the suite’s most charming features is its private terrace, providing a peaceful space to relax and take in the surrounding nature. Spanning approximately 45 m², the Suite Moulin seamlessly blends rustic character with contemporary comfort, creating a truly unique and serene experience at Le Barn.
5pm – Explore the Estate on an E-bike Tour
Set out on a guided e-bike adventure, taking in the outstanding natural beauty of the 500-acre estate shared with La Cense, offering winding trails, serene ponds, and glimpses of majestic wildlife.
6pm – Unwind at Leisure
After an active afternoon, take time to unwind. Indulge in the Nordic baths, relax in the hammam or sauna, or simply enjoy the serenity of the grounds with a glass of local wine in one hand and your favourite book in hand.
7.30pm – Pre-dinner Drinks & Dinner
As the sun sets, enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif before indulging in a gourmet dinner at La Serre. Le Barn is a place where the pleasure of the table comes to life, fostering a spirit of sharing and conviviality. Whether gathered around large wooden tables or beneath the elegant glass roof, enjoy dishes crafted from the freshest ingredients, many of which come straight from the hotel’s own vegetable garden.
With each new harvest, the connection between the land and the plate grows stronger, ensuring that every meal is vibrant, seasonal, and full of flavour. When not sourced from the garden, ingredients are carefully selected from trusted local producers, bringing the best of the region to your table.
At La Serre, the heart of Le Barn’s culinary experience, the chef crafts recipes and traditional dishes inspired by local markets and nearby producers. The menu evolves constantly, highlighting comforting classics and seasonal delights—think crisp, vibrant salads, a rich and creamy blanquette of veal, tender potted chicken, and succulent leg of lamb. At the rotisserie, golden-stuffed chicken takes center stage, embodying the warmth and generosity of country-style cooking.
Throughout the year, the menu adapts to celebrate the rhythm of the seasons, featuring fresh picks such as pink radishes, asparagus, branch celery, broad beans, white onions, strawberries, cherries, and rhubarb. Cooking is a performance at Le Barn, with the chef preparing dishes in front of guests, embracing an open, welcoming atmosphere. Here, every meal is an experience rooted in nature, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food in good company.
Day Two
8am – Breakfast
Start the day by taking a deep breath of fresh air and then indulge on a wholesome breakfast, featuring local ingredients and freshly brewed coffee.
9am – Morning Pilates by the Lake
Breathe deeply and stretch your muscles with a Pilates session next to the spectacularly serene lake, embracing the crisp morning air.
11am – Tour of Haras de la Cense
After your workout, visit Haras de la Cense, one of the world’s finest horsemanship schools. Learn about the philosophy of natural horsemanship and witness the deep bond between horses and their trainers.
2pm – Thai Massage
After lunch, a blissful traditional Thai massage awaits, easing any tension and leaving you in a state of total relaxation. A time-honored technique that blends deep stretching and targeted pressure, this massage enhances circulation, relieves muscle tension, and restores vitality. Designed to rejuvenate both body and mind, it promotes flexibility, relaxation, and renewed energy.
4:30pm – Le Goûter – French Afternoon Tea
Indulge in a classic French afternoon tea, featuring delicate pastries and comforting hot drinks—a sweet interlude before the evening’s adventure.
6:30pm – Evening Forest Tour: Le Brame du Cerf
If you are visit in mid-September to mid-October, as twilight falls, embark on a once-in-a-year experience: Le Brame du Cerf. This extraordinary natural phenomenon is the mating call of the male deer, an awe-inspiring moment unique to Le Barn, home to over 200 deer.
8pm – Dinner at Le Clark
End the evening with a delightful dinner at Le Clark, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into memorable dishes that celebrate the region’s flavours.
Enjoy your last morning slowly, savouring every moment of peace. You will say farewell to Le Barn feeling nourished, mind, body an soul, filled with the memories of indulgence, tranquility and the beauty of nature. You will be aching to return.
Le Moulin de Brétigny, 78830 Bonnelles, France
