Le Barn Hotel: A New Retreat outside Paris

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Le Barn Hotel: A New Retreat outside Paris
Launched in July, Le Barn is surrounded by open fields and roaming wildlife– and yet the hotel is just 45 minutes from Paris by car. If you missed a trip to Le Barn over the summer then la rentrée could be the perfect time to pay a visit. Le Barn feels like a world away from the big city. And with a philosophy based around well-being, relaxation, and nature, what better to ease us back into Parisian life after a break, but with another break? A partnership with Le Haras de La Cense, a stud farm and horse riding center, Le Barn is located on the La Cense estate, set in a 19th century farm in the heart of the 200-hectare Forest of Rambouillet. The farm’s original iron and steel agricultural barns have been re-converted by creative studio be-poles, the team behind NoMad Hotel, New York, offering a selection of new rooms and suites based around the hotel’s vision of modern luxury and sustainability. The old mill house has also been bought back to life, and in keeping with the farm’s original rustic design, new buildings are inspired by agricultural architecture. Inside, the muted color palette is both calming and contemporary. Large windows allow in plenty of light as well as views over the paddocks and fields, and natural wood furniture is in harmony with the hotel’s surroundings. Custom-made pieces such as curtains made from Barbour fabric are a nod to the great outdoors, as well as making a unique design feature. An abundance of feather duvets, blankets and soft linens and textiles add a cozy feel and invite you to relax in comfort. As part of the hotel’s central philosophy of well-being and modern luxury, Le Barn is as much about time as creature comforts; a stay at the hotel is all about spending quality time together, or alone for those who prefer to cozy up by the fire with a book. The options to get out into nature are also endless, with a focus on “back to basics” activities such as horse-riding with Le Haras de la Cense in the Rambouillet forest, golf, cycling, and fishing, or heading out on one of the nearby running and hiking trails. For those looking for something less physically demanding there are also film screenings, including an outdoor cinema during the summer, and a range of indoor and outdoor games for both adults and children. Guests can also just simply relax in the luxurious spa with Nordic baths, steam room and sauna, or book an appointment with the resident physiotherapist, osteopath or ayurvedic masseur to complete your wellbeing experience.   In another celebration of nature, Le Barn produces its own vegetables, fruit and herbs, with guests welcome to help out in the allotment before tucking into the home-grown food in the hotel’s country bistro. Gastronomes can also choose cooking classes with the chef using fresh produce harvested straight from the gardens, or learn to create cocktails with the hotel’s resident mixologist. And as unlike other hotels, Le Barn honors the lazy Sunday morning with no check-out time, feel free to make the most of your stay, until the next time you need to escape Paris for a countryside getaway. From 139€ on a B&B basis based on two people sharing a Classic Double Room.  Le Barn, Foret Domaniale de Rambouillet, 78730 France. Tel: +33 1 86 38 00 00. Website: www.lebarnhotel.com
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Nicola Leigh Stewart is a travel journalist who after living in London and Madrid has finally settled in Paris. She now spends her weekends exploring France to report on the best luxury hotels and must-visit destinations. You can follow her travels and experiences on Instagram @nicolaleighstewart.