Rural hipster resort only 45 minutes from Paris

Le Barn / Bonnelles / France

I love to be surprised which was totally the case with Le Barn. I thought I knew what was in store for us when heading towards a country hotel just outside Paris. Even though the photos I had seen showed an image of a contemporary place I still expected that special and very powerful frenchness to dominate. But I was wrong. This is a rural retreat surrounded by the most beautiful nature but with an urban, contemporary look. You kind of get the best of both worlds.

Le Barn is located in the lush Rambouillet forest just 45 minutes from Paris. And this isn’t some kind of fake farm hotel, this is the real deal. There are still stables and paddocks all around the hotel and if you are in to it, you can sign up for all kind of riding lessons.

The main building where you’ll find the reception, bar and restaurant used to be a barn, the Scandi spa is in the old mill and most of the 73 rooms are to found in two old converted farm buildings. The design is inspired by the American Shaker movement, so it is both simple and cosy with mostly natural elements. This paired down look has been combined with some fun little quirky details such as original art work and some vintage pieces. The look has been created by Parisian design studio Be-Poles and I am impressed. To me this looks like if Ace Hotels would create a country retreat and that is high praise in my book since I really love what they are doing.

If the design feels contemporary and international the food at Le Barn is solid, classic French cuisine that does not disappoint. The restaurant is situated in the green house, right behind the reception overlooking the grounds. What I think is worth to mention is that the food they serve is either grown on their own farm or sourced from local producers. And if you want to get some exercise in to get rid of some of the calories from all of that delicious French food there is so much to do and all the equipment you might need is available to borrow from the hotel. And you know how physical exercise is the best way to create space for the next meal. Or you just relax and enjoy. It is totally up to you.

The main building at Le Barn is indeed an old barn. Love the mix of rural elements mixed with modern features.

The “reception” and bar area. There is a great honesty bar where you can just help yourself and settle the tab upon departure. Love that! And can we please talk about the color scheme! So on point! — The reception and bar area where you are immediately offered something to drink when you arrive. That is always a great plus in my book.

We stayed at the room called Douce, which means gentle. The colors says it all. — The rooms are located in separate barn-like buildings, a short walk from the main building, surrounded by meadows and a lush forest.

This was actually the reason why I booked this room. I knew that M would go crazy over these tiles. And he did. I almost had to stop him from pulling them down from the wall. — Our room was on the ground floor of this modern barn-like building.

The design is so fascinating. Not what one would maybe expect from a rural French retreat. The eclectic style reminds me of Ace Hotels. If they would open a country retreat, I am fairly sure this is what it would look like.

Love when there is a kitchenette in the room where you can make your own coffee. Perfect for us early birds.

A breakfast for two? — Ok, this vintage looking bathroom is so awesome.

The Seine is always there, right outside the window setting the pace. — There is plenty of space around Le Barn where you can find a quite space to read or just relax.

Dramatic skies and light. — A mix of old and new is always a good idea. And to mix bold patterns with more discreet features makes for a very interesting final result.

My favorite spot at the hotel were the two white chairs under the balcony. To sit there in the rain with a glass of wine and a book… — This was one of my favorite corners of the hotel. Perfect place to sit and write this blog..

Normandy has so much to offer. Simon recommended us to go to Des Grandes Dalles. And we did. And we had a swim in the warm sea. And we loved it. — Since this is France the food was super delicious. And when in France I always need to have at least one slice of lemon meringue pie. And it tastes even better when served this way.

Dramatic Normandy coastline. — The surroundings are super picturesque with the old mill next to a small pond. Perfect for a leisurely stroll after dinner.

And if the weather isn’t on your side, there are rain ponchos on loan in the reception .

RG inside info

This place is perfect if you…

…like the whole hipster vibe and design. This is a hotel where (mainly) hipsters from the French capital escape to in order to get a rural injection. Only 45 min from Paris and you get a lot of elements from the big city while being in the middle of some stunning nature.

My favorite thing about this place…

…is the old school resort vibe. It is almost like those kind of places people used to go to for their Summer vacation back in the day. Maybe an outdated reference but like the one where classic blockbuster Dirty Dancing took place. You kind of expect Baby to come around the corner carrying two melons at any moment.

What not to miss when staying here is…

…is to explore the grounds. We went for a long hike in the forest. There are maps at the reception with some suggested routes to take. It was crazy to think that the buzzing capital was just a short car ride away. What is good to know is that you don’t have to bring anything when it comes to equipment. Everything you might need, bikes, golf clubs, tennis rackets… it is all there waiting for you at Le Barn.

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