20 September, 2018
Just one hour outside of Paris you'll find Le Barn, a converted farmhouse hotel that provides the rest and relaxation of a secluded getaway with novel fixtures tailored to the modern traveller. The hotel is located in the Rambouillet Forest amid a landscape of fields, farms and country roads. Next time you find yourself in the "City of Lights", consider packing a weekend bag crammed with slouchy knits and cosy woollen socks. Ready yourself to experience the stillness and serenity a countryside getaway at Le Barn can bring about.
Le Barn's 71 rooms cater to all types of guest, from the compact traveller to the more exuberant weekender. If you're the latter, opt for the deluxe suites located on the ground floor, with balconies overlooking views of the pasture grazed by horses. For something a trifle more low-key, the junior suites with lake views are a great option. Communal rooms are also available for rest-stop travellers or large families - those cabin-style bunk-beds aren't exclusively for kids.
Breakfast is self-serve in the green-house restaurant at La Serre, a sun-rinsed room furnished in a country-meets-modern style. Grab a teak chair and select your petit déjeuner at the marble-countertop bar. Choose from a selection of traditional French favourites (think: croissants, country bread, cheese, charcuterie and eggs - served à la coque (soft-boiled) or brouillés (scrambled)) and wash it all down with a glass of zesty-fresh OJ.
Le Barn approaches their menu from a bistronomic perspective. Vegetables are either sourced from the garden on site or gathered from local markets and producers in the region. The menu is minimal, changes seasonally and usually consists of a fresh assortment of salads, fish and grilled meats.
A bar is located at the reception desk at the hotel - a well-chosen spot that assures all guests are sorted with a cold (or warm) beverage the moment they check-in.
Set in a converted mill, the wellness centre is one of Le Barn's best sells, comprising of a hammam, steam room and sauna as well as wooden outdoor hot tubs. You can also request more spiritual services by scheduling an appointment with the in-house osteopath and Ayurvedic masseur. Yoga classes, kitchen courses and other activities are available on select weekends. In the meantime, entertain yourself in the hotel's library which is stacked with a range of art, design and culture books in both English and French. Peruse your chosen read on one of the many sun loungers scattered throughout the property until suppertime.
The hotel is dog-friendly - and whether you come hound-in-hand or not - trainers and boots are an essential packing item for long bucolic walks.
Charming country houses and fields as far the eye can see.