In one of the most beautiful areas of Île de France, on the edge of the Forest of Rambouillet, in the Vallée de Chevreuse, with amazing views over peaceful pastures where horses graze, Le Cerf Volant is a magical place an hour from Paris, nearby Versailles and the beauties of Île de France.
At the end of a driveway, far from roads and turmoil, this 5 acres parkland is lying surrounded by majestic oak trees, with a little stream and a pond.
Endless paths and lanes are going from there through the forest and the surrounding meadows, for beautiful walks, riding horses or bicycles.
Le Petit Chalet is an exquisite 250 sq feet cabin of the nineteenth century, Arts and Crafts period.
It is nestled in the firs and it is a magical place for lovers or alone to take time for oneself or to meditate.
There is another lodge at the Cerf Volant, Le Grand Chalet, which is separate enough and defined in its own space to feel quiet and secluded, at the end of the world!
The kitchen is supplied with 2 stove induction cook, simple refrigerator, press coffee maker needing ground coffee, a Nespresso machine (bring capsules), toaster, water filter, all the crockery, utensils and cutlery.
Organic staple food, virgin oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, cane sugar, as well as paper towel are provided.
General cleaning and the queen size bed are made, and you just have to bring your own towels (courtesy towels are provided if needed).
The washroom has a hand-basin and a shower with hot water, toilets with paper.
The cabin has excellent inertia electric heating (among the healthiest).
For grocery shopping you’ll find super-markets on the way from Paris, or in Montfort l’Amaury and Rambouillet.
There's also a mini-market in Saint Léger en Yvelines, within 5 minutes by car, open until 9 pm even on Sundays!
Two good restaurants are there too: a friendly bistro, Le Comptoir (0134863304), and a gastronomic restaurant, Le Chêne Pendragon (0134863011).
In Bourdonné there is also the famous bistro Chez Erwann where it is advisable to make a reservation (0134871498), and l'Auberge des 2 Zincs (0134870048).
A market with fresh and local products is open every Saturday morning in Rambouillet, and every Sunday morning in Montfort l’Amaury.
Six solid bikes are available to go across the beautiful cycle paths of the state forest at the gates of Le Cerf Volant.
You can book a horse ride around the beautiful Étangs de Hollande which are amazing lakes at 10 min drive from Le Cerf Volant, for 1 hour 30 or 2 hours, for any riding level.
You can call Heike to organize it on ++33 (0)6 30 81 03 64.
Tell her you come on behalf of Le Cerf Volant to get the price of 30 euros per hour per person, or 25 euros for more than 3 people.
Those who have their own horses can bring them up to stay at Le Cerf Volant and ride as they wish enjoying the exceptional surroundings, across the forest and the clear ways.
There are wonderful tracks all around the estate over varying distances.
Paddocks are provided in the facing field for horses to graze.
Djamal takes care of them and supplies them with hay and cereals.
From September to October you are at fore front to ear the impressive Squall of the Deer, the period of love when the stags gather the does with their guttural roars.
Pets are welcome if they are clean and quiet indoors. Please bring a basket or a blanket if they tend to lie on armchairs and sofas to avoid hair and stains. Droppings must be strictly removed before departure. For a cat please bring a scratcher if he tends to sharpen his claws on upholstery or carpets.
Parties, music and noise with a disruptive sound level are not allowed, except for events: please ask me for this option.
Le Cerf Volant is located at the heart of one of the historical richest areas of Île de France.
Between Rambouillet and Montfort l’Amaury, Versailles and Chartres, the heritage is exceptional.
The nearest village, Saint Léger en Yvelines, 5 minutes by car, is a former royal castellany and hosted the royal studs before the Revolution.
You can visit nearby:
- Château de Rambouillet, Marie-Antoinette’s sheepfold and la Chaumière aux Coquillages (a pavilion made for the Queen with interiors covered with shells)
- the lovely city of Montfort l'Amaury, and the château de Groussay
- Château de Maintenon
- Château de Dampierre
- Château de Thoiry and the zoo
- Château de Breteuil
- Château d'Anet
- the Abbey of Port Royal des Champs
- the Abbey of Vaux de Cernay
and also:
- Château de Versailles
- Le Hameau de la Reine (the Queen’s hamlet where Marie Antoinette and the courtiers were escaping the court and having nice time playing the shepherds and shepherdesses)
- the Cathedral of Chartres (probably the finest and most inspired cathedral of France)
Besides cultural visits, you can also enjoy the nautical activities and the beaches of the beautiful Étangs de Hollande (impressive lakes surrounded by the forest that filled the pools of Versailles), 10 minutes by car, or discover the natural reserve of l’Espace Rambouillet to observe animals in their environment.
For all ages, family and friends, there is much to discover in such a rich region.
Quite often however, most people appreciate to stay quietly in the boundaries and surroundings of Le Cerf Volant, where walks, bicycle or horse riding, playing table tennis or just resting or reading, enjoying the beauty of the park, the wild flowers and bird songs are enough to spend unforgettable and comforting stays.
