Idyllic Family-Friendly Hotels Close to Paris

Travelling with small children can bean exhilarating adventure, before even arriving at the destination. Kids deserve to enjoy a break from city life too, especially when the hotels provide amenities geared to stimulate young minds and bodies. These family-friendly hotels, which are a quick train or car ride away from Paris, offer the ideal setting to spend days playing and the nights relaxing – for all ages. 

Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay 

Once the toddlers or teens arrive at Abbaye des Vaux-de-Cernay, they might not want to bid farewell. Nor will their elders. This sprawling 900-year-old rural estate just 45 minutes southwest of Paris invites you into a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey-turned home to the Rothschild family. Renovated by the hands of the Paris Society group, it remains a multi-generational sanctuary steeped in both history and elegance. Every bespoke design detail within the 147 rooms and suites spread throughout the 185-acre property has been carefully considered by Cordélia de Castellane, Artistic Director of Dior Maison. Additional family lodgings include three pavilions, the former stables, and a more remote farm composed of four rustic homes. There’s also a vrai farm where goats, rabbits, and donkeys await to be admired while chickens lay their eggs. 

Following a heavenly brunch in the grandiose refectory, hop on a bicycle to the kids’ club. While the smaller kids will swoon over the play areas designed by Tartine et Chocolat, the older children will find their groove in the gigantic gaming room. There’s also a cinema with daily screenings for all ages. Meanwhile, mum and dad can lounge by the pool or hop to the spa for a holistic facial or body treatment signed by Tata Harper. Weather permitting, pedal boats will glide the entire clan along the lake for another type of thrill. Floating padel courts on Lac de l’Abbaye offer a further boost of adrenaline. Tennis, petanque, and ping pong are all also on the activity’s menu. Every big and small appetite will be catered to at the family-style ‘cucina’ La Trattoria Di Bambini. The cozy James’ Bar for all-day dining includes deep sofas and a terrace. For a more elegant evening, don your best weekend garb and reserve a table at the rustic chic restaurant Les Chasses. Pets are not allowed, but children are welcome. 

Hôtel Les Lumières 

Regardless of their age, every child will feel like a prince or princess when staying at Hotel Les Lumières. With a direct view of the Palace of Versailles, parents, too, will succumb to an air of royalty. Dating back to the 17th century, every one of the 31 rooms and suites at this 5-star address has been named after an inspiring French scholar, writer, philosopher, or explorer from the Age of Enlightenment. Tastefully decorated with a contemporary twist in shades of blue, red, or yellow, suites can be comfortably connected for families of four or more. Plus, there’s a separate wing (and building) for multi-generational visits. Every little guest is welcomed with a special gift, and meditation boxes will help to lull the entire family to sleep after a long day of French history at the Chateau de Versailles. (Tours of the palace and gardens are available for groups with children.) From the period library lined with books for all ages, to the Spa des Lumières, where Brad Pitt’s Beau Domaine Skincare will provide an afterglow, mindfulness is at the helm. 

Dining at Hotel Les Lumières is a sophisticated family affair. Chef Erwan Le Thomas sets a predominantly plant-based table at stylish restaurant La Table des Lumières. Meanwhile, the breakfast setting at Galerie des Lumières, with its regal 19th-century chandeliers and shimmering elegance, is reminiscent of the Hall of Mirrors. The decadent spread and backdropis worthy of a monarch. Book the Pierre Hermé Brunch on Sundays to indulge in some of the world’s best pastries, or feast on the chef’s sweet and savory lunch or an extravagant afternoon teatime. Before heading off on a carriage ride through the streets of the Royal City (from age 12), pick up a box of macarons from the Pierre Hermé boutique, just next door. 

Le Barn 

The perfectrural escape from the bustle of city life awaits in the heart of the Rambouillet forest. Just over an hour’s drive southwest of Paris towards Bonnelles, on the Terres de la Cense, discover Le Barn. It’s just asrustic as it sounds. Made up of two former barns, the hotel includes 73 rooms and suites where Shaker-style furniture, thoughtful artwork, and balconies peeking into nature set the scene. This laid-back estate is composed of a vegetable garden, restaurant, and wellness area, with plenty of space to breathe, roam, and ride. Running and cycling paths lead to a pond for rowing boats, and neighbors le Haras de la Cense organize horse and pony rides for all equestrian levels. If the weather doesn’t prove promising, a range of board games, a ping pong table, and yoga classes will keep bodies and minds energized. The crackling fireplaces curate the mood during the chillier seasons. The wellness area, set in a former flour mill, offers a hammam, sauna, and outdoor Nordic baths for the brave. Massages are available for a deeper dose of relaxation. There’s also no lack of cozy reading nooks, both indoors and out, for a solo date with an engaging book. 

Dining at Le Barn is a convivial and communal experience. Within the sun-dappled greenhouse restaurant La Serre, the chef masterfully concocts an array of traditional and more elaborate dishes in front of you. Make sure to take notes. Whether it’s a seasonal salad, rotisserie chicken, or a rhubarb pie, his recipes combine produce grown on the estate and a fair dose from local producers. Breakfast includes generous servings of flaky pastries and homemade jams. Tucked away in this wooded sanctuary, as comfortable as it is unassuming, new friends will be made by both kids and their parents. Even the family dog is invited to this provincial party.

Lead photo credit : Shutterstock: Family at Hotel