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op in a car in central Paris, head southwest and in
under an hour you’ll find yourself approaching the
Rambouillet forest, a deeply wooded region home
to deer, wild boar and, curiously, wallabies. It’s also
the setting for Le Barn, a rambling countryside
estate and France’s answer to Soho Farmhouse, which since opening
last summer has been charming urbane Parisians into giving the
whole welly boots thing a go. Guests flock to the rustic retreat for its
experiential activities. Go riding in the woods, take guided cycling
expeditions, indulge in the outdoor Nordic baths, or even try your
hand at a spot of horse whispering. Once the family’s fully worn out,
head back to one of the smart barn-conversion bedrooms to relax.Le Barn
Bonnelles, France
Less than an hour
from Paris, Le Barn
combines the bucolic
charms of a French
country home with
the design aesthetic
of a boutique hotel- there are activities
aplenty or you can
just chill out
IN THE KNOW
Pack the kids’ sports kit! There are fields to run through, balls to kick
and bikes to ride.
Explore the local commune for medieval fortresses, fairy-tale
castles and the cobbled streets of a quintessentially French town.
Book it Double rooms from £140 a night (lebarnhotel.com).livingetc.com 153