Doesn’t the name Rue du Petit Étang evoke images of a small pond? But the story of this street is not about a pond. It is entwined with relaxation near Paris. Imagine escaping the city. Picture yourself seeking tranquility just a short drive from the heart of Paris.
The Rue du Petit Étang might seem like any other street. Yet its name hints at the nearby Île-de-France region. This area provides an escape. It offers respite from the urban hustle. Consider the idea of a weekend getaway. What if you could find refined rooms and top-flight dining near Paris?
Just a short distance from Paris you find the Étangs de Corot. This four-star Relais & Châteaux hotel is a great retreat. It is under 20 kilometers from Étoile. It is only 20 minutes by train from Saint-Lazare. The hotel overlooks the Étangs de Corot. The forest is in the background. The hotel underwent a 14-month renovation. Architect Christophe Bachmann created a new design. The 42 rooms pay homage to Camille Corot. They feature terracotta blue and green tones. Mural frescoes adorn the walls behind the beds. Pots filled with paintbrushes are scattered throughout the rooms.
Imagine yourself in the spa. Les Bains de Corot has three salons. Each opens to the outside facing the Étangs. Each salon has a private jacuzzi. Kos and Phytomer products enhance your care.
Perhaps you are hungry. The Étangs de Corot offers three varied restaurants. Le Corot is a Michelin-starred gastronomic experience. Le Café des Artistes is a bistro. Les Paillotes provides a waterside ambiance. There is also a bar for drinks.
Or consider Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay. This Cistercian abbey is from the 12th century. It is hidden in the heart of a large estate. The estate lies in the Chevreuse Valley within the Rambouillet forest. It’s just an hour’s drive from Paris.
The Vallée de Chevreuse is a preserved area. It is near Paris. This rural area is one of the most remarkable in Île-de-France. The Parc Naturel Régional de la Haute Vallée de Chevreuse was created in 1985. Its goal is to protect the heritage. There is a rich cultural heritage. There are natural wonders too.
Ninety percent of the area consists of forests natural spaces and agricultural plateaus. You can enjoy many outdoor activities. Hike on nearly 300 kilometers of marked trails. Rent electric bikes to tackle the valley’s hills. Discover paths on horseback. Visit ponds and nature reserves. Explore farms.
The Château de la Madeleine dominates the village. Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is under renovation until spring 2024. Visit the Petit Moulin de Cernay too.
As you stroll along Rue du Petit Étang remember these nearby escapes. They offer relaxation and recreation. They are not so far from the bustling streets of Paris. The name of this street reminds us of these tranquil waters.