In one of the most beautiful areas of Île de France, on the edge of the Forêt de Rambouillet, in the Vallée de Chevreuse, with exquisite 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. The Chalet by the Meadow is an amazing 700 sq feet antique cabin with a long porch facing West. Views over grasslands are spectacular, and it’s delightful to contemplate sunsets there! Two bedrooms with queen size beds (one of them is accessible from the porch)and a little mezzanine with two beds (children love it, and adults also) can accommodate up to 6 people. It’s also possible to link the Cabin in the Firs, which lies 300 feet away under the firs, to add another friends or children room. The two lodges are separate enough and defined in their own space to be quiet from each other, yet they are easily accessible. The Chalet by the Meadow is great for family, friends or just two. It’s an exceptional place to spend beautiful times! The large living room is a joy to be in. It includes a sitting area with an open fire place, a dining area, a kitchen area where whoever is cooking can join in everyone and get the conversation! The kitchen is fully equipped with 4 stoves induction cooker, large traditional oven, refrigerator with a freezer compartment, dishwasher, washer and dryer, a coffee machine with filters needing ground coffee, a Nespresso machine (bring capsules), toaster, water filter, all the cookware, utensils and cutlery. Organic staple food, virgin olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, cane sugar, as well as cloth and paper towel are provided. Breakfast is not served and is up to you as the other meals. General cleaning and beds are made and you just have to bring your own towels. Courtesy towels are provided if it was not easy to take yours. The bathroom has a washbasin and a bathtub with hot water, toilets with paper. Every room has inertia electric heating (among the healthiest) and there is a large fire place in the main room, with wood in the shed to make good fires (€10 per logs basket to be paid on site). For grocery shopping you’ll find super-markets on the way from Paris, or in Montfort l’Amaury and in Rambouillet, and 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 , and a gastronomic restaurant, Le Chêne Pendragon. In Bourdonné there is also the famous bistro Chez Erwann where it is advisable to make a reservation). For a fancier luncheon or dinner in an exceptional place, there is also the restaurant of the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay (consult their site for menus and prices). A market with fresh and local products is open every Saturday morning in Rambouillet, and every Sunday morning in Montfort l’Amaury. Bicycles can be hired to go across the beautiful cycle paths of the state forest at the gates of Le Cerf Volant (daily rate: €10). 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 (phone number on demand). 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, and a towel to wipe possible muddy paws. Droppings outside must be strictly removed before departure. For a cat please bring a scratcher if he tends to sharpen his claws on upholstery or carpets. La présence d'un animal de compagnie est à cocher lors de la réservation car un supplément de 10 euros est applicable pour le séjour. Please tick the presence of your pet while booking as an extra of €15 applies for the duration of your stay. 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 drive, is a former royal castellany and hosted the royal studs before the Revolution. You can visit nearby: - Château de Rambouillet, The Queen Dairy (where Marie Antoinette and her court enjoyed drinking fresh milk) and The Shell Cottage (a thatched cottage offered by the Duke of Penthièvre to the Princess of Lamballe in 1780, with one of the most beautiful sea shells decoration in Europe) and The Bergerie Natione, an extensive farm made for Louis XVI with sheepfolds where about a thousand merino lambs are born each year (great visit with children) - 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 were used to fill 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.