Hotel

Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay

Name: Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay
Address: Cernay-la-Ville, Île-de-France, 78720, FR
Telephone: 01 42 80 76 76
Price range: $$$
Rating: 4.3

78720 Cernay-la-Ville, France, France20–150 guests$$$4.3(2,997)

Type:Hotel

Capacity:20–150 guests

Budget:$$$

Airport:Paris Orly Airport (ORY), 1 hour 15 minutes

Best months:June, July, August, September

Built in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery, Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay stands as one of France's finest preserved monastic ruins, extensively restored to operate as a luxury hotel and wedding venue. The abbey's dramatic Gothic architecture and sprawling grounds offer couples an authentic historical setting where centuries-old stone walls frame modern celebrations. Located 45 kilometers southwest of Paris, this working heritage site delivers both grandeur and intimacy across its restored chambers and manicured gardens.

Planning a wedding in Paris?

Read our full Paris destination guide

Highlights

12th-century Cistercian abbey with original stone architecture and functioning cloister
43-hectare estate with formal gardens, woodland paths, and multiple ceremony locations
On-site 4-star hotel with 34 rooms housed within restored abbey buildings
Capacity of up to 150 guests across several interconnected dining and reception spaces
Google rating of 4.3/5 based on verified guest experiences

Quick facts

Capacity20–150 guests

Venue typeHotel

Price range$$$

LocationFrance

Nearest airportORY

Phone01 42 80 76 76

Visit venue website

Best time to get married at Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay

The ideal months for a wedding at Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay in 78720 Cernay-la-Ville, France are June, July, August, and September. These months balance warm daytime temperatures, low rainfall, and the highest sunshine hours of the year — the best window for outdoor ceremonies and reception dining. Expect daytime highs around 71°F (22°C) during the peak season.

Plan your wedding at Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay

Getting there

Paris Orly Airport (ORY)

1 hour 15 minutes to venue

Private car transfer

€80-120 per vehicle

75 minutes · Door-to-door service from airport to venue

Rental car

€40-70 per day rental

90 minutes · Self-drive via A6 and local roads; parking available on grounds

Train + taxi

€25-40 train + €45-65 taxi

2 hours total · RER B from airport to Chartres or Rambouillet, then taxi (20 km)

Cost estimate

Ceremony / venue fee

€2,000-3,500 (variable by space and guest count)

Reception (per guest)

€95-165 (depending on menu and service level)

Accommodation (per night)

€180-380 (guest rooms within abbey)

Estimated total

€15,000-35,000+ for 75-100 guests (ceremony, reception, and accommodations)

Pricing based on typical European destination wedding models; exact costs require custom quote. Hotel rooms available exclusively for wedding parties. Off-season and weekday events may offer reduced rates.

Sample wedding weekend

Friday (Day 1)

3:00 PMGuest arrivals; check-in at abbey hotel

7:00 PMWelcome dinner in cloister or dining hall

Saturday (Day 2)

10:30 AMCeremony in gardens or abbey courtyard

12:00 PMAperitif and photos on grounds

1:30 PMReception dinner in restored dining room

Sunday (Day 3)

10:00 AMFarewell breakfast before guest departures

This is a sample itinerary. Your wedding weekend can be fully customized.

Weather

April

Temperature

58°F

Low: 43°F

Rainfall

16 days

74mm total

Sunshine

9 hrs

per day avg

Best months for outdoor weddings: June, July, August, September

4.3

2,997 Google reviews

View on Google Maps

Amina Jensen

This was the most magical hotel we stayed at. Probably the best hotel I stayed at. I loved the cozy rooms, lots of activities on ground, wonderful lake, animal farm and delicious food. We stayed at a suite that had a bathtub in the room next to the bed with a beautiful view of the property. We really enjoyed the dining hall that felt just like sitting at Hogwarts from Harry Potter. There were also wonderful sitting halls where you can order food and play some table games. My husband and I played French monopoly while drinking delicious tea. The staff was beyond helpful. They seamlessly helped with everything we needed and even gave us complementary wine and chocolates in our room. They even prepared to-go breakfast for us when we were leaving because our flight was at 4am. Overall, we spent a magical weekend at the Abbaye. Going on a boat in their lake, biking around the property, visiting the petting farm and enjoying delicious food and drinks at their multiple restaurants. I cannot recommend this place enough. It is 1000% worth the drive out of Paris for it is magical atmosphere.

a month ago

Carla Hill

WOW words cannot express the magic of this place. The experience I had was so special and memorable. To begin with the level of hospitality is the best of the best, not just some of the staff but every single staff member at Abbaye de Vaux de Cernay took care of me so well!! The facilities are incredible and the whole place is like a fairytale. The buffet was NEXT LEVEL I cannot wait to return to this magical place again.

a month ago

Maria Elisa Cantillo

If you are over 30 please do not waste your time staying at this hotel! It is a BEAUTIFUL PROPERTY! but very poorly managed! It is an Instagram trap. My experience was disappointing and did not meet the standards of a five-star establishment. The service during our stay was unprofessional, and the staff appeared to lack the necessary training for a luxury hotel. Additionally, the room lacked sound isolation, making it possible to hear everything from neighboring rooms. The absence of air conditioning, replaced only by a fan, further impacted our comfort. The dining experience was also underwhelming. The food was average, and both the tea time and breakfast felt rushed due to insufficient quantities. It is clear that while the property has significant aesthetic appeal, the current management is not meeting the expectations of a luxury brand. I hope that in the future, the management or ownership will transition to a group capable of providing a true five-star experience. The property is BEAUTIFUL but what A WASTE!

a month ago

See all reviews on Google

Frequently asked questions

Can we marry in the original abbey church?

The abbey ruins and cloister serve as stunning ceremony backdrops. Specific religious or legal ceremony locations should be confirmed directly with the venue, as regulations govern use of the historic structures.

How many guests can stay on-site?

The hotel offers 34 rooms within the abbey complex. Additional accommodations are available in nearby villages for larger wedding parties.

What makes this venue different from traditional hotels?

This is an operational heritage site with authentic 12th-century architecture, not a modern building styled to look old. Guests experience actual monastic spaces converted thoughtfully for contemporary use.

Is the venue accessible year-round?

Yes, though winter months and peak seasons affect availability. Contact the venue directly for your preferred dates and seasonal considerations.

Can we customize the ceremony space?

Multiple locations exist across the 43-hectare grounds. Discussions with the management team will determine which spaces suit your vision and comply with historical preservation requirements.