Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay is part of the superb Vaux de Cernay Estate of which the extraordinary architecture is the witness of 8 centuries of the history of the kings of France. It is located in the State Forest of Rambouillet at about 30 miles away westwards from Paris.
The extraordinary architecture of the Abbaye des Vaux de Cernay rises up out of this place steeped in power and mystery. It is thus that the cellar, which is now a music room, and the gothic room with its large fireplaces are reborn and alive. The former refectory of the lay brothers is now renamed "Prior's table" restaurant. There is also the breathtaking monk's room with its two bays with their ribbed vaults and sandstone capitals and columns.
Over eight centuries of history to discover. The former cloister, the reading gallery, the mill and the chapter house have once again their existential vocations. The cistercians had invented everything and we must bring back to life these magic places, which have been blessed by God and the Kings of France. Saint Louis and Marguerite de Provence drank the water of fertility from the St Thibauld fountain, whose source is still in the neighbouring wood and which quenches the thirst of our hosts today.