Les Granges d'Haillancourt

If you want to see the glitz and glamour of Paris, but from the safety of a peaceful green haven surrounded by forests, then Les Granges d'Haillancourt is ideal. Lying just over an hour from the French capital, this charming boutique hotel is perfect for a chic countryside escape with fairly quick access to the city by car.

Make your way through a tranquil wooded dell into a sun dappled clearing and you’ll spot your oasis, a delightful guesthouse surrounded by manicured lawns and ivy growing up the walls. Once an old barn, Les Granges d'Haillancourt has been renovated to the highest quality, whilst still retaining its rustic charm.

Here you’ll be welcomed like an old friend and shown to your own private space, the perfect place from which to do as much or as little as you please.

There are just eight rooms to choose from here, giving the hotel a sense of both intimacy and privacy. Each has its own individual style, theme and décor, full of elegant furniture, coloured wall hangings and lavish soft furnishings in satin and silk. Select the space and feeling you desire for your country escape - an Indonesian Suite, a Music Hall, regal Gold, Colonial, Poupre chic, a Black Room, Terra or Pink. Our favourite is the dark wood-panelled Indonesian Suite, which comes complete with a romantic four-poster bed, calming stone fountain, colourful koi pond, carvings and statues from the island of Bali itself, and tiny twinkly fairy lights on the ceiling – not to mention the luxurious private hot tub where you can soak your worries away. It’s a Zen-like beauty in the heart of the French countryside.

Perhaps begin your stay by refreshing after the journey in the indoor heated pool and rejuvenating in the sublime hot tub – all are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week so that you have the flexibility to zone-out whenever you choose. There is also a range of luxurious massage treatments available upon request, which you can book at any time during your stay.

Now that you're feeling fully rested after your retreat in the spa why not take advantage of the hotel's complimentary bike hire service to explore the beautiful surrounding countryside by the Banks of the River du Pouilly and the 18-hole Golf des Templiers, where you can enjoy a round. The very best way of exploring the countryside, however, is on horseback – a tour, which can be booked in advance from the hotel itself.

There’s also the stylish and romantic restaurant La Table du Clos, situated just 4km away. Under an atmospheric glass roof you’ll be served up seasonal dishes by candlelight, all prepared by Chef Katy Orlando.

The rest of your French getaway should of course be spent exploring the magnificent castles and monuments of old – Pierrefons Castle with its medieval architecture, Ermenoville Castle built in the 18th century on the foundations of an old fort, and of course the magnificent Chantilly Castle with its stunning French gardens designed by Le Nôtre.

And when you feel like it, you may pop into Paris for the afternoon to experience the hustle and bustle of the city and visit the sights, such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré-Coeur, before heading back to the country for dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep. This the beauty of a break at Les Granges d'Haillancourt.