The French Vexin is one of those regions that people tend to pass through without really stopping off — and that’s a mistake. With its golden agricultural plateaus, steep-sided valleys, villages built of pale stone and horizons made famous by the Impressionists, this region, less than an hour from Paris, offers whole days of discovery. Since our suites In Neuville-Bosc, everything is within easy reach by car: the main attractions fall into a few broad categories, depending on your mood at the time.
In the footsteps of the painters
The Vexin and its surroundings have inspired an entire generation of artists. No weekend in the region would be complete without following in their footsteps.
Auvers-sur-Oise — 29 mins
A must-see. It was here that Vincent van Gogh spent the last few months of his life and painted more than seventy canvases. The village has retained its old-world charm: the Ravoux inn, the wheat field with the crows, and the cemetery where Vincent and Theo are buried. Art lovers will easily spend half a day here.
Pontoise & Cergy-Pontoise — 31 mins
Pontoise was Camille Pissarro’s creative haven for many years. The Pontoise Museum devotes a significant section to local Impressionism, and the old town, perched on its hill, is well worth a stroll.
Giverny — 57 mins
Claude Monet’s house and gardens are one of the most moving attractions in the whole region. The famous Japanese bridge, the water lilies, the pink house with green shutters: everything we recognise from his paintings takes on a whole new dimension in real life. Allow half a day, or even a full day.
“The light of the Vexin and the Seine Valley inspired the greatest painters of the 19th century. To come here is to see the world through their eyes.”
Castles & Heritage
La Roche-Guyon — 51 mins
Perched between a chalk cliff and a bend in the Seine, the Château de La Roche-Guyon is one of the region’s most spectacular sites. Its history spans from the Middle Ages to the Second World War; its terraced gardens overlook the river; and its cave cellars are unique in Île-de-France. A visit you won’t forget.
Beauvais — 34 mins
Beauvais Cathedral is home to the world’s tallest Gothic choir — 48 metres high under the vaulted ceiling. A 13th-century architectural feat that commands admiration, even from non-specialists. The city centre also boasts some fine museums, notably the Oise Departmental Museum.
Chantilly Castle — 47 mins
One of the most magnificent châteaux in northern France, with its collections of paintings (including *Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry*), its grounds designed by Le Nôtre and its famous Grandes Écuries. A royal getaway less than an hour from the estate.
Nature & the great outdoors
The Vexin Regional Nature Park — 32 mins (Théméricourt)
Created to preserve the region’s agricultural and natural landscapes, the French Vexin Regional Nature Park offers dozens of signposted routes for walking, cycling or horse riding. The Maison du Parc in Théméricourt is a good starting point for planning your outings. Plateaus, valleys, ponds and heritage orchards: the biodiversity here is remarkable.
- Signposted walking routes for all levels
- Cycling routes on quiet roads
- Horse riding excursions in partnership with local centres
- Observing wildlife and unspoilt agricultural landscapes
The Epte Valley & the banks of the Seine
Between the estate and Giverny, the Epte Valley offers rural walks alongside the river, in almost complete silence. Further west, the meandering Seine between La Roche-Guyon and Vernon offers breathtaking views.
Local specialities
Village markets & local producers
The Vexin is a thriving agricultural region. Its weekly markets, farm shops and wine cellars offer cheeses (Coulommiers and Brillat-Savarin are not far away), honey, apples and artisanal ciders. It’s a simple way to take a little bit of the local flavour home with you.
Top restaurants in the area
The region boasts a number of outstanding restaurants for food lovers. But it would be a shame to stray too far: Chef Cyril Ramon’s restaurant, situated within the estate itself, offers gourmet cuisine rooted in the seasons and the local region, with pairings specially designed for the occasion. We might as well start — and finish — with the best.
At the estate, without moving
Sometimes, the best trip is the one you don’t take.
The spa and swimming pool
The spa Le Clos des Vignes invites you to enjoy a complete escape: sauna, hammam, jacuzzi and couples’ treatments. The outdoor swimming pool, set in the grounds, extends the pleasure on fine days. You could easily spend a whole day here without a moment’s frustration.
The 12-hectare park
Ponds, centuries-old trees, animals roaming freely: the estate’s grounds are, in themselves, an invitation to take a leisurely stroll. The suites with a private jacuzzi open directly onto this unspoilt setting — some guests admit they haven’t left the estate at all during their stay, and are perfectly happy with that.
Offers & bespoke holidays
For a romantic getaway, a birthday or simply when you fancy leaving everything to someone else, our offers combine overnight stays, gourmet dining, spa access and à la carte experiences. The estate’s team is happy to tailor each stay to your requirements.
Plan your getaway from the estate
Le Clos des Vignes is ideally situated as a base for exploring the whole region: the A15 motorway is just a few minutes away, easily accessible from Paris in under 45 minutes, Chars station is just 19 minutes away for those travelling without a car. Two electric charging points are available on site, and parking is free.
Whether you’d like to put together your own itinerary or seek advice from our team, everything can be arranged from the estate. Just ask — and start by making a booking your suite.
