Need an urgent getaway from Paris? Treat your kids to a weekend only an hour’s drive away. Your destination: La Minotte; an exceptional house hidden in the cobblestone streets of Montfort l’Amaury and a well kept secret. Forest walks, elegant rooms, and a heated pool await your family. Warning: La Minotte is highly addictive.
The Décor
The old-world charm of Montfort l’Amaury will transport you, although its gothic church, medieval streets, and small boutiques are only one hour from Paris. City-folk will love the juxtaposition of grand houses alternating with charming country houses and the fact that you will never be far from a great restaurant. For nature-lovers, the town is located just a few kilometers from the forest of Rambouillet and is nestled in a bucolic, green countryside. There is something for everyone, even animals lovers: equestrian centers and pony clubs flourish in the region, promising horse rides on shaded paths.
Location
For three years, Nathalie has warmly welcomed guests to La Minotte, an eighteenth century mansion renovated and decorated to the smallest detail: pressed linen sheets, Astier de Villatte candles, and stamped Nicole Fahri dishes. Each of the five rooms offer maximum comfort and soothing views of the garden and the twenty meter long swimming pool, heated from May to September. There is no better way to start your peaceful day here than with their sophisticated breakfast of fresh, seasonal fruits and locally baked breads and pastries.
For kids
Don’t worry, in this warm and elegant atmosphere the children are not forgotten. The reception happily welcomes their smaller guests; the hostesses are even equipped with play-pens for babies. For family vacations, we recommend room number three, which includes two single beds on the mezzanine and a large bath. Your children will love the swimming pool (leveled and suitable for new swimmers) and La Minotte’s three furry friends, dogs John and Denise and Lily the cat. Outside La Minotte, your kids can play with ponies, ride their bikes through the picturesque town, and likely ask you to move…
We Love…
… to treat ourselves to the private hammam, including a traditional black soap and exfoliating glove, while dad and the kids wade in the pool.
… to reserve a massage and for an hour forget everything else, especially the treatment designed specifically for pregnant women or their special “letting go” massage.
…the products by La Compagnie de Provence in the room, including rich olive and patchouli oils
To Discover
- Five kilometers from Montfort l’Amaury, take the kids to discover Louis Carré’s house, designed by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto. (2, Chemin du Saint-Sacrement, 78490 Bazoches-sur-Guyonne, 01 34 86 79 63)
- Six kilometers away, Numero 3 and its “Bar à Fromages” awaits, a michelin starred restaurant and cheese bar. It welcomes strollers at the table, offers high-chairs, and has games and coloring to occupy the kids while you taste extraordinary wine and high-flying food. (33, rue du Général de Gaulle, 78490 Le Tremblay sur Mauldre, 01 34 87 80 96)
Information
La Minotte
7, Rue de Versailles
78490 Montfort-l’Amaury
laminotte.nathalie@gmail.com
06 23 56 74 92
By car: 45 km from Paris, 1 hour ride, 1 ½ hours during rush hour.
By train: 35 minute ride from Montparnasse Train Station in the direction of Dreux, until station Méré – Montfort l’Amaury.
Checklist : 2 cribs, swimming pool, garden.
Prices & reservations
From 160 per night for 2 people, breakfast included.
+33(0)6 23 56 74 92
laminotte.nathalie@gmail.com
