Vaux de Cernay, human settlement in France
Vaux de Cernay is a former Cistercian monastery founded in 1118, situated in a green valley with rolling countryside around it. The site contains stone buildings with original walls and archways, cultivated gardens, ponds, and meadows, preserving the layout and structure of a medieval monastic complex.
Founded in 1118 by Cistercian monks, the monastery grew prosperous during the Middle Ages with support from local rulers and the French crown. It suffered raids and decline from the 16th century onward and nearly disappeared during the French Revolution, until the Rothschild family purchased and restored it in the 1800s.
The abbey served as a gathering place for centuries, drawing pilgrims and those seeking spiritual reflection. The grounds today remain a focal point where visitors experience the legacy of monastic life through the layout of gardens and stone architecture.
The site is accessible from multiple parking areas, with walking trails ranging from four to eighteen kilometers passing through woods, fields, and valleys. Guided walks are available year-round and typically last from a few hours to half a day, offering deeper insights into the landscape and local history.
The Rothschild family acquired the grounds in the 1800s and modernized them while preserving the medieval architecture, creating a rare blend of historical authenticity and carefully maintained restoration. Today, visitors can stay overnight in converted monastic rooms or attend events like weddings and conferences, transforming this centuries-old site into a functioning hospitality destination.
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