Let’s head to Vexin
Crossed by 5 rivers, including the Seine and the Oise, the Vexin Regional Natural Park is a vast limestone plateau carved by valleys located north-west of Paris. It covers 71,000 hectares across 98 municipalities in the French departments of Val-d’Oise and Yvelines.
Here, the beauty of the countryside, with its woods, fields, marshes and hillsides, combines with a rich architectural heritage, featuring castles, churches and remarkable estates, as well as crosses, mills, fountains, pigeon lofts and wash-houses which stand as a testimony to the local history.
But above all, Vexin is a paradise for golfers, hikers, horse-riders, fishermen and water sports enthusiasts, who can canoe down the River Epte or go sailing on the Seine and Oise rivers. And for the more adventurous, why not try gliding, paragliding, paramotoring or taking a ride in a hot-air balloon to discover the region’s exceptional panoramic views?
Giverny, the inspiration behind Monet’s Impressionist paintings
Walk in the footsteps of Claude Monet, the forefather of the Impressionist movement, and soak up the creative atmosphere in the village of Giverny. Just 30 minutes from Château de la Bûcherie, Giverny is bathed in a unique light which inspired the painter’s most famous works. Make the most of your stay at La Bûcherie to go and explore the old-world charm of the village, where you can visit Monet’s home and gardens, discover the Impressionist Museum, lose yourself in the narrow streets or wander idly around the shops.
The medieval village of Vernon
Just 30 minutes from the La Bûcherie estate, Vernon is a jewel of Norman medieval architecture. Habitually changing hands between the English and the French and shaken by wars in the 12th century, the village built up an impressive defensive heritage on the orders of Philip Augustus, the king and builder of Normandy. The archive tower, turret castle and leaning timber-framed houses all bear witness to the village’s medieval past. Don’t miss out on a visit to the old mill, with its wide expanse over the River Seine, the Collegiate Church and the charming cobbled streets.
The Museum of Archaeology: 1,000 years of history
It beckons, majestic and imposing. Clinging to the chalk cliff side, the medieval castle of La Roche-Guyon has watched over the Seine valley for over 1,000 years. It has lived through every era of French history, from the medieval wars and the Age of Enlightenment to the Impressionist movement and the Nazi occupation, and stands as a testimony to its extraordinary past. Take advantage of your visit to the château to admire the magnificent French-style gardens and orchards, then stroll through the village to discover the stately market hall, sculpted fountain and troglodyte caves. Located just 11km from Château de la Bûcherie, La Roche-Guyon was voted the “most beautiful village” in the Paris region.
The beautiful city of Mantes-la-Jolie
The city owes its name to Henri IV, who founded the French government here between 1590 and 1593. A strategic meeting point in the early Middle Ages on the Paris/Rouen axis, Mantes-la-Jolie was the last landscape seen by Philippe Auguste, who died in his castle in 1223, and whose surrounding walls can still be seen today. But the real treasure of Mantes-la-Jolie is undoubtedly its impressive Gothic collegiate church with its colourful roof, rightly considered to be the little sister of Notre-Dame de Paris. Walking trails along the banks of the Seine and the La Seine à Vélo cycle route also offer picturesque views of the city. At just 10km away from Saint-Cyr-en-Arthies, Mantes-la-Jolie is an absolute must during your stay at La Bûcherie
