A Bowl Of Fresh Art In The Chevreuse Valley
The Chevreuse Valley, an hour away from Paris, offers a delightful landscape that is sometimes difficult to imagine when you live in the capital. The valley and the natural park that surrounds it are hosts of a rich and peaceful territory, which has offered many great artists –including Zola, Chateaubriand, Ravel or Elsa Triolet and Aragon– a secret green corner where they could retreat from the Parisian hustle and bustle. And yet, the discreet and confidential vallée de Chevreuse is far from asleep, with its numerous castles and private estates recently restored and its welcoming villages with picturesque cafes and streets, enlivened by the scent of flowers and the smiles of its inhabitants. Today, some historic places have become the playground of contemporary artists, bursting with refreshing energy while safeguarding the aura of their remarkable past!
TheWaysBeyond invites you to a private one-day-long getaway from Paris –in a private vehicle, with driver and guide– in places difficult to reach with public transportation. Follow us and meet inspiring personalities and surprising creations, over three stops marked by the seal of artists that were as talented as they were unique, and who still dazzle us today.
Take a carriage ride in the stunning domain of Dampierre
Our first stop will be place under the sign of relaxation, in the heart of the domain of Dampierre-en-Yvelines. A domain of the Dukes of Chevreuse and Luynes, the chateau of Dampierre-en-Yvelines and its gardens have hosted many kings and queens of France. For a long time abandoned, it was bought in 2016 by a new owner who is determined to wake up the sleeping beauty. If the castle is currently being renovated, the vast domain –officially classified as remarkable landscape and site– nevertheless shelters a lush nature, ready to enchant visitors! And the least we can say is that the contrast is great with Paris; here, everything is just greenery, peace and fallow deer! Some new blood is now flowing through the veins of the domain of Dampierre-en-Yvelines, which we invite you to discover… aboard a horse-carriage!
La Chapelle, a species of contemporary art space
The second stop of your private excursion is in Clairefontaine, where an old 12th century abbey woke up again in 2016 as a bright exhibition space for contemporary art. Founded by gallery owner Baudoin Lebon, La Chapelle has a specific taste for the unexpected and exhibits delightful temporary exhibitions where curators and artists have fun, both in the main space and in its hidden corners, but also in the large garden around the building. Unsuspected and confidential, La Chapelle is sure to delight you!
Elsa Triolet’s and Aragon’s “little spot of French ground”
The last stop of our day is nestled in a 5-hectare park: an old 12th-century water-mill, where some of the most beautiful pages of French literature were written. The peaceful retreat of the fascinating couple formed by Elsa Triolet and Aragon has become the intimate and preserved museum of their lives. The park that surrounds it, and where the couple rests, remains a source of inspiration for many contemporary artists and the setting for some of their monumental works.
A last opportunity to take a breath of fresh air before returning to Paris, and to enjoy this magical and exotic place, where time become eternal!
During this refreshing day out of Paris, you will be able to:
– Take a carriage ride in the park of one of the largest private châteaux around Paris;
– Discover a generous contemporary art place in a ravishing setting;
– Immerse yourself into the home of one of French literature’s most renowned writer couples;
– Explore one of the most beautiful valleys around Paris.
Schedule for the day*
09:00 – Departure from Paris
10:00 – Coach ride in the domain of Dampierre-en-Yvelines
12:30 – Free or organised lunch in Dampierre
14:00 – Visit of La Chapelle exhibition space
16:00 – Visit of the Maison Elsa Triolet – Aragon
17:30 – Back to Paris
The excursion includes a guide for the day, as well as the rental of a private vehicle + driver. Lunch is not included but can be organized on request (different menus)
* Approximate schedule
Price
€1,500- / group of 7 pax, i.e. €215- per participant
TheWaysBeyond is a signatory to the Caring Attitude charter of the Paris Tourist Office.
In this sense, the 1-day getaway “Art in Vallée de Chevreuse” complies with current health and safety instructions, with the guide wearing a face mask and respecting physical distancing practices and other government-recommended preventive measures.
Participants are asked to please wear a mask and respect physical distancing practices during the activity, and more specifically in closed environments.