Paris is a city of dreams, a place where history and culture intertwine. It’s a destination that draws in travelers from all over the world, yearning to soak in its timeless charm. However, it’s also a city known for its high prices, especially when it comes to accommodation. But don’t despair, for there’s a brilliant solution: escape the city’s exorbitant costs and discover a charming nearby gem.
We were excited to explore Paris with its tempting array of art exhibitions, museums, and galleries. The Mark Rothko exhibition at the Fondation Louis Vuitton, the Maison Poincaré maths museum, and the Quai de la Photo contemporary photography museum were just a few of the cultural treasures we planned to visit.
We were initially shocked at the astronomical hotel prices in the city. However, a creative solution emerged: stay outside Paris and use its efficient train network. Our adventure led us to Chantilly, a delightful town renowned for its whipped cream, horse racing, and exquisite handmade lace. This charming destination is a mere 30-minute train ride from Gare du Nord, at a cost of just €5 each way.
A Charming Escape: Chantilly
Chantilly, with its captivating history and artistic flair, is the perfect blend of elegant charm and cultural immersion. We settled into the Hotel Le Chantilly, a magnificent 18th-century coaching inn, within a 10-minute walk of the station. The hotel’s original beams, wooden floors, and exposed stone added an enchanting touch to our stay. The top-notch breakfasts were a delightful way to start our day, while our room’s view of Place Omer Vallon was simply breathtaking.
Beyond the hotel, Chantilly offers a captivating tapestry of attractions. The magnificent Château de Chantilly, chosen as the backdrop for Valentino’s 2023 fashion show, is a testament to the town’s grandeur. The grounds, meticulously designed by André Le Nôtre, the visionary behind the gardens of Versailles, are a treat for the senses. Wander through the woods, follow the shady paths, and relax by the lake.
The Great Stables are an architectural marvel, boasting cathedral-high ceilings and an indoor theatre space for daily equestrian demonstrations. Witness the grace of these majestic horses, housed in a setting of unparalleled elegance.
Culinary Delights in Chantilly
Chantilly is not just about history and art; it’s also a culinary haven. We savored a delicious lunch at the Restaurant du Hameau, nestled within the “Anglo-Chinese garden.” The simple yet exquisite charcuteries with crudités grown in the grounds were a perfect example of Chantilly’s commitment to fresh, local ingredients.
The town boasts a selection of restaurants to suit every palate. For a taste of refined French cuisine, the Le Jardin d’Hiver at the Auberge du Jeu de Paume offers a delightful three-course menu for €59. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Le Vertugadin serves up “bourgeois and virtuous” dishes, while La Cour Pavée provides a tasty and affordable crepe option.
Chantilly offers a fascinating glimpse into a different side of France, a chance to explore a less-frenetic area steeped in history and charm. It’s a destination that will leave you with lasting memories, a testament to the beauty and allure of France’s hidden gems.
Beyond Paris: Exploring Europe’s Hidden Gems
Paris is a magnificent city, but for those seeking alternative European adventures, there are a plethora of captivating destinations just a short distance from major capitals. Here are four enchanting towns, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty:
Potsdam: A Prussian Paradise
Potsdam, the former capital of Prussian kings and emperors, boasts a mesmerizing collection of palaces, lakes, and gardens, a testament to its rich history. The city is effortlessly accessible via regional trains and the S-Bahn, with frequent departures to stations across Berlin (from €2).
Beyond the palaces and gardens, explore the picturesque Dutch Quarter with its charming houses, stroll across the Glienicke Bridge, and discover the tranquil beauty of Wannsee. This serene lake offers opportunities for swimming, boating, and exploring the Pfaueninsel nature reserve, a haven for woodpeckers, cormorants, and grazing buffalo.
Immerse yourself in history at the Hotel am Grossen Waisenhaus, a beautiful baroque building dating back to the 1770s, formerly an orphanage and later a children’s hospital. This charming hotel is a 20-minute walk from the station and provides a generous breakfast spread, setting you up for a day of exploration.
Frascati: A Roman Escape
Frascati, nestled in the Castelli Romani, is a captivating escape from the bustle of Rome. A 30-minute train ride from Rome Termini (€2.10 each way) on the il treno della sbornia (hangover train), named for the Romans who frequented the area’s famous fraschette and taverns, will transport you to a world of Renaissance splendor.
Admire the grandeur of Villa Aldobrandini, with its extensive gardens and a water theatre, and step back in time at Villa Torlonia, Mussolini’s former state residence. Now home to Italy’s new Holocaust museum, this historic villa boasts the Limonaia glasshouse, now a focaccia bar with delightful tables in the garden.
Frascati’s culinary scene has evolved in recent years, with innovative chefs like Jacopo Ricci at DLR and Luca Ludovici at ConTatto bringing a fresh approach to traditional flavors.
Find your Roman retreat at the Hotel Flora, a stunning Liberty-style villa just a five-minute walk from the station.
Haarlem: A Dutch Delight
Haarlem, the historic capital of Noord-Holland province, is a charming escape from the bustling city of Amsterdam. A 22-minute train ride from Amsterdam Central (€4.90) takes you to a world of canals, cobbled streets, and top-class architecture.
Explore the pedestrianised old town, wander through the independent shops, and delve into the city’s cultural treasures at museums like Teylers, the oldest museum in the Netherlands, and Ten Boom House, a poignant reminder of the bravery during the Nazi occupation.
Discover the unique charm of Jopenkerk, a former church transformed into a brewery and restaurant. For a taste of the Dutch coast, a ten-minute train ride takes you to Zandvoort, with its expansive sandy beach, perfect for long summer evenings.
Experience the elegance of Boutiquehotel Staats, a handsome redbrick former school with snazzy interiors, located on a quiet cobbled street near the station.
Segovia: A Spanish Tapestry
Segovia, a UNESCO-listed city with an impressive Roman aqueduct at its entrance, is a captivating destination just 55 miles north of Madrid. Fast Renfe trains from Madrid Chamartín station (27 mins, from €10.50 each way) will transport you to this enchanting city.
Segovia is a city of contrasts, with a fairytale castle, the Alcázar, said to have inspired the Disneyland versions, and a majestic gothic cathedral. Explore the atmospheric Juderia (Jewish quarter) with its shaded squares and archways over cobbled lanes, and discover the modern art gallery dedicated to Esteban Vicente.
Indulge in Segovia’s traditional cuisine, known for its succulent roast lamb and suckling pig. The cloister restaurant of Hotel San Antonio el Real, a converted monastery just a 15-minute walk from the station, is the perfect place to sample these local delicacies.
Each of these charming towns offers a unique and memorable experience, a chance to escape the crowds and discover the beauty and allure of Europe’s hidden gems. Venture beyond the well-trodden paths and discover the rich tapestry of European culture and history waiting to be explored.
