Paris is a city everyone wants to experience, but its hotels can be expensive, right? We had a similar problem, so we tried a unique approach: staying just outside the city in Chantilly, a charming town known for its whipped cream, horse racing, and fine handmade lace.
Chantilly is a mere 30-minute train ride from Gare du Nord, costing only €5 each way. We found a stylish hotel called Le Chantilly, housed in an 18th-century coaching inn. With original beams, wooden floors, and exposed stone, the hotel exuded a charming atmosphere. And breakfast? Top-notch! Our room even offered a beautiful view of Place Omer Vallon.
This location allowed us to explore a different side of France while still being close enough to enjoy the cultural attractions of Paris.
A Château Fit for a King (and a Bond Villain)
Chantilly is home to the magnificent Château de Chantilly, a show-stopping palace that even caught the eye of Valentino for their 2023 fashion show. Designed by André Le Nôtre, the creator of Versailles’ gardens, the chateau boasts breathtaking grounds.
We were completely captivated by the Great Stables, where horses are housed in a truly magnificent manner, with cathedral-high ceilings and an indoor theatre space for equestrian demonstrations.
Le Nôtre’s formal parterre is an impressive sight, but we especially enjoyed the peaceful woods, shady paths, and lake. The Restaurant du Hameau, tucked away in the “Anglo-Chinese garden”, offered a delightful lunch of simple yet delicious charcuteries and crudités.
Indulge in Chantilly’s Culinary Delights
Chantilly’s restaurants are a culinary adventure in themselves. For a luxurious French experience, we recommend Le Jardin d’Hiver in the Auberge du Jeu de Paume, offering a three-course menu for €59. For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Le Vertugadin, where the friendly patron serves up “bourgeois and virtuous” dishes for €39. And for a quick bite, La Cour Pavée offers delicious crepes from €11.
Exploring Beyond Chantilly
Chantilly is a fantastic base for exploring other areas of France. We didn’t have time to explore the Chantilly Forest or the Potager des Princes, a peaceful garden with a bamboo maze and roaming peacocks and rabbits. And just a few miles away, the town of Senlis offers a glimpse into the past with its half-timbered houses, castle, cathedral, and Roman amphitheatre.
We had an amazing time in Chantilly and we highly recommend this charming town to anyone seeking a unique escape from the bustle of Paris.
Discover More: Four Towns Near Europe’s Capitals
Potsdam: Where History Meets Nature
Just a short train ride from Berlin, Potsdam offers a royal escape. With palaces, lakes, and gardens, Potsdam is a history lover’s dream. Don’t miss the Glienicke Bridge and the pretty houses of the Dutch Quarter. For a nature break, head to Wannsee, where you can swim off lake beaches or take a ferry to the Pfaueninsel nature reserve.
Hotel am Grossen Waisenhaus is a charming baroque building with a generous breakfast.
Frascati: Roman Charm and Culinary Delights
Frascati, a picturesque town just 30 minutes from Rome Termini, is known for its traditional Fraschette and taverns. The town boasts beautiful Renaissance houses, such as Villa Aldobrandini, with its extensive gardens and water theatre.
Villa Torlonia once served as Mussolini’s state residence and now houses Italy’s new Holocaust museum. Its restored Limonaia glasshouse is now a focaccia bar with garden seating.
Frascati’s culinary scene is evolving, with innovative chefs like Jacopo Ricci at DLR and Luca Ludovici at ConTatto bringing a modern twist to traditional dishes. Hotel Flora is a beautiful Liberty-style villa just a short walk from the station.
Haarlem: Dutch Charm and Cultural Gems
Just 22 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central, Haarlem is a charming town with top-class architecture and culture. Its pedestrianised old town is surrounded by canals and the winding Spaarne River, offering a picturesque setting.
Don’t miss the Grote Markt (main square) and its nearby museums, including Teylers, the oldest in the country, and Ten Boom House, where numerous Jews were hidden from the Nazis.
Boutiquehotel Staats is a handsome redbrick former school with stylish interiors.
Segovia: A Fairytale Castle and Delicious Cuisine
Segovia, with its impressive Roman aqueduct, is a Unesco-listed city just 55 miles north of Madrid, connected by fast Renfe trains.
Segovia is home to the Alcázar, a fairytale castle that is said to have inspired Disneyland’s versions. The town also boasts the last gothic cathedral built in Spain, and the atmospheric Juderia (Jewish quarter).
Segovia’s cuisine is delicious and hearty, known for its cordero asado (roast lamb) and cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). Hotel San Antonio el Real, a converted monastery, offers doubles from €80 B&B.
Enjoy your journey through Europe, exploring the hidden gems just outside the major cities!
