Five minutes from the famous Chateau of Chantilly, just 40 minutes north of Paris, luxury hotel Mercure Chantilly is ideal for golfers, families and gourmets. It’s the perfect place to spend a day or weekend and to get in the mood for golfing.
9 a.m.
Enjoy a warm-up on an extraordinary driving range - you knock the balls into a small lake - en route to the 18-hole course, before heading back to the hotel. If you stay, the club classic card offers you the opportunity to get a round in, at the golf courses of Apremont and Raray with its famous 18th hole at the foot of Raray castle, location for Beauty and the Beast, the mythical film of Jean Cocteau with Jean Marais.
1 p.m.
It's time to recharge your batteries at Swing, the clubhouse restaurant. Its varied and tasty buffet will allow you to better digest your double bogeys, your happy birdies and other possible putts of the morning.
2 p.m.
The beautiful castle of Chantilly with its collection of paintings and ancient books bequeathed by the Duke of Aumale in the late nineteenth century is an absolute must see. After visiting the enormous stables and the exquisite gardens designed by Le Nôtre, take time to relax in the grounds. It’s at this chateau that the famous Chantilly cream is said to have been invented in the seventeenth century by chef François Vatel, the master of festivities at the castle. You’ll find all forms of art are appreciated including film, since many scenes of View to a Kill starring Roger Moore as James Bond 007, were shot here in 1985.
4 p.m.
A few steps from the castle, the Potager des Princes is a wonderful surprise that will delight young and old. This hamlet style farm, the inspiration for Marie-Antoinette’s hamlet at Versailles, was built in 1682 by the Prince of Condé, and is now a botanical garden and a small animal park. Animations to please the whole family are regularly held with shows including a rabbit race, chicken obstacle course, and a superb sheep herding demonstration with Fuego, a border collie full of energy who just loves to direct a small herd of sheep or ducks!
6 p.m.
Head back to Dolce Chantilly for a relaxing session at the outdoor pool... There’s also a spa with sauna, steam room and fitness room plus indoor pool. Here, those with a sporty vibe won’t have time to be bored, between a game of beach volleyball and tennis plus and horseback riding, you’re assured of plenty to do in the fresh air.
8:30 p.m.
Chef Jimmy Elisabeth welcomes you to Donatello, the gastronomic restaurant of the Mercure Chantilly hotel. Inspired by diverse cultures, the fine cuisine features spicy flavours, with hits of curry, coconut, tangy turmeric and piquant lemon leaves. The ideal opportunity to end on a sweet note after a busy day. For dessert, we highly recommend the chocolate mango and passion sphere. It is simply divine!
By Franck Crudo
Journalist
