Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face; A Better Than Paris Place

Location:
France

Chantilly Horse Country

By Heather

Dare I write I am one of the few who just doesn't "get it" when it comes to Paris? As open minded as I like to be when it comes to travel, for as hard as I try, Paris is not a place you'll find me choosing to go. Sure you have the Louvre, and don't get me wrong, I love the Louvre. There are a handful of other enjoyable sites and tourist traps too. But the great shopping? The Champs-Elysées? Well, frankly I'd rather shop on Magnificent Mile in Chicago. The prices are better and the people are nicer too. Moulin Rouge? Eh. Go see the "real deal" in Amsterdam. It smells better there too. The cuisine? Well, I've had better. I've always much prefered Belgium and their delectable delights, but that's just me.

So last year, when I reluctantly agreed to do a business favor for a friend (translation: a trip to Paris), I have to admit I wasn't all that thrilled. To ease the blow, I decided on five days in London beforehand. (You know, to transition into the time zone and all.)

To my surprise, when the client contacted me with the meeting information, I learned we would not be staying in Paris, rather, we'd be in Chantilly, a small town about 40 minutes outside of Paris.

Now I'd heard the whole "Chantilly Lace and a Pretty Face..." tune, and I'd heard of the famous Chantilly cream. But that was about it on the Chantilly knowledge.

After an interesting, to say the least, time departing London Luton airport (I was traveling with business gear limiting my option to flight rather than the Chunnel), I collected my belongings at Charles de Gaulle and made my driver's acquaintance.

About 45 minutes later, we pulled up to my meeting site, Les Fontaines, in Chantilly. So as not to bore the reader, I'll omit the business fun, though the world famous Rugby player (whose name escapes me) who gave a rather inspirational speech was a higlight.

Due to a hotel mix up (crazy hotel mix-ups!), I was put in Dolce Chantilly hotel for one night of my time in Chantilly. This was a charming place, with fine cuisine and nice views from the room balconies. The next day, I was moved back to Les Fontaines.

At the conclusion of one of my meetings, it was time to explore what this little town had to offer.

Off in my cab I went to explore the Château de Chantilly. Besides its recent claim to fame as the wedding site of Eva Longoria, the site began in the 1400's and was built for Constable Anne de Montmorency. It was a lovely treat to walk the grounds and explore its halls. The art collection is inspring and a must-see for the art lover. Heck, even if you don't love art, you could learn to at least appreciate it here. I especially loved the library area, a treat for any bibliophile!

After hours at the Château, I headed toward the Hippodrome. Chantilly is definitely horse country, and the Hippodrome shows this off. After walking its grounds, it leads you into the areas of town where you will find great little cafés, cheese shops, and even an erotic shop or two!

Strangers seem a lot friendlier just minutes outside of Paris, and they often approached me for a chat or to offer to take my photograph (and not in a attempt to steal my camera either!).

After I couldn't walk anymore, I headed back for our farewell dinner. The French do know their wine! Each sip was absolute joy on the tongue.

To send us off, our hosts treated us to a wonderful fireworks display. The night sky lighted up with sparkle and color to bid us farewell.

The next morning, as my driver took me to the airport, we drove past the Château de Chantilly. I laughed to myself, imagining traipsing on horseback under a fireworks lighted sky on the Château grounds. "Yeah, 40 minutes can make a world of difference." A good world.

Further Information

Other helpful information: Don't expect a lot of night life or entertainment. Chantilly is a small town, but you can take trains into Paris if you'd like the nightlife. Try the Chantilly Cream, of course! Bring your mom back some of the lace, and book a horseback ride. Arrange cabs in advance!

Must see/do at this place: Château de Chantilly, The Hippodrome, Les Fontaines if you are able to get on the grounds, stroll the streets, stop in the shops, enjoy the cheeses and food.

You should avoid here: Expecting a lot of entertainment and not arranging a cab in advance.