The perfect romantic couples weekend in France

Chantilly offers the perfect romantic couples weekend in France and, at less than 25 miles from Paris, is quick and easy to get to from the UK.  Spring is a great time to spend a peaceful weekend in Chantilly and the surrounding area visiting its castles, gardens and historic buildings. 

 

The fairytale Château de Chantilly dates back to the 1400s before being destroyed during the French revolution and rebuilt during the 1870s. It is set on a lake with three tranquil gardens covering 115 acres – a mid-17th century French garden, a wilder Jardin Anglais and the rustic Jardin Anglo-Chinois. The castle also houses the biggest collection of pre-1850 painting in France after the Louvre. The 18th century Grandes Ecuries (Grand Stables) and the Musée Vivant du Cheval (Museum of the Horse) here are also well worth a visit and if you’re feeling lucky, the famous horse-racing track is right next door.

 

Less than an hour away on the edge of the Forest of Compiège is the smaller, mediaeval Château de Pierrefonds. Even if you haven’t visited before, you may recognise it as Camelot from the BBC series Merlin – it also featured in Highlander and the 1998 version of the Man in the Iron Mask.

 

 Away from the chateaux you might choose to stroll the marked walkways of the ancient Forêt de Chantilly, some of which are centuries old, or explore them by mountain bike or on horseback. There’s an open-air market twice a week for those who want to put together a picnic, as well as restaurants ranging from the simple and traditional to the Michelin-starred. And whether you’d prefer to stay in a luxurious chateau or a cute and cosy boutique hotel, you’re bound to find smething to suit your tastes and budget for your weekend in Chantilly.