Recently, Love Happens founder Janet Morais and creative director Sofia Silva landed in the enchanting town of Chantilly, about 30 minutes from Paris, for a luxurious weekend retreat filled with art, architecture, racehorses, lace, and gastronomic delights. Residing at L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume, a remarkable Relais & Chateaux estate nestled on the beautifully landscaped property surrounding the stunning 19th-century Château de Chantilly—love happened in the world of Chantilly luxury living!
From an extensive collection of antique paintings and historic architecture at Château de Chantilly’s Condé Museum and the beauty of the craft of lace at Musée de la Dentelle de Chantilly to the art of equestrian life at the Grandes Écuries (Great Stable) and the Hippodrome at the Chantilly Racecourse, Chantilly, France, is home to many delights for art, design, and savoir-faire lovers like us! So when we discovered the exquisite hotel, L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume, we knew this was the perfect place for a retreat.
L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume, A Hotel Designed for Classic Luxury
From the moment we arrived, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of timeless elegance and historical charm. Entering the lobby of L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume felt like stepping back in time to an era of opulence and sophistication. Lamp shades cast a soft glow over rich wood moldings, crisp cream walls, and marble floors paired with traditional French-style furnishings and thick patterned window valances, setting the stage for an unforgettable stay. The attentive staff welcomed us with warmth, ensuring that every aspect of our visit was nothing short of exceptional.
Our journey into indulgence continued as we entered our suites, sanctuaries of comfort and refinement. The spacious rooms boasted sumptuous patterned textiles, ornate furnishings, and breathtaking views of the manicured gardens, creating havens of tranquility. Every detail, from the plush bedding to the luxurious bath amenities, was thoughtfully curated to provide the ultimate luxury living.
Paradise for Equestrian, Art & Decor Lovers
During our visit, we had the pleasure of attending a horse race at the famous Chantilly Racecourse. Whether you are a horse lover or just enjoy dressing up for an outing that requires beautiful hats, this experience is a delight. If you do happen to be a horse enthusiast, you will especially love L’Auberge du Jue de Paume. Set in what’s known as the Capital of Horses, the hotel is located in close proximity to the Great Stables Horse Museum and the Chantilly Racecourse.
While we find the equestrian world to be one of class and allure, our tastes fall slightly more toward the savoir-faire of lace, so we also loved visiting the Museum of Chantilly Lace. Founded to conserve and preserve the handmade bobbin lace craft practiced in Chantilly in the 18th and 19th centuries. The lace is usually made from black silk and features heavily outlined flower and plant motifs. The museum’s collection of dresses, fans, shawls, parasols, and other lace delights was a beautiful reminder of the importance of places like this museum for preserving art and craft.
We also loved our visit to the stunning Château de Chantilly, an architectural masterpiece in French style filled with beautiful art and decor and home to the wonderful Condé Museum.
Notable Gourmet Delights
One of the highlights of our stay was dining at the hotel’s restaurant, La Table du Connétable (The Constable’s Table). The array of culinary delights, comfortably chic interior design, and beautiful views of the lawns, fountains, and gardens of the Château de Chantilly were pure bliss. The interior design transported us to a lavish French salon with a charming equestrian twist. And the private room we dined in made for the perfect setting of our exquisite gourmet experience.
Curated by executive chef Clément Le Norcy, each dish presented a symphony of flavors, expertly crafted with the finest seasonal ingredients and served with artistic flair. From delicate seafood creations to decadent desserts, every bite was a culinary revelation.
During our dining experience, Clément Le Norcy taught us the art of making Chantilly cream, a form of whipped cream with a history that goes back centuries. Stories go that the cream, known for its sweet, fluffy texture and vanilla flavor, was first served by Chef Francois Vatel at an extravagant banquet at the Chateau de Chantilly for Louis XIV. Unfortunately, Vatel took his life over a fish delivery mishap during the banquet and never learned of his cream recipe’s fame.
Our overall evening at La Table du Connétable truly captivated us. The harmonious blend of attentive service, elegant surroundings, and lively conversation created an ambiance that was both refined and inviting, allowing us to truly enjoy each moment of our dining experience.
A Weekend to Remember
As our weekend retreat drew to a close, we found ourselves reluctant to bid farewell to this haven of luxury and indulgence. L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume and Chantilly left a mark on our hearts. We departed the land of Château de Chantilly with a promise to return to this historic gem and, next time, to be sure to leave time for the fabulous-looking Valmont Spa!
In the world of luxury hospitality, L’Auberge du Jeu de Paume is a beacon of excellence, where every moment is a celebration of the finer things in life!