GOLF HOLIDAYS IN CHANTILLY
Our guide to golfbreaks in Chantilly, Senlis and Apremont.
Golf holidays in Chantilly
Chantilly is very close to Paris, just 25kms to the North (which means you don't have to battle with Parisian traffic), shrouded by ancient forest and cloaked in history. The past echoes all around its stunning chateau and gardens, Louis XIV stables, racecourse, polo fields and royal forests, a classic French town with some classic French golf courses too.
Chantilly has one of the finest selection of private Golf Clubs to be found anywhere in France. If you like to mix some traditional golf courses with a touch of modern Golf Clubs then Chantilly is the spot for your French golf holiday (especially in July and August when all the Parisians are away at the seaside).
So if you would like to break away from the herd and play private golf clubs in the heart of France, Chantilly is one of the best golf destinations in France for you.
Chantilly golf courses
When it comes to golf courses Chantilly has an embarrassement of riches. The old courses at both the Golf de Chantilly and the Club du Lys are parkland perfection, John Jacobs' Apremont provides a neo-classical foil and the ultra-exclusive Paris International golf course, designed by none other than Jack Nicklaus, is an absolute beauty (although very limited visitor Tee-times these days sadly).
And there are many more: Mont Griffon with its lightning Greens, Raray with its 'Beauty and the Beast' Château, Domont-Montmorency Golf Club tucked away in the forest, Isle Adam, Bellefontaine, the list of Chantilly golf courses goes on and on...
Chantilly - where to stay
For a sporting stay in Chantilly there is no better place to stay than the Mercure Chantilly hotel (once-upon-a-time the Dolce Chantilly Hotel) that lies on the outskirts of town in the Forest of Chantilly about a mile from the High Street. The Mercure Chantilly has its own golf course, which is handy! Plus a driving range (well actually a driving lake) along with good practice facilities, indoor and outdoor pools and tennis courts too.
If you would prefer the height of luxury and Michelin starred dining then the relatively new Jeu de Paume, close to the Chateau is the place to lay your head. Superb rooms, two restaurants and just a short stroll to the Chateau and all the restaurants, cafés and boutiques of Chantilly.
Chantilly has a few more hotels in the centre of town. The most recent of which is the boutique 'Le Chantilly' just opposite the market square. There is also the three-star Hotel du Parc, totally refurbished in 2018 and nowadays unrecognisable from its former condition.
Around and about Chantilly there are other small hotels tucked away in the depths of the royal forests where you are assured of a very peaceful stay. The nearby town of Senlis has one of the best restaurants in the area 'Le Hostellerie du Porte Bellon' where they also have a few, rather simple, bedrooms too.
Chantilly - town and surroundings
Chantilly is an integral part of French history: unification of the country began within the honey-coloured walls of its impressive chateau and the area still bears the soubriquet ‘Ile de France’.
Chantilly has a host of attractions. Pride of place is the Château, a masterpiece of 16th Century French architecture, surrounded by formal gardens (all now open to the proletariat!). The Château houses the Condé Museum with its famous library, opposite is Louis XIV's stables which these days house a fascinating horse museum. In front of the stables lies the racecourse - home of the French Derby (hence the town's twinning with Epsom) and all around the outskirts you will see polo fields and troupes of polo ponies keeping fit.
A few miles away, the medieval lanes of Senlis are great for strolling and a spot of café culture. Or you can jump on one of the frequent RER train from Chantilly into Paris for the day - just a half-hour trip.
Getting to Chantilly
The very easiest way to access Chantilly from the UK is via the Eurotunnel of ferries to Calais. From here it is just two-and-half hours of motorway driving to reach the lovely old town of Chantilly and its great array of golf courses.
If you prefer to fly, then there are plenty of services into Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, just twenty minutes from Chantilly.
