Want to extend your holiday for a weekend this autumn? Far from the hustle and bustle of Paris and the excitement of September, these five top-of-the-range hotels invite you to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet, less than two hours from the capital!
The Domaine de Primard
Under the aegis of the prestigious Les Domaines de Fontenille group, the Domaine de Primard, located an hour west of the capital in the commune of Guainville, sits in bucolic surroundings ideal for a weekend close to Paris. The estate’s 40 hectares of large rose-filled gardens are the perfect place to come across Highland cows, donkeys and a variety of birds as you stroll through the countryside. Not forgetting the gardens of Giverny, Claude Monet’s source of inspiration, and a number of nearby châteaux, including Château d’Anet and Château de Diane de Poitiers. As you pass through the doors of this eighteenth-century residence, you’ll discover a romantic, gentle atmosphere. The decor of the forty-odd rooms and suites is refined and subtly thought-out, with delicate touches of colour and furnishings reminiscent of family country homes. Domaine de Primard is also renowned for its gastronomic experience. The Michelin-starred Les Chemins is run by Romain Meder, who works closely with the gardener Gérard. The dishes echo the gardens of the five-star hotel and focus on plants. Chez Martin, the bistro orchestrated by Géraud Dupuis, is set alongside the orchard, where local ingredients and the vegetable garden are given pride of place. Book your Saturday evening to take advantage of the barbecues in season. And after enjoying a meal in one of these culinary areas, a moment of relaxation in the 450m2 spa is more than welcome.
Royal Champagne
Less than two hours from the City of Light, Royal Champagne is a benchmark for the Champagne region, and is widely acclaimed. And with good reason. The five-star hotel literally overlooks the grapevines, from its large panoramic terrace to its 47 elegant rooms and suites. The word ‘opposite’ is not in the property’s vocabulary. There’s nothing more pleasant than practising yoga outside with the feeling of being alone in the world, relaxing in the 1500 m2 spa flooded with light or in the swimming pool with its 180-degree view of the surroundings. Inside, a hammam and a plunge pool provide the perfect place to unwind before embarking on a detoxifying treatment. In keeping with the region, gastronomy is an experience in its own right, always in harmony with a wine list and great champagnes to be enjoyed in moderation. There is Le Royal (one Michelin star) by Christophe Raoux, and the brasserie Le Bellevue. Breathtaking views over the Epernay and Marne valleys guaranteed. Your wine tourism experience starts here.
InterContinental Chantilly Chateau Mont Royal
It couldn’t be quieter. Nestling in the heart of the Chantilly forest, this five-star hotel on the outskirts of Paris is an ode to French refinement. Its two restaurants are the perfect example, with their French cuisine occasionally spiced up with flavours from elsewhere. L’Opéra, located in the former music salon, offers an exceptional setting with an immaculate and delicate dining room, and a space where brown and beige shades meet a subtle variation of khaki. The Stradivarius, nestled in the former library, is more hushed, with its wood panelling, dark blue armchairs and fireplace. Two magnificent places steeped in art and history. In the bedrooms and suites, elegance and the natural light of the forest are the watchwords. From the moment you enter, the spa envelops you in a cocoon of purity, with ancient columns, a deep blue swimming pool and an entirely white and beige treatment area, relaxing both the eyes and the mind. Numerous meeting rooms are available to celebrate a variety of events or organise a corporate retreat.
Hotel Les Lumières Versailles
Birds singing in the park, water flowing in the fountain, a historic residence born from the union of two 17th century buildings… Welcome to the Hôtel Les Lumières. In the heart of Versailles, not far from its emblematic Château, the hotel opened its doors on 15 July following a meticulous renovation by architect Didier Benderli. He has brought the splendour of the Grand Siècle up to date, in perfect keeping with the hotel’s ambition to position itself as a benchmark for wellness breaks. The Relais & Châteaux, which forms part of the upmarket 2L Collection portfolio, boasts 31 rooms and suites divided between the Villacerf and Gramont pavilions. With chevron parquet flooring, mouldings and fabulous colours living in harmony, these keys immerse us in the splendours of the court of Louis XIV. And for a princely escapade à la française, the tableware is just as essential. In the middle of the day, we recommend stopping off at the Café Pierre Hermé for tea and pastries overlooking the Place d’Armes. At 7pm, head to the cosy bar of Les Philosophes, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne in a décor adorned with gold details and refined elements. At dinnertime, La Table des Lumières, by Erwan Le Thomas, will delight the most demanding palates with its sophisticated, tricoloured dishes. Les Lumières also features a spa in the basement, with marble water walls. The treatments are delicate and based on innovative techniques. Royal peace assured.
Le Grand Hôtel Enghien-Les-Bains
You won’t have to drive several hours to get to this four-star establishment belonging to the Barrière group, but just twenty minutes or so. In Enghien-les-Bains, 11 kilometres north of Paris, Le Grand Hôtel is best known for its huge Diane Barrière spa, adorned with large mosaic-clad columns. All the facilities of a wellness area are here, with no fewer than 24 treatment rooms. The 72 rooms and suites are divided into various categories to suit all needs and budgets. Some look out directly onto the Enghien lake, which glows with warm colours as the sun sets. Culinary delights are also on offer at the 86 Restaurant & Bar, where casseroles and creative dishes can be enjoyed in the cosy indoor dining room or on the terrace overlooking the gardens in summer. On the ground floor, facing the lake, Le Baccara serves refined cuisine using seasonal produce, beautifully enhanced by subdued lighting and Art Deco design. Le Fouquet’s, a typically French restaurant, serves dishes devised by Pierre Gagnaire.
Read also > The most beautiful hotels in Bretagne
Featured photo : © Royal Champagne
