A French Secret Worth Celebrating This Bastille Day

When people dream about a trip to France, they usually picture arriving at Charles de Gaulle Airport and diving straight into the city. We love Paris too, but over the years we've discovered a different way to begin a French vacation, and it's become one of our favorite recommendations.

Instead of heading directly into the city after an overnight flight, consider spending your first night or two in the charming town of Chantilly, just a short drive from Charles de Gaulle Airport. It's a gentler, more relaxing introduction to France, giving you time to shake off the jet lag before exploring one of the world's great cities.

Our favorite place to stay is Auberge du Jeu de Paume, a beautiful Relais & Châteaux property overlooking the grounds of the magnificent Château de Chantilly. Elegant without feeling stuffy, it's exactly the kind of place where you can settle into the rhythm of France before the excitement of Paris begins. The hotel features exceptional dining, a luxurious Valmont Spa with a pool, steam room, sauna, and whirlpool, and attentive service that makes it easy to unwind after a long journey.

One of our favorite perks is that our clients often have access to early check-in, subject to availability. After an overnight flight, there's nothing quite like being able to freshen up and relax in your room instead of waiting hours for check-in. We can also include valuable VIP amenities, including daily breakfast for two, a hotel credit to enjoy the property's outstanding restaurants, a room upgrade when available, complimentary Wi-Fi, and late checkout when available. Those little extras can make a wonderful stay even more memorable.

Château de Chantilly

Another highlight? Admission to the spectacular Château de Chantilly is included through the hotel. Every client we've sent has come back talking about what an unexpected treasure it was. From the magnificent château and world-class art collection to the beautifully landscaped gardens, it's one of those places that surprises even seasoned travelers and feels delightfully uncrowded compared with some of France's better-known attractions.

Then, once you're rested, it's an easy journey into Paris, where you'll be ready to make the most of every museum, café, neighborhood stroll, and evening along the Seine.

This Bastille Day, we're raising a glass not just to Paris, but to the quieter corners of France that make a trip truly unforgettable. If you're planning a French getaway, let us show you how a stop in Chantilly can transform the way your vacation begins. We'd love to build this experience into your next itinerary and make sure you enjoy all of the VIP benefits available through Huckleberry Travel.