French Château Weekend at the Château de Montvillargenne
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Château de Montvillargenne rear view, France
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Chateau de Montvillargenne, France
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Château de Chantilly, Chantilly, France
Here’s an opportunity to spend a stylish weekend in a genuine French château. Located to the north of Paris in the heart of the Chantilly forest is the charming 19th century 4 star Château de Montvillargenne. The hotel fuses classic French luxury with a fresh contemporary style. Set in a 15 acre park it is one of the largest château hotels in France and was built in the Norman architectural style by the Rothschild family in the last century. Make the most of the château’s spa and wellness facilities or relax in the bar and beautifully decorated lounge. Explore the towns of Chantilly and Senlis as well as the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1
Travel to France
Travel to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to Calais or Dunkerque and continue to the Château de Montvillargenne for a three-night stay. Dinner will be included at the hotel this evening.
Day 2
Chantilly and Senlis
The imposing Château de Chantilly, a jewel in the crown of France’s heritage, is surrounded by parkland, gardens and the Forêt de Chantilly and renowned for its long history of equestrianism. Next door is the prestigious Chantilly Racecourse and Great Stables which are home to the ‘Living Horse Museum’ and were built in 1719 and could house 240 horses and up to 500 hounds. Guided tours are available, on request. Explore the sumptuous gardens with statues, grottoes and lakes either on foot or by mini-train (additional cost payable locally). Before leaving, we will learn how to whip up genuine Chantilly Cream finishing with a tasting, of course!
Continue to the nearby historic town of Senlis. Here you can visit the 12th century cathedral and the castle ruins which offer a scenic walk. Alternatively, you can enjoy a ride through the medieval centre in a horse and carriage. A group dinner can be arranged in a local restaurant before returning to the hotel (please ask for details).
Return to the hotel for an evening at leisure
Day 3
Melun and Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte
Visit the charming riverside town of Melun and perhaps take a Seine cruise or discover the ancient church of Notre Dame. The town was always the favourite residence of the Kings of France in medieval times.
Continue to the family-owned 17th Century baroque Château de Vaux-Le-Vicomte, whose richly-decorated rooms have been restored to their former glory, provided the inspiration for Louis XIV to build Versailles. It has also been featured on the big screen including the 2006 film ‘Marie Antoinette’ and the 1979 Bond film ‘Moonraker’, amongst others. The gardens are equally impressive and there will be time to look around both the château and the gardens before dinner.
After a 3-course dinner in one of the on-site restaurants, you can enjoy the spectacle of the gardens and château illuminated by 2,000 candles as night falls. It’s a unique and truly memorable experience.
Note: Illumination of the Château occurs after dinner most Saturdays from May to September. Time dependent on weather and light conditions, but will be late in the evening towards the end of dinner service. Fireworks subject to confirmation and weather conditions. Free on-site coach parking. Limited and restricted access to some areas of the Château for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues (please ask for clarification)
Return to the hotel.
Day 4
Return to the UK
Drive to Calais or Dunkerque for the short sea crossing to the UK.
Château de Montvillargenne **** – visited by Greatdays Staff in 2025
The charming 19th century Château de Montvillargenne is the largest Château hotel in France and is located in the heart of the Chantilly forest. The hotel’s facilities include a gym, indoor swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath. There is also a stylish bar, gastronomic restaurant, beautifully decorated lounge and dining rooms. All of the 120 bedrooms are equipped with private facilities, bathrobe, mini-bar, safe, hairdryer and satellite TV. Hot buffet breakfast is included. Group rooms are located in the hotel’s extension/annex, directly linked to the main Château building and meals are taken in the main building. Upgrades for traditional Château-style rooms in the main building are possible at a supplement. The hotel is set in extensive grounds out of town. Free onsite coach parking is available. Annex building rooms have recently been refurbished.
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- Château de Montvillargenne standard room
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- Château de Montvillargenne deluxe room
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- Château de Montvillargenne swimming pool
Château de Montvillargenne ****
| Departure date | 4 days/3 nights | Single supplement |
| on request | Price on request | Price on request |
