Stay in a Four-Star Chateau Outside of Paris

On this six-day vacation in France, you’ll stay at an elegant chateau within easy driving distance of medieval abbeys, Paris, Versailles, and Claude Monet’s home and gardens in Giverny. The trip also includes daily breakfast at the chateau and roundtrip airfare from Logan International Aiport (BOS) in Boston or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on American Airlines, US Airways, United, Air France, Delta, Lufthansa, Swiss, or British Airways. In-country transportation can be set up through Intrepid Vacations for an additional fee.

Chateau de Montvillargenne

Chateau de Montvillargenne’s conical turrets and ivy-covered walls rise majestically from Chantilly Forest, located about an hour north of Paris. Once you step inside, Old-World opulence surrounds you—wrought-iron banisters, antique light fixtures, and original artwork can be found throughout. Many of the standard guest rooms feature period furniture and sumptuous drapes. The four-star chateau hotel, which sits on 15 acres crisscrossed with stone walking paths and romantic gardens, seems far from the hustle and bustle of Paris, but it’s still close enough to the city to explore its world-class museums, shopping, and cafés.

In the evenings, head to Le Vilargène for dinner. The gourmet restaurant serves steaks cut from local Charolais cattle, sea bass browned in olive oil, and other regional dishes in an elegant dining room with two-story windows overlooking the chateau’s gardens. Next door, the James Edouard Bar serves handmade cocktails and seasonal tasting plates. The first Friday of every month, the bar hosts live jazz music from pianist Michel Kus.

For even more peace and quiet, visit the chateau’s wellness center to unwind in a sauna, Turkish bath, or the indoor pool. Guests at the chateau can use the wellness center’s facilities for free. You can also book a Hawaiian massage or 24-karat gold facial for extra fees in a private treatment room.

Chantilly, France: Forested Town Surrounded by Medieval Cities, Abbeys, and Chateaus

The town of Chantilly is situated in northern France in a lush region with forests and sparkling lakes. The region is surrounded by a number of medieval abbeys and chateaus. Pay a visit to Royaumont Abbey, about 6 miles from the Chateau de Montvillargenne, to walk through gardens filled with chicory, wild angelica, and other medicinal plants used in medieval times. Further east is Senlis, another of the region’s medieval attractions, where you can take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the town and tour the Senlis Cathedral, a Gothic-style church and national monument.

Paris is only an hour’s drive from Chantilly, meaning you can take a day trip to see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and other top attractions. Head about 90 minutes west of the Chateau de Montvillargenne to visit the former home of Claude Monet, located in Giverny. From April through November, visitors can peek into the restored home and stroll through the gardens that inspired his famous paintings of water lilies.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.