Golf Holidays in Chantilly

Just two hours from Calais, Chantilly provides an exciting and very pretty golf holiday destination thanks to its wonderful mix of golf courses by such legends as Tom Simpson and Harry Colt as well as Ronald Fream and John Jacobs.

The hotel scene in and around Chantilly has really taken a giant leap forward with Hyatt Regency opening a 211-bedroom property in 17 hectares near the glorious Chateau de Conde, Mercure taking over what was a slightly-faded Dolce Chantilly, a charming three-star called Hotel Le Chantilly opening in the heart of the town, a couple of really interesting B&B’s starting up and the perennial favourites of the three-star Hostellerie de la Porte Bellon in Senlis and the Relais et Chateaux property of Auberge du Jeu de Paume in Chantilly.   And let’s not forget the gorgeously-romantic the recently purchased Chateau Ermenonville with its moat.  There’s a style and budget to suit every taste with my choice of hotels and courses in the Chantilly area.

Because Chantilly is both a tourist and residential town, it’s lively throughout the year.  And that’s emphasised by it being renowned through the racing world as the horse-racing and polo capital of France with the fabulous racetrack located in the middle of town, alongside the chateau and museum.  And if you’re really into your horses, take a drive a mile south of Chantilly and also into the leafy suburbs of adjacent Lamorlaye and Senlis…There are racing stables galore and you’ll often see the horses being put through their paces either on the training tracks or through the forest.  The choice of restaurants in the area is outstanding with popular brasseries (ranging from bar-type to bistro) in the town, the gourmet restaurants at Auberge du Jeu de Paume and Hyatt Regency, half-a-dozen wonderful family-owned restaurants in the neighbouring villages that I can recommend and reserve for you and there’s even an huge American-type “shop & eat” venue eight minutes’ drive north of town.

Senlis is my other main venue of the area.  It’s a most charming and historic little town with cobbled streets, decent shopping, museums, France’s tallest church and 20 or so restaurants.  If you’re looking to keep the price down and the charm up, Senlis is the perfect choice.

There are 12 golf courses worth playing (plus two ultra-exclusive treats) – from the World Top 100 course of Chantilly Vineuil to the top-value Foret de Chantilly, and with plenty in between.   In fact, where-ever you stay, you’ll have at least four good golf courses within a 20-minute drive.    The area is sandy so golf course condition is enviable throughout the year and the all-but-one of the courses are easy-walking.  Most of the courses are well-organised Members’ Clubs and are often empty midweek and welcome my clients over the weekend too.  If you want to play the best of the best, choice Chantilly Vineuil, Les Chenes at International Club du Lys and Apremont.   And many clients would say that L’Isle Adam, Chateau de Raray and Chantilly Longeres also belong in the same category.  Very keenly-priced are Bellefontaine, Mont Griffon, Foret de Chantilly and Les Bouleaux at International Club du Lys.  Domont Montmorency is an under-played and under-rated course and, if you want to push the boat out, ask me about playing at the almost-mythical Morfontaine and the glamorous Paris International.