Afternoon at Auberge du Jeu de Paume – Chantilly, France

Le Jardin d'Hiver Restaurant

After a 10-plus hour flight from San Francisco, I landed at Charles de Gaulle airport and was starving for some fresh, clean air and food, so headed 30 minutes away to dreamy Chantilly, France. It’s a place rich in history that’s surrounded by a forest that conjures up thoughts of medieval fantasy  and also home to France’s biggest racehorse-training community. And oui, it’s where the name Chantilly cream and Chantilly lace derive from.

Chantilly is ideal for a day trip from nearby Paris or an overnight stay at the Auberge du Jeu de Paume – a Relais & Châteaux property and home to two restaurants by Chef Arnaud Faye. In the property, you’ll find his Two Michelin-Starred La Table du Connétable and the more casual, but still elegant Jardin d’hiver where I enjoyed lunch.

Food Fashionista - Mika Takeuchi, Chantilly, France

Before arriving at the hotel, I stopped to wander through the forest of Chantilly and even without the leaves, the trees and surroundings were majestic.

Château de Chantilly, France - Mika Takeuchi

Whoever said fairy tales don’t exist hasn’t visited Chantilly…or France for that matter.

Chantilly, France Horses Travel - Food Fashionista

Chantilly is know for its connection to the equestrian and horse community and here, you’ll find the famous Chantilly Racecourse, the Great Stables at Domaine de Chantilly and The Living Museum of the Horse (Musée Vivant du Cheval).

Chantilly, France - Food Fashionista

When you enter the town, the Château de Chantilly is awaiting your arrival so have your cameras ready. This historic 19th century castle also houses the second largest collection of oil paintings after Le Louvre.

Auberge du Jeu de Paume, Relais Châteaux France

Entrance of the Auberge du Jeu de Paume

Auberge du Jeu de Paume Relais Chateaux

You’ll find horse memorabilia all around town, including at the Bar at the Jardin d’Hiver

Auberge du Jeu de Paume Chantilly, France

Just after a long flight, a cool glass of Champagne was a wonderful welcome to France.

Le Jardin d'hiver Chantilly, FranceDuring lunch at Le Jardin d’Hiver, chef had an admiring young fan. I loved the openness of the dining space and especially at lunch, all the natural light from the windows from the garden light up the room.

Jardin d'hiver Restaurant Chantilly France

Started with this Torteau émietté et avocet, fine gelée au radio rose (Crumbled crab and avocado with pink radish jelly)

Champagne Le Jardin d'hiver Restaurant Chantilly France

I continued on with Rosé…

Jardin d'hiver Restaurant Chantilly France 2

Another starter included this Tronçon de saumon fumé maison, pomme de terre àla moutarde ( Slabs of homemade smoked salmon and potato with mustard)

Relais and Chateaux Auberge du jeu de paume

Enjoyed a courtyard view while dining at Le Jardin d’Hiver

Chef Arnaud Faye Sea Bream

Dorade en croûte de pain, tombée de tétragone et piquillos ( Sea bream in a crust of bread with Zealand spinach and piquillo  peppers)

Le Jardin d'hiver Restaurant Chantilly France -Saint Jacques poêlée, gnocchi à la pistache, roquette et parmesan (Pan fried scallops, pistachio gnocchi, arugula and Parmesan cheese)

Chef Arnaud Faye Chocolate Dessert

Tarte Chocolate, caramel aux cacahuètes (Chocolate tart with peanuts, caramel and gold leaf)

Auberge du Jeu de Paume Relais et Châteaux

Chantilly is also home to the Concours d’Elegance auto show which will celebrate its third year on September 3-4.

Paris, Food Fashionista Mika Takeuchi

After a lovely afternoon in Chantilly, it’s time to head on to Paris…

Auberge du Jeu de Paume 

Address: 4 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly

Phone: 03 44 65 50 00

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