How about a relaxing break in the Oise region? No, no, we're not kidding, today we're taking you to Chantilly, just 25 minutes from Paris by TER (regional express train) (approx. €7 each way)!
Right in the heart of the Chantilly forest, the 4* Hôtel Dolce Chantilly offers us a nature getaway in the company of its young chef Dorian Wicart. If his name doesn't ring a bell, we've discovered a chef full of quality, with a tasty and generous cuisine, who has even just won 3 (well-deserved) prizes at the Trophée Jean Delaveyne 3 - 1st prize for Binôme Cuisine, 1st prize for dessert and 3rd prize in the general competition.
Its cuisine is highlighted by the Dolce Chantilly, which has introduced a "nature" formula (from €67 per person). Offered once a month, this package starts on Friday evening and continues on Saturday: we recommend arriving around 2 or 5 pm on Friday to make the most of the pool, sauna and hammam, as the program is very full!
The only downside is that dinner is unfortunately not included in the formula, even though chef Dorian Wicart's cuisine is to die for. Nevertheless, you can easily be tempted by his "Le D" formula at €39 (starter, main course, dessert) or by his "carte blanche" at €62.
The meal is a real treat, with scallops, beef chuck and chocolate entremet (you'll be rolling on the floor - it's easy to see why the chef won the award!), the chef introduces us to unexpected flavours!
After a good meal, we enjoy our overnight stay in a double room overlooking Garden Golf de Chantilly: not a sound to disturb us, the only downside being the 8am wake-up call.
Yes, we were "obliged" to wake up at 8 a.m. to be ready to leave for the market at 9.15 a.m., so as to have time to have breakfast and get ready. The bravest could wake up at 7am to take a dip in the pool, but we weren't brave enough...
Every day, at 9:15am, the chef goes to the market to bring the best of the region to his plates. And he's decided to share his love of the region with us by inviting us to accompany him to the market and make dishes with him afterwards!
So we set off for the market on foot, a good 40-minute walk through the woods. On the way, we stop off at a small direct-sales store, La ferme de la nonette: here, you can sample some great regional produce, and you can't help but leave with a well-stocked basket of cider, cheese, vegetables and jarred meats.
At the market, the chef stocks up on seasonal produce to feed the whole tribe at lunchtime. In between stalls, the chef answers all our questions and gives us tips on how to choose the right produce. The outing is very well organized, as the return to the hotel is by cab (paid for by the hotel!).
After the market, it's off to the restaurant with the chef, who gives us a short cooking lesson using the ingredients he's bought. For us, a velouté of pumpkin with scallops: from peeling to cooking, the chef is there to explain how to make a good dish in 20 minutes. We then taste the dish, before going home or to the restaurant (not included in the package!).
Location
Mercure Chantilly Resort & Conventions
4 Route d'Apremont
60500 Vineuil Saint Firmin
Access
Trains depart from Gare du Nord, 35-minute journey.
Official website
all.accor.com















