A Love Letter to France: Castles, Champagne, & Culinary Delights

Day 1: A Taste of Royalty in Chantilly

My French adventure began the way all great journeys should: with a direct flight and a quick transfer to Chantilly. As we arrived at the charming Auberge de Jeu de Paume, I felt transported to another era. The hotel welcomed us with a spread of light bites, tea and coffee, and desserts with velvety Chantilly cream that made this town famous.

From my room, the view stretched over the manicured gardens of Chantilly Castle, and I couldn’t help imagining how stunning they’d be in spring. Exploring the château itself was equally enchanting—wandering through ornate halls, learning about its history, and marveling at the Grandes Écuries with its 10,000 horses.

The highlight of the day? A Chantilly cream-making workshop where we laughed over our attempts to master the art of whipping. It was a sweet escape, capped off with playful games that left us all smiling.

Pro Tip: Even if you skip the workshop, stop by the dessert shop at L’atelier de la Chantilly for a creamy treat you won’t forget.

Day 2: Family Hospitality at Château de Courcelles

The next morning, a scenic drive brought us to Château de Courcelles, where warmth and hospitality were woven into every moment. The owner’s family welcomed us personally, and his daughter, the General Manager, joined us for a champagne tasting later in the day—a special and heartfelt touch.

This château was a treasure trove of experiences. In the kitchen, we joined a Michelin-starred Italian chef and his young son for a hands-on cooking demonstration that blended French elegance with Italian soul. Together, we helped prepare wheat gnocchi for a rich lobster bisque, guided by the chef’s expert tips and infused with his heritage. 

His son, eager to learn, worked alongside his father, showcasing a love for cooking passed from one generation to the next. Afterward, we tasted the bisque and soufflés right there in the kitchen, sharing the moment with the chef, his son, and the pastry chef— an intimate culinary experience that celebrated family and flavor.

The evening ended with a champagne tasting featuring Aspasie Champagne, a boutique producer crafting organic bubbles for five generations. Their Blanc de Blancs? Crisp, elegant, and absolutely unforgettable.

Insider Tip:  To chill champagne quickly, skip the freezer. Place the bottle in ice with a sprinkle of salt for 20 minutes—it’s a game changer.

Day 3: Michelin Moments in Reims

Reims is the beating heart of Champagne, and it didn’t disappoint. At Domaine Les Crayères, we enjoyed an extraordinary lunch in its iconic two-Michelin-starred restaurant, joined by the charming General Manager, Arnaud Valary. His delightful stories about the property added a personal touch to the experience. Each course was paired with champagne, creating a symphony of flavors that left me in awe. The service was impeccable, with synchronized movements that felt like culinary theater, perfectly complementing the meal and the ambiance.

After lunch, we headed to Taittinger, one of Champagne’s most storied houses, for a private tour of its historic chalk caves. Walking through these ancient cellars, some dating back to the 4th century, was like stepping into a living museum of Champagne history. The experience culminated in a champagne and snack pairing, where each sip and bite revealed new layers of flavor. The Taittinger Brut Réserve stood out as a favorite, its crisp elegance lingering long after the tasting.

Later, at Assiette Champenoise, the modern ambiance set the stage for a seven-course meal I’ll never forget. The cheese course alone—a towering cart of artisanal delights—was worth the trip. This day set a personal record for me: 10 types of champagne and three wines in a single day ! (Should you plan to attempt something similar, please drink responsibly.)

Travel Tip: Pair visits to iconic houses like Les Crayères and Taittinger with smaller producers for a more balanced experience.

Day 4: Vintage Rides and Vineyard Vibes in Épernay

Checking into Hostellerie La Briqueterie, a former brick factory turned boutique retreat, was a study in contrasts. The rustic charm of exposed beams and cozy fireplaces met modern elegance, creating a space that felt effortlessly luxurious.

One of my favorite moments of the trip was our vineyard tour with My Vintage Tour Company. Riding through the countryside in a quirky 1980s police van, we delved into the rich history of Champagne while passing the sprawling vineyards that have defined the region for centuries.

As we rolled into Épernay, the Avenue of Champagne came into view, its grand maisons lining the streets like a glittering showcase of the region’s legacy. Yet, beyond the grandeur of these iconic houses lies the true heart of Champagne—the hidden gems: family-run producers who infuse every bottle with passion and tradition.

Day 5: Beyond the Palace in Versailles

Château de Versailles is synonymous with opulence, but this time, I stayed in the town itself, discovering its quieter, more intimate side. At the bustling morning market, stalls overflowed with fresh flowers, ripe produce, and artisanal goods. It is the perfect way to start your day during an extended stay in Versailles. 

Staying at Les Lumières in Versailles was a standout element of the trip, offering a perfect blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Each of the 31 rooms and suites is uniquely named after Enlightenment luminaries, and my room, inspired by a renowned philosopher, exuded elegance with thoughtful touches, curated artwork, and palace views.

Breakfast in the beautifully designed dining room was a feast for the senses, and the staff’s attentiveness made every moment feel special. The hotel’s proximity to the Château de Versailles allows for leisurely exploration, with private tours arranged by the concierge adding an exclusive touch.

Les Lumières isn’t just a place to stay; it’s an immersive experience that captures the heart of Versailles. It was, without a doubt, my favorite hotel of the trip.

Shangri-La Paris: A Luxurious Finale

Following my travels with Relais & Châteaux, I attended the DUCO France conference in Paris, a three-and-a-half-day event that brought together an impressive array of French travel partners. Over the course of 54 meetings, I connected with hoteliers, destination specialists, and experience providers from across the country. Each conversation offered invaluable insights into the diversity and depth of France’s travel offerings, from boutique countryside retreats to luxury city hotels.

As part of the conference, I had the privilege of staying at the Shangri-La Paris, where the impeccable hospitality perfectly reflected the high standards celebrated at DUCO.

My stay at this iconic hotel was nothing short of magical. The hotel itself is steeped in history, once the residence of Prince Roland Bonaparte, it effortlessly blends Belle Époque grandeur with modern luxury. My suite, one of only four Duplex Eiffel View Suites, was a showstopper. Instead of a balcony, three towering, floor-to-ceiling windows spanned both levels of the suite, framing an unobstructed view of the Eiffel Tower. Each evening, I watched the tower sparkle, its golden lights dancing against the Parisian sky—a sight that felt like a private performance.

The suite was both spacious and thoughtfully designed, with an oversized king bed, two pull-out sofas, and two full bathrooms, making it perfect for couples or families alike. The attention to detail was impeccable, from the plush linens to the elegant furnishings that paid homage to the building’s storied past.

Breakfast was another treat. On one morning, I opted for in-room dining, savoring fresh pastries and coffee as the Eiffel Tower stood as my backdrop. On another, I enjoyed the stunning two-story dining room in the courtyard, where an international buffet offered everything from French pastries to Chinese specialties.

While my schedule was packed with conference meetings, I managed to steal a few moments to explore the hotel’s offerings. The Botanist bar served exquisite cocktails, and the spa promised a serene escape I’ll have to return for. Its location was also ideal—close enough to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées, yet tucked away just enough to feel like a true retreat.

The Shangri-La Paris encapsulates the essence of luxury: a blend of history, elegance, and world-class service. It was the perfect place to end my journey in France, and one I’d recommend to anyone seeking an unforgettable Parisian experience.

Reflections

This journey through France reaffirmed why it remains one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for luxury travel. From intimate château stays and Michelin-starred meals to the allure of Champagne’s vineyards and the grandeur of Versailles, each experience offered its own unique blend of elegance and indulgence.

These destinations are perfect for couples seeking romance, friend groups looking for a stylish getaway, and champagne or culinary enthusiasts eager to explore the roots of their passions. Whether it’s sipping Blanc de Blancs in a boutique vineyard, learning to make Chantilly cream, or dining beneath the sparkling Eiffel Tower, France has a way of making every traveler feel like royalty.

Ready to create your own French adventure? Let me help you design the perfect itinerary tailored to your tastes. France awaits.

Cheers!

Becky

A special thank you to Relais & Châteaux for hosting me and creating such unforgettable experiences, as well as to all the incredible partners who contributed to this journey. Their commitment to crafting unique, personalized travel moments truly made this trip extraordinary.