Auberge du Jeu de Paume, Chantilly, Relais and Chateaux

Driving up the serpentine lane to Auberge du Jeu de Paume, one almost expects 18th-century French gentry to gallop past into the surrounding 20,000-acre forest. This Chantilly estate was long an aristocratic playground. The unprecedented compound consists of the Château de Chantilly, the Great Stables (which now houses an equine museum), the racetrack and the resplendent property. The Auberge’s 92 rooms and suites combine period embellishments with modern comforts; there is a relaxing spa and wide range of activities to fill the days. Michelin-star La Table du Connétable rivals the best of Paris, which lies a mere 25 miles away.