CHATEAU D'ESCLIMONT
Moated Renaissance chateau-hotel an hour from Paris
ARRIVING AT CHATEAU D'ESCLIMONT is pretty magical. Enveloped in 150 acres of gardens, lake and woodland walks, this
magnificent-looking moated French chateau comes with turrets, towers and all the grandeur you would expect. Swans glide across a small lake and you may see a hot-air balloon taking off (or a helicopter land) as you turn into the tree-shaded drive.
Built by the archbishop of Tours in 1543, Chateau d’Esclimont is a sumptuous romantic getaway that has witnessed
centuries of royal romps and romancing: you almost expect to turn a corner and find Sleeping Beauty slumbering in a vast four-poster. These days, however, you’re more likely to bump into well-off Parisians relishing an escape from the frenzy of city life.
Chateau d'Esclimont's jewel-like Renaissance features are every bit as fetching inside as out.
Belfries, bridges and lacework balustrades are matched inside by grand salons, embossed wood panelling, regally tall windows framing gorgeous views and sweeping drapes.
Hit the spot
60km from Paris, between Chartres and Versailles.
Bedtime
Gaze over turrets and gardens from one of the historic lodges, or splash out on richly decorated quarters in the chateau itself.
Be savvy
Expect a little noise from the Paris autoroute.
Be smitten
Just the place for five-star French leave.
Fairytale turrets
Stay in one of the estate’s lodges (with views of those fairytale turrets and gardens) or in the chateau itself. Rooms are replete with old-fashioned comforts:
think richly co-ordinated fabrics and wallcoverings, parquet floors, ceiling-high windows and plump pillows. Bright and light bathrooms come well stocked with Lanvin toiletries.
Chandeliered suites have
huge canopied or four-poster beds and lashings of space. While they come with a princely price tag, you get uninterrupted views over the pond and park and it’s easy to pretend – while soaking in your splendid black marble bathroom, perhaps – that this aristocratic five-star domain is all yours.
Push the boat out gastronomically at Chateau d’Esclimont’s Rochefoucauld restaurant (named after the family who owned the chateau for over 100 years), with its
family portraits, mirrors and grand fireplaces. There’s also a second restaurant, whose walls are covered in Cordoba leather.
Once you’ve explored the grounds, there’s plenty to do nearby. You’re almost midway between Versailles and the cathedral town of Chartres, with
the bright lights of Paris just an hour away. Spot-on service and luxe without pretension add to the fabulous feel-good factor.
Chateau d'Esclimont was reviewed by
Room for Romance
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Dining in
You’ll find traditional French favourites with a modern twist here, such as
codfish candied in olive oil and served on a bed of spinach and creole sauce. Before you get to the fabulous mains you'll need to try the starters, aptly named ‘premier plaisir’. But with
jumbo black tiger shrimp marinated in ginger sauce and smoked wild salmon with homemade blinis and sour cream on offer, that's not too much of a hardship.
Dining out
If you fancy eating out, Le Grand Monarque in Chartres, and nearby Le Commerce (five kilometres) are well worth a visit.
Where?
La Rochefoucauld at Château d'Esclimont.
What’s cooking?
Go all-French here: try foie gras served with figs and Banyuls wine, followed by coquilles Saint Jacques.
Dress the part
It's château-chic here by night.
Top table?
By the window, with views of the softly illuminated gardens.
See & Do
Float away in a hot air balloon ride, or explore the French, English and Italian style gardens if you prefer terra firma. Nearby Chartres is perfect for a day trip, with the cathedral and stained glass museum being must-sees. Paris is less than an hour away if you want some big city buzz. Staff at Château d'Esclimont will hire out bicycles to you, and gladly point you in the direction of secluded woodland walks.
Shop
Chartres has plenty of great little shops to browse, with boutiques and delis aplenty. And Paris is only an hour away if the label lover in your life has withdrawal symptoms.
After dark
Follow cocktails on the terrace and gourmet dining with a stroll through the grounds. The château also occasionally hosts themed and musical evenings.
Dates
October
Chocoholics can guzzle their way through the Paris Chocolate Fair – satisfaction guaranteed.
GETTING THERE
Location
28700 St Symphorien Le Chateau
Parking
There is free guest parking
Trains
Rambouillet station –18km
Taxis
EUR 40 approx from the station
Airport
Paris Orly – 50km or Paris Charles de Gaulle – 80km
Rooms and suites
47 rooms, six suites
Special features
Many rooms have a CD player, large screen TV and private salon. For gorgeous views go for a pavilion suite.
Also…
There's a tennis court and heated open air swimming pool for keeping in shape, and plenty of grounds for strolling.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Rates guide
EUR 240 - 400
Open/closed
Open all year
Check-in
3pm
Check-out
Midday
Minimum night stay?
No
Breakfast
Buffet breakfast is served until 10:30am, though late risers can breakfast till 11am in their rooms.
Room service
Available 24/7
Children
Welcome
Pets
Welcome
Air conditioning
No
Languages
French, English, Italian and Spanish are spoken
Wedding license?
The gorgeous glass structure outside can cater for up to 400 guests.
Your contact
Monsieur Cornil – General manager