The Originals Access Halt'Hotel

Did you know that sweet whipped cream, a delight for food lovers, was born here at the Château de Chantilly? Its invention is said to be the work of the famous chef Vatel. Beyond culinary delights, culture and history enthusiasts will also find the cream of castles here. Although the site dates back to the Middle Ages, the château’s current appearance is owed to the Duke of Aumale, one of King Louis-Philippe’s sons, who turned the place into a major cultural hub in the 19th century. Today a museum, the Château de Chantilly houses one of the largest collections of ancient books and masterpieces (Raphael, Botticelli, Poussin, Watteau, Ingres, Delacroix, Corot…). Don’t miss the magnificent gardens and the unmissable Horse Museum.

Nature lovers will find plenty here to fill up on fresh air and discoveries. With its old houses, peaceful atmosphere and small country paths, the village of Fitz-James is perfect for a tranquil stroll. Prefer shaded trails and hidden clearings? Then explore the Hez-Froidmont forest. If you’d like to combine fishing and walking, tranquillity and biodiversity, head for the ponds of Sacy-le-Grand. Budding gardeners, meanwhile, can discover Les Etournelles, a kitchen garden for 150 years, run by enthusiasts and dedicated to passing on knowledge.

The small town of Oise boasts a rich medieval heritage. Its Town Hall, built in 1320, is a perfect illustration of Picard Gothic architecture with its tall arcades and imposing belfry. A strategic location during the Hundred Years’ War and the Wars of Religion, Clermont was a fortified town, some of whose openings are still visible today. Its Saint-Samson Church, built between the 12th and 16th centuries, is an important testament to the evolution of religious architecture. Not to mention the remains of the square keep, still standing on the town’s highest point. Also built in the 12th century, it was at one time converted into a prison. Among its famous inmates: Louise Michel.

“One could paraphrase it as ‘To the great figures, the grateful city.’ Rather than a dedicated Pantheon, Clermont has chosen to pay tribute to its illustrious figures through street art created by the artist C215. At the train station, in a parking lot, on a mailbox, an electric meter, the entrance to a park, a stairway… no fewer than 20 iconic figures of the city can be discovered, often hidden in quiet alleyways. Portraits of rare emotional intensity for an urban stroll full of poetry, appealing as much to art lovers as to the simply curious.”

By Toutatis, here’s one whirlwind of an adventure! Don’t forget your magic potion to tackle, for a day (or more), the thrilling rides of the park dedicated to the most famous Gaulish hero and his mustachioed companions. Hop on the Pégase Express, take on Caesar’s Challenge, follow the Trail of Houra, dare to ride Oziris, feel the thrill of Tonnerre de Zeus, get soaked on the Menhir Express… Get ready for adrenaline and endless laughter!