Chantilly at a glance
Did you know that Chantilly is officially recognized as a City of Art and History in France? This town in the Picardy region sits about 40 kilometers from Paris and 10 kilometers from Senlis, making it a straightforward day trip.
An exceptional princely residence
The main draw here is the Château de Chantilly. Built in the 16th century for Henri d'Orléans, the son of the last king, Louis-Philippe, the estate belonged to the noble line of the Princes of Condé. The château has survived the centuries in excellent condition. History and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate how each successive noble family added their own touch to the structure. You can tour the Petit Château, which is furnished in period style, and the Château Neuf, a faithful recreation of the 19th-century building. The painting collections of the Musée Condé and the impressive Cabinet des Livres, holding 19,000 volumes, are worth the time.
Gardens and horses
After the interiors, explore the rest of the Chantilly estate, which ranks among the finest in France. You will find a formal French garden with its Temple of Love featuring statues of Venus and Eros, along with surrounding woods, lakes, and ponds. Do not miss the Grandes Ecuries (Great Stables), regardless of your interest in equestrian sports. This 18th-century building houses the Living Museum of the Horse, dedicated to the history of the human-equine relationship. You can see real horses housed in the historic stalls. If your timing is right, catch a dressage demonstration or one of the equestrian shows, which combine theater, acrobatics, and horsemanship.
City sights and forest trails
Beyond the estate, Chantilly has plenty to offer. The hippodrome is one of the largest in France and still hosts regular horse races. For families, the Potager des Princes is a park perfect for bird-watching and wandering through flower beds. The town itself features several historical buildings, including the 16th-century Hôtel de Beauvais, the église Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, and the Pavillon des Manses, also known as the Moulin des Princes. If you have extra time, the forest of Chantilly covers over 6,300 hectares and is ideal for long hikes.
When to go
Northern France is not exactly known for constant sunshine, so plan your visit during the warmer months if possible. April through September or October are the most pleasant times to visit. Note that the château and stables are closed to the public for most of January.
Getting there
Taking the train is the best way to reach Chantilly. The estate offers a combined ticket for the train, château, park, and stables for 25 EUR (about $27). Take the RER D train from Paris to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station, a trip that takes about 45 minutes. You can also drive, which takes about an hour from the center of the capital.
Chantilly is all about its chateau and horses. You can quickly tour the town center, which has charm. The road that connects the town to the A1 highway also has its own appeal.
On Sunday night, after the chateau closes, the town falls asleep pretty quickly. We looked for a restaurant on the main street, rue du Connétable. Not much was open. We finally landed at Le Goutillon. Warm welcome, nice decor with lots of equestrian references, and good traditional French food. A slight downside: pretty high prices, 26 euros for a ribeye steak, for example.