chantilly tour france

Chantilly travel guide

Visit Chantilly (Hauts-de-France, France)

The town of Chantilly, in the Picardy region of France, is about 40 kilometres north of Paris and 10 kilometres to the west of Senlis .

Exploring Chantilly

There are several sites and places of interest to visit in Chantilly although there are two particular features for which the town is known: the Château de Chantilly and whipped cream! Chantilly is listed as a 'town of art and history'.

The castle will be the first port of call for many visitors here, and indeed many get no further. It is useful to realise that the castle falls into two separate parts: the 16th century Petit Chateau and the 19th century Chateau Neuf, which is a substantial rebuild of an earlier chateau that stood here before the Revolution.

There is a great deal to see both outside and inside the Chateau de Chantilly, including two important museums, the stables and 115 hectares of gardens and parkland so allow plenty of time for a visit.

In the Petit Chateau you will see the living accommodation as it was furnished in the 18th century and in the Chateau Neuf you can see the art collections, library and the chapel.

Around the castle you can explore the beautiful French style formal gardens as well as the very extensive park that surrounds the property gardens and extensive parkland to explore. The most remarkable feature is the large amount of lakes and ponds, so you are often seeing the buildings reflected in water - very charming.

Within the castle you can also visit the Condé Museum . This art museum has a large collection mostly of art from the 17th-19th centuries and is best known for its collection of paintings by artists of the 18th-19th centuries including Delacroix and Corot.

See our guide to the Chateau de Chantilly .

Other places of interest in Chantilly

Horse enthusiast will certainly want to visit the Grand Stables ('Les Grandes Écuries'), a very substantial 18th century building which is still used for demonstrations of dressage and other spectacles. It is home to the 'Living Museum of the Horse' (musée vivant du cheval), a popular museum with numerous artefacts relating to horses from horse-pulled carriages to paintings and drawings.

The horse theme continues with Chantilly Hippodrome. This was built next to the Les Grandes Écuries in the 19th century and is one of the most important racecourses in France.

Crème Chantilly

Crème Chantilly is cream that is whipped (creme fraiche is used in France) and sugar added. The name Chantilly cream is also often used outside France.

The name Chantilly has taken over the 'whipped cream business' and everywhere you go in France you will find that whipped cream is referred to as 'creme chantilly' or even just 'la chantilly'. In budget restaurants and private houses it is usually supplied direct from a canister of squirting cream.

The name of the cream is thought to have its origins in a recipe once prepared in the kitchens of the Château de Chantilly.

A second garden in Chantilly, more modest in scale but also interesting to visit, is the Potager des Princes . Originally used for raising pheasants then left to abandon for a long period the garden has now been restored and developed and includes various garden areas (eg a japanese garden, a bamboo garden, a potager...) and water features as well as birds and an animal park. The Potager des Princes is very popular with visitors with children.

In the centre of Chantilly, a few minutes from the castle, one of the most imposing buildings is the moulin des princes (also called the Pavillon de Manse) on the banks of the river Nonette.

The history of the building is interesting: it was built in the 17th century to protect the machine that ensured there was always plenty of water for the fountains and lakes at the Chateau de Chantilly. In recent years the original machinery has been renovated and reconstructed and can now be visited.

One of the prettiest houses in the town, and something of a contrast to all the grand buildings you have seen so far, is the Hôtel de Beauvais . Built in the first half of the 16th century at 12, Rue du Connétable this is the oldest houses in Chantilly. There are other interesting houses to discover if you follow along Rue de Connétable such as the Hôtel Quinquempoix (no. 50) and the hôtel d'Andigné de la Chasse (no. 74).

Another notable monument here in Chantilly is the Church of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption, also built in the 17th century. The church is most interesting for its grand entrance and for the various artworks and decorative elements inside the church.

There are several other places of interest to see - visit the Chantilly Tourist Office (at 73 rue du Connétable) for a leaflet suggesting a route to follow as you explore the town centre.

Attractions nearby

The principal attractions close to the town are the chances to enjoy the natural environment of the Chantilly Forest and along the valley of the Nonette River. The forest is very extensive and incorporates numerous trails and chances to appreciate the flora and fauna of the region.

Among the most picturesque villages close to Chantilly we suggest you take a stroll around Coye-la-Foret (within Chantilly Forest) to see the Castle of the White Queen ('Château de la Reine-Blanche') in a lovely position on the Comelles Ponds.

You can find more travel ideas in the Oise guide and the Picardy guide .

Arrange a visit to Chantilly

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Map of chantilly and places nearby, visit near chantilly with france this way reviews.

Chateau de Chantilly

The Chateau de Chantilly is an extensive castle from the 16th-19th centuries, surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland

Royaumont Abbey

Royaumont Abbey, once one of the most important cistercian abbeys in France, is a 13th century abbey north of Paris

The ruined castle, the cathedral and the narrow cobbled streets make Senlis a very pleasant town to visit

Ermenonville

The Mer de Sable theme park is the main reason visitors come to Ermenonville, but find time to also see the Chateau d'Ermenonvile and visit the Park Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Basilica of Saint-Denis

In the Basilica of Saint-Denis, where many of the French kings are buried, you can admire one of the very first gothic style cathedrals to be built

Morienval abbey

The Abbey of Notre-Dame at Morienval is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Oise

Tourist classifications for Chantilly

Chantilly is classified as a listed town of Art and History

Address: Chantilly, Senlis, Picardy, 60500, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 49.193175, longitude 2.465165

Plan your visit to Chantilly, Oise

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Jardin et parc du château de Chantilly : remarkable garden
• Potager des Princes: remarkable garden
• Forêt de Chantilly: site of natural beauty (4 km)
• Abbatiale Saint Nicolas (Saint-Leu-d'Esserent): religious monument (4 km)
• Oise-Pays de France: regional natural parc (7 km)
• Parc de l'abbaye de Royaumont: remarkable garden (8 km)
• Cathédrale Notre Dame (Senlis): religious monument (9 km)
• Senlis : secteur sauvegarde (9 km)
• Parc Asterix: theme park (10 km)
• Parc du château de Valgenceuse: remarkable garden (10 km)
• Abbaye Cistercienne de Royaumont (Asnieres-sur-Oise): religious monument (10 km)
• Foret d'Halette: site of natural beauty (11 km)

Market days in Chantilly, France

Regular market(s) are held in Chantilly each Wednesday & Saturday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

The French version of this page is at Chantilly (Francais)

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Les Journées des Plantes from October 06 to 08, 2023

Come and discover or rediscover the Plants Days !

From 17 to 19 May 2024

Entrance tickets

One Day Ticket

1-day ticket giving access to the Château, temporary exhibitions, the Park and the Grandes Ecuries 

(Excluding Guided Tours, Shows, Plant Days and Events)  

Two Days Ticket

2-day ticket giving access to the Château, the Park and the Grandes Ecuries - Ticket valid for 2 consecutive days

(Excluding Guided Tours, Shows and Events)

Park Ticket

Ticket giving access to the grounds of the Château de Chantilly

(excluding guided tours, plant days and events)

Audioguides

Book your audioguide to visit the Château

Equestrian shows

Show Ticket "Un jour à Paris"

Show Ticket "Un jour à Paris" from 7 April to  June, 30 then from September, 19 to October,31 2024 

Give access to the great stables, the museum of the horse + equestrian show.

Equestrian Show + Visit of the castle

1 Day ticket + Show Ticket "Un jour à Paris"

1 Day tickets + Show Ticket"Un jour à Paris" form April, 7 to June, 30 then from September, 19 to October,31 2024 

Give access to the whole domain (château, grounds, great stables, museum of the horse) + equestrian show .

Guided tours

Guided tour of the private flats of the Duke and Duchess of Aumale

Visit intimate living spaces that are only accessible on guided tours 

In french only

Guided tours of the painting collections

Come and discover or rediscover the masterpieces of the Château de Chantilly!

Chantilly cream workshops

Learn to ride the mythical Chantilly cream! Workshop for young and old

Course only in French language

Annual Pass

Adhésion fake.

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Exploring Chantilly, France: The Perfect Day Trip From Paris

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• Destinations

Have you seen the James Bond film A View to a Kill ? The scenes at the villain’s fabulous country estate were filmed at the Chateau de Chantilly, and the chateau’s stables and racecourse also made an appearance. In real life, the structure belonged to Henri d’Orleans, Duke of Aumale, the son of the last king of France. The duke’s castle outside of Paris wasn’t the only impressive thing he owned — he also amassed a priceless collection of art and books. The result is that the chateau, its grounds, and everything else the small town has to offer are well worth exploring on a day trip from Paris.

A mere 34 miles from Paris , this amazing place can be reached by train in less than 30 minutes. From Paris’s Gare du Nord, simply take the train to Gare Chantilly-Gouvieux. The trains run every hour, and it’s just a lovely 15-minute walk from the station to the chateau.

Once you are there, you will be able to enjoy an utterly royal day out. Here are my favorite things to see and do in Chantilly.

Explore The Market

If you arrive in town on a Wednesday or Saturday morning, make sure to check out the fresh produce at the weekly market on Place Omer Vallon. You will walk by it coming from the train station and heading toward the chateau at the other end of Chantilly.

After you’ve explored the market, you can choose from two scenic routes from the market to the chateau: along the main street, Rue du Connetable, with its small shops, or along Rue d’Aumale, where the guards used to live, right next to the racecourse. Both lead to the castle.

Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock

See The Chateau And Its Art

Henri d’Orleans was a serious collector. His chateau consists of an older part, built in 1358, and a newer part, dating to the 1800s, which has been turned into a museum. The museum holds his art collection, which is second only to the collection at the Louvre in size. Much of the artwork depicts scenes of war, since the duke was a military man, but there is much more to discover. Be sure to search out the small mosaics on two pedestals — they are true masterpieces, and my personal favorites. The rooms are magnificent and only enhanced by the art, but do peek out of the windows as well — the views haven’t changed much over hundreds of years.

FrimuFilms / Shutterstock

Marvel At The Books In The Library

My favorite part of the chateau, however, is the library; it’s simply perfect, with its floor-to-ceiling books, mezzanine level accessed by a wooden staircase, and reading nooks. Make sure to take time to examine the books in the vitrines in the center of the room; they are very old — many of them handwritten and illustrated — and just stunning. Hats off to Henri d’Orleans for gathering so many beautiful examples for this amazing collection!

Nadiia_foto / Shutterstock

Saunter Through The Le Notre Gardens

The gardens of the Chateau de Chantilly are actually three gardens stretching across more than 280 acres. The oldest is the French Garden, created by none other than master gardener Andre Le Notre of Versailles and Tuileries fame. Stylized, ornate, and organized, it is a garden where you can easily visualize royalty strolling about. In the 18th century, the Anglo-Chinese Garden was added, complete with half-timbered cottages in a village setting, and, in the 19th century, the English Garden, complete with love temples, ornate pavilions, and small canals, was constructed. Even if you are not a garden enthusiast, you could easily spend hours here, strolling and exploring.

Evgeny Shmulev / Shutterstock

Stop At The Museum Of The Horse

Located in the Great Stables, The Museum of the Horse features stalls with actual horses in them. This is very obviously not just a museum, but a working stable. You’ll learn everything you ever wanted to know about horses throughout history, see some 200 horse-related historical objects, and stand in the court and watch riders train their horses. If you are lucky, you might even be there in time for an event — the stables regularly put on shows and equestrian demonstrations .

Walencienne / Shutterstock

Learn About Engineering At The Pavillon De Manse

An engineering marvel that provided water to the chateau’s gardens and later drinking water to the chateau, the Pavillon de Manse houses a smaller-scale version of the Machine de Marly that provided Versailles’s fountains with water. Built in 1678 and named after hydraulic engineer Jacques de Manse, the site is now a museum where you can learn about this 17th-century feat of engineering.

Appreciate Chantilly’s Famous Lace

Chantilly lace is world famous, and the art itself is utterly amazing. The intricate knotting and twisting of thin silk strands with dozens of wooden bobbins by hand is, sadly, a dying art. But in the 17th century, it was popular with the rich, who were the only ones who could afford the adornments that took hours and days to complete. Chantilly’s small museum dedicated to the art has some lovely examples of Chantilly lace, from shawls to lace collars to entire dresses.

Take The Grandkids To The Potager Des Princes

Despite its name, the Potager des Princes was never a prince’s vegetable plot; it was a fancy park designed by Le Notre for the many pheasants owned by residents of the chateau. It was later sold and privately owned, and not long ago it was rescued from destruction and made into the park it is today. It’s a quirky place full of animals, from chicken to rabbits — and yes, there are still plenty of pheasants. You’ll find Japanese gardens and a bamboo maze, canals, statues, and interesting historic landscaping. It is a fun place to explore if you have time to spare, but it’s a must if you are traveling with your grandchildren.

Check Out The Racecourse

Chantilly and its forest have been associated with horses for centuries, due to the good hunting that was to be had around the chateau. But in the 1800s, horse racing became even more popular than hunting. The Chantilly racecourse is France’s oldest and has one of the country’s oldest and largest training centers, with up to 2,000 horses in training at any given time. Two of France’s most important races — the Prix du Jockey Club, also known as the French Derby, and the Prix de Diane, or the French Oaks — take place in Chantilly against the magnificent backdrop of the Great Stables and the chateau. But whether you catch a race or not, just walking alongside the track is worthwhile, since you’ll likely see horses training.

Indulge At The Auberge Du Jeu De Paume

The Auberge du Jeu de Paume , a luxury hotel and spa, is the perfect place near the chateau to spend the night. But if you are just in Chantilly for the day, make this a stop for some indulgences: There is a two-star Michelin restaurant in-house, a chic winter garden brasserie, a cozy bar, and an afternoon tea at which you can sample Chantilly’s famously sweet whipped cream. If Michelin stars are out of your reach, the set lunch menu is very affordable, and the bar offers a delicious Jockey Sandwich with salmon, cucumber, and cream cheese to accompany your glass of champagne.

Stroll Through The Forest

The 15,675-acre Chantilly Forest is the reason why the chateau was built here in the first place. In the shade of the oak trees, limes, hornbeams, and pines, you’ll find plenty of hiking and walking trails, none of them strenuous. It is a perfect green oasis — so different from the manicured gardens of the chateau, and yet just across the road.

Just be aware that hunting is still a popular sport in France, from boar hunting in early summer to deer hunting after September. But there will be plenty of signage at the entrance points to the forest warning you, and the sections open to hikers are generally not used by hunters.

What To Know Before You Go

Make sure that you wear good, comfortable shoes for walking. Chantilly might be a small place, but you will rack up the steps walking between the station and the chateau, exploring the gardens, walking up and down the racecourse, visiting the castle, and hiking through the forest. It’s nothing strenuous, since it’s all very level, but there is still a fair amount of walking involved.

A travel writer and guidebook author for the last 20 years, Ulrike's work has been seen in National Geographic , BBC , The Independent , Australian Women's Weekly , The Telegraph , The Australian , Fodor's , France Today , CNN Travel , Lonely Planet , Travel + Leisure , CNTraveler , numerous inflight magazines, and many others.

She has written three books for Moon Travel Guides: 'Living Abroad in Australia' (3rd edition), 'Sydney & the Great Barrier Reef', and the shorter version 'Spotlight Sydney' and are all available in print and as e-books.

Having lived in seven countries (Germany, UK, Qatar, Oman, UAE, Australia, and France) to date and traveled to more than 100, she specializes in writing about travel, art and architecture, expat living, and life and style.

Home > Day Trip Paris to Chantilly by Train – Things to Do

Day Trip Paris to Chantilly by Train – Things to Do

Visit chantilly, france.

Chantilly is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. Click here for the list of best day trips from Paris .

Looking for an alternative to Versailles without the crowds? Then, visit Chantilly, a picturesque town in Northern France, far from the French capital’s hustle and bustle.

Lesser-known than the Palace of Versailles , Château de Fontainebleau , or the Loire Valley Castles , Château de Chantilly is one of the most beautiful castles near Paris , well worth the visit.

Chantilly, however, is much more than its château; the town has other attractive sights like the Great Stables or the Horse Museum .

Overall, Paris – Chantilly is one the best day trips from Paris by train, and also one of the easiest. Here’s the list of top things to do in Chantilly for a fun day out of Paris.

How to Get to Chantilly from Paris

Paris to Chantilly by train is straightforward. The train Paris – Chantilly leaves from Gare du Nord train station hourly, from the Grandes Lignes area (platforms, 9 to 18). The distance Paris Chantilly is only 40 km, and count it for taking 20 minutes.

Be aware that Gare du Nord is the biggest train station in France, so it is better to arrive well before the train departure to find your bearings. If you reach Gare du Nord with the Parisian metro (lines 4 and 5), you will need to go upstairs from level -2 to level 0.

You can purchase the Paris – Chantilly train tickets at the automatic distributors ‘Grandes Lignes.’ During the summer, there is an interesting combined ticket [train + Domaine de Chantilly] for only 25€ which can be bought at the Grandes Lignes Ticket Office.

Best Things to Do in Chantilly

1.château de chantilly.

You may want to start your day trip Paris – Chantilly by the beautiful Château de Chantilly , one of the top castles in France . Château de Chantilly may not be a royal residence but this fairytale castle hosted Kings and Queens.

The town of Chantilly is dominated by a château since medieval times. The castle was destroyed many times and rebuilt again and again.

The château that you can see today is from the 19th century, and it was the home to Henri d’Orléans, son of the last King of France. Château of Chantilly has a spectacular setting, located at the center of a small pond and surrounded by beautiful gardens and pools.

Like many other European castles, Château of Chantilly is a succession of beautiful rooms and halls, all very impressive. The most interesting rooms in this castle are the rooms related to Henri’s main passions: arts and literature.

Henri d’Orléans was a very cultivated man and a compulsive collector. Thanks to Henri, Château de Chantilly hosts today the second largest collection of artwork in France, only beaten by the Louvre’s artwork .

Henri loved to host lavish dinners with many guests. After the dinner, he enjoyed taking them to the Grande Galerie in the château where the biggest part of his collection was exhibited.

Today, the paintings in this gallery are still displayed exactly in the same position that Henri chose for them.

However, our favorite part of Château de Chantilly is the library. The Chantilly library hosts a collection of 60,000 rare books, including some major works of medieval art. The library and reading room design – with two levels and a gallery – is typical of library architecture in the second half of the 19th century.

Click here to buy the Château de Chantilly tickets

DID YOU KNOW? The entrance to Château de Chantilly is included in the Paris Museum Pass , so here’s an extra reason to buy it! You can read our Paris Museum Pass review here .

2.Chantilly Gardens

André Le Nôtre is world-known as the landscape designer of the Versailles Gardens . Still, his favorite (and dearest) creation was the magnificent French-style garden surrounding the Château de Chantilly.

The French Garden of Chantilly is previous to the Château de Chantilly that we can see today. It was designed at the end of the 17th century by André Le Nôtre for Louis II de Bourbon.

As usual, Le Nôtre structured the garden around two perpendicular axes: the first, north-south through the majestic terrace, highlights the site’s undulation; the second, east-west, is occupied by the Grand Canal through the valley.

The particularity of this French-style garden is that the east-west axis is off-center to the château.

Go to the terrace for a terrific overview of the French Garden and Grand Canal. Between the terrace and the Grand Canal, north of the castle, Le Nôtre created different parterres. These parterres were decorated with flowerbeds, ponds, and other water features.

The Grand Canal was the part of the garden Le Nôtre was most proud of. This Grand Canal is 600 meters longer than the one in Versailles.

If you read our article about the Machine de Marly , you must know by now how difficult it was to bring the water from the Seine River to Versailles (the river was 10 km far from Versailles and 100 m lower). Chantilly’s Grand Canal was created via a diversion of the Nonette, a tributary of the river Oise, so it was much easier.

In Château de Chantilly, there is also an English-style garden and an Anglo-Chinese-style garden. The Anglo-Chinese garden was designed during the 18th century, and it has a cute hamlet with 5 country houses surrounded by small vegetable gardens, fruit bushes, and flower gardens. This enchanting place inspired Marie-Antoinette’s Petit Trianon in Versailles .

The English-style garden was the latest garden built in Chantilly, and it covers a plot belonging to Le Notre’s French Garden, which was destroyed during the French Revolution.

As usual, the English-style garden was designed with winding paths and untamed wilderness and it was enhanced by small romantic structures like a waterfall or a temple of Venus.

3.Chantilly Stables and the Horse Museum

Sure, Château de Chantilly attracts many visitors but the main attraction in Chantilly is the Grandes Écuries . The Grandes Écuries are the largest stables in Europe, and they are devoted to the art of Haute-école horse training and dressage.

The Chantilly Stables were built in the 18th century for the 7th Prince de Condé, Louis-Henri de Bourbon. The Prince de Condé was a horse passionate, and he was convinced that he would become a horse in his second life; that’s why he needed to have the most magnificent stables.

During Louis-Henri’s life, the Chantilly Stables hosted more than 200 horses and 500 hounds and he liked to organize lavish dinners in the Dome.

Today, Les Grandes Écuries hosts 30-40 horses (mostly Iberian horses) who receive daily care and education by a team of highly qualified grooms and riders. The horses are also trained for equestrian shows and daily performances in the Dome.

Apart from the everyday training, Les Grandes Écuries houses also the Chantilly Horse Museum , which is focused on the relationship between horses and men since the beginning of civilization. The museum ticket includes the Chantilly Horse Show , a 30-minute dressage show in the Dome.

4. Chantilly Racecourse

The Chantilly Racecourse was built in 1834 but it was renovated from top to bottom in the 2000s. Located just in front of the Great Stables and surrounded by the Chantilly forest, it is worth having a look at this racecourse even if there is no race when you visit Chantilly.

The Chantilly Racecourse hosts two of the most prestigious France galop races: the Prix du Jockey-Club and the Prix de Diane Longines . The Prix de Diane Longines is a symbol of wealth and elegance, with spectators wearing stylish hats and wonderful outfits.

Chantilly’s training center for this kind of race has more than 2,000 horses, spread across the neighboring municipalities of Chantilly, Gouvieux, Lamorlaye, Coye-la-Forêt, and Avilly-Saint-Léonard.

5.Last but not Least: Chantilly Cream!

It would be a pity to leave Chantilly without tasting the crème chantilly (whipped cream with sugar), usually with a coffee or an ice cream.

It is believed the chantilly cream was invented by a man who was from Chantilly, hence the name. Another theory claims the cream’s origins in a recipe once prepared in the Château de Chantilly’s kitchens.

Visitors can have a taste of homemade chantilly cream everywhere in the town and also at La Capitainerie , the restaurant inside the Château.

Train Chantilly – Paris

To go back to Paris, take the train Chantilly – Paris at the same train station where you arrived.

Be aware that the trains traveling from Chantilly to Paris are less frequent in the afternoon than in the morning, so we recommend taking a picture of the train schedule when you arrive at Chantilly train station or checking it online to be sure you don’t have to wait a long time.

Click here for more side trips from Paris

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Quirky parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the city of light read more about us ., i am elisa, the travel blogger behind world in paris. quirky explorer with a preference for the local side of my city and its lesser-known sights, i am continuously looking for new ideas to enjoy the best of paris & around . do you want to go beyond the louvre museum or the eiffel tower keep clicking for first-hand information & my best tips learn more.

Château de Chantilly, an easy day trip from Paris

You could spend a lifetime in Paris and never see everything the City of Light has to offer! But getting outside of the city will open your eyes to some of France’s most beautiful cultural and historical heritage. If you’re visiting Paris and need a break from the fast and hectic pace of the city, take a trip out to Château de Chantilly for some fresh air, breathtaking gardens, and of course, a castle!

About Château de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly is an important monument of French history. The château has been around since the middle ages, although it’s been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times. The current version is from the 1800s and has survived both world wars.

While never lived in by kings or queens, this stately château last belonged to Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, and the son of the last King of France, Louis-Phillipe. The prince was a compulsive collector of art and books.

The Art Galleries of the Musée de Condé at Château de Chantilly are the second largest collection of antique paintings in France after the Louvre. Art in the Musée de Condé even includes masterpieces from great artists such as Raphael and Ingres.

Interestingly, the works of art are still displayed in the exact layout that Henri chose for them. The library is massive and hosts an impressive 60,000 books. The Duke of Aumale donated the château and his extensive collections to the Institut de France in 1886.

The French Gardens surrounding Château de Chantilly were designed by famed landscape designer, André Le Nôtre. Nôtre also designed the Versailles Gardens, but it’s said that the French Garden at Château de Chantilly was his favorite creation. The Grand Canal at Château de Chantilly is 600 meters longer than the one he incorporated into his design at Versailles.

While the Château and gardens are magnificent, the Great Stables are really the pièce de résistance of the Chantilly complex. The Great Stables of the Princes de Condé were built for the 7 th  prince of Condé, Louis-Henri de Bourbon in the 18 th  century.

The prince loved horses and was convinced he would become a horse in second life. In Louis-Henri’s time, the stable housed more than 200 horses. The stables are still the largest in Europe but only house between 30-40 horses today. You can see them in action during the daily shows in the Dome.

You might also like:  The best French Castles.

Things to know before you go to the Chantilly Castle

Most visitors to Paris take day trip to the more famous Château de Versailles. Glittering in gold, Versailles is sure to impress. Meanwhile, Château de Chantilly is less opulent, but no less impressive.

It’s is one of the best day trips from Paris and although it’s the lesser château destination, it’s easy to get to, has far less crowds, and is packed with beautiful and interesting architecture, gardens, food, history, and art.

You might also like:  The best Castles in the Loire Valley.

How to  Get to Château de Chantilly from Paris

Getting to Château de Chantilly from Paris is straightforward and pretty easy. Start your journey at Paris’ largest train station, Gare du Nord. Trains leave from Paris to Chantilly hourly and depart from the Grandes Lignes zone- platforms 9-18. Tickets can be purchased from the Regional Ticket distribution machines at Gare du Nord. The journey to Chantilly takes about 24 minutes.

If traveling by train, you can take advantage of a unique package deal. At the automated machines, you can buy a TER Chantilly ticket which includes your roundtrip train fare as well as a Domain ticket for 25 euro. This option can save you time when you arrive at the Château ticket office and there is a long line.

You can get from the Chantilly train station to the Château one of three ways:

By bus- a free bus provided by the municipality of Chantilly can take you to the Château in just a few minutes. Take DUC bus number 15 in the “Senlis” direction and get off at “Chantilly, église Notre-Dame”

On foot- it takes about 20 minutes to walk from the train station to the Château

Return trains to Paris run less frequently, so be sure to check the train schedule unless you plan on spending a night in Chantilly.

Click here to buy your skip the line tickets to the Chateau de Chantilly

You can reach the Château de Chantilly by car from Charles de Gaulle in about 20 minutes. It’s 40km from the city center and travel time is heavily dependent on traffic.

Take the A3 or A1 motorway and take the “Chantilly” exit towards D316 and D317

Once you arrive, follow the signs to the P2 car park.

Parking is 5 euro for cars.

By a guided tour

Another option for seeing the  Château de Chantilly from Paris is to join a tour like this one to see the still-standing glory of the Princes de Condé.

Opening Hours

From 30 March to 27 October 2019

7 days a week, including Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 to 18:00 (gardens close at 20:00)

From 30 October 2018 to 29 March 2019

Every day except Tuesday from 10:30 to 17:00 (gardens close at 18:00)

Gardens Only- 8 euro

Domain (Gardens, Château, and the Great Stables) 17 euro

Equestrian Show (includes access to the Great Stables) 21 euro

Domain + Equestrian Show (Gardens, Château, the Great Stables, and the show) 30 euro

It is possible to enter the Domaine de Chantilly with a Paris Museum Pass (access to the park, the chateau, and the Great Stables).

While tickets can be purchased on-site, it’s recommended to book tickets online in advance. You won’t have to wait in long ticket lines and you also get a 10% discount for booking online.

Guided tours of the Château’s Private Suites are available for an additional 5 euro. Tours are only available in French.

Audio guides are free of charge and are available in French, English, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.

There are 3 restaurants on the grounds of Château de Chantilly:

La Capitainerie, located in the château

le Café des Ecuries and the Hameau in the Anglo-Chinese garden.

Picnic tables are also available in the English garden if you choose to bring a packed lunch.

Make sure to try a Crème Chantilly while you’re there!

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• The 10 Best Things To...

The 10 Best Things to Do in Chantilly, France

When a town’s claims to fame include an impressive Renaissance castle, one of the world’s most delicate and luxurious fabrics and the best accompaniment for a hot chocolate, you know you’re in for a divine stay. Get the most of a visit to Chantilly with our list of the 10 best things to see and do in this elegant town.

Feel like a royal by visiting the domaine de chantilly.

Undoubtedly Chantilly’s best-known feature is the opulent castle that bears the town’s name. The domain is made up of two attached buildings. The first, known as the Petit Château (small castle), was built in around 1560 for the French noble, Anne, the Duke of Montmorency. The second, the Grand Château (large or grand castle), was largely destroyed during the French Revolution and reconstructed by architect Honoré Daumet for Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale in the 19th century. Nowadays, this opulent estate is home to several museums, a spectacular garden (said to be famous French gardener Le Nôtre’s best work) and the largest horse stables in Europe.

See one of the largest art collections in France at the Musée Condé

Join in on Chantilly’s equestrian frenzy

Upon a visit to Chantilly, you’ll quickly notice its love of horses. Horseracing has been famous here since 1834 and the town is one of the principal training centres in France. Discover the history and role of this beloved animal at the Musée du Cheval (Museum of the Horse), found in Les Grandes Écuries (The Great Stables) at the Chantilly Castle. Here, visitors will learn about this symbol of prestige and power through a collection of paintings, sculpture and ethnographic objects.

Learn about ancient hydraulic techniques at the Pavillon de Manse

The Pavillion de Manse, also known as the Moulin des Princes (Prince’s Mill), has been using water from a canal off the Nonette river to produce energy since 1678. Another invention of the Duke of Aumale, its inception was initially to provide vast amounts of water to Domaine de Chantilly to use in the fountains and jets in its gardens, as imagined by Le Nôtre. Visitors will get an in-depth look at the evolution of the generator inside this Pavillon, located in a classical French building designed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the same man behind the Grand Trianon and the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles .

Marvel at the Church of Notre-Dame of Chantilly

Situated beside the stables at the Domaine de Chantilly, the Church of Notre-Dame of Chantilly is another work by the architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Construction of this French classical structure began in 1687 and finished in 1691, making it the first church in Chantilly. The original building was too small and didn’t match the town’s increasing population, so it was enlarged between 1724 and 1734. The unique quality of its architecture, not seen elsewhere in the region, earned it the title of Historical Monument of France in 1965.

Revisit the history of lacemaking at the Musée de la Dentelle

Thanks to a song made famous by The Big Bopper in the 1950s, lace may well be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word Chantilly. At the Musée de la Dentelle (Museum of Lace), begin the tour with an introduction to the history of lace in Chantilly and learn about its difference from other famous lacemaking towns like Puy and Alençon. The museum then goes on to demonstrate bobbin lace, the style of lacemaking used in Chantilly, with a presentation on its tools and process. Lastly, the focus shifts to what makes lace from here so unique, including its signature black colour and pattern.

Hang out with animals at Le Potager des Princes

The Potager des Princes (the Prince’s Vegetable Garden) is a garden and animal park found in the heart of the city, on the banks of the Canal Saint-Jean. The grounds comprise a Japanese garden, a bamboo maze and a wide array of exotic plants alongside friends from the animal kingdom, which include peacocks, hens and parakeets. It also contains a small theatre, Théâtre de la Faisanderie, which holds plays and concerts throughout the summer.

Saunter through the Chantilly Forest

Chantilly is surrounded by 6,344 hectares of woods, doubling the historic town as a nature lover’s dream. The forest has many paths perfect for meandering and is used as grounds for horse training and hunting as well. Part of the area belongs to the Domaine de Chantilly, with parts beautifully designed per the plans of Le Nôtre.

Dine on delicious desserts with Chantilly cream

While in the English-speaking world it’s known as simply ‘whipped cream’, in France, it’s the word Chantilly you’ll see on dessert menus at creperies and cafes. While whipped cream dates back to the time of Catherine de Medici , it was the recipe born in Chantilly that added sugar to the mix, making the delicacy that much better. For a list of the best spots to taste Chantilly cream in its hometown, visit the tourism website’s top picks here .

Step back in time with a visit to the troglodyte houses in Gouvieux

Just six kilometres outside of Chantilly lies a neighbourhood with a unique heritage and charming homesteads. In the town of Gouvieux, a row of cave-like houses on the Impasse des Carrières feels like a time warp to an ancient era. Dug into the limestone cliff, these homes served as housing for low-income families up until the 19th century. Many of them are still inhabited today and are quite practical works of architecture, with naturally cooler temperatures in the summer and warmer ones in the winter.

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Private Chantilly Château & Park Tour

A private tour of the château in Chantilly is a short-cut to understanding the power and magnificence of the nobility in France. This tour brings you to the domain of France’s illustrious Montmorency and Condé families, and to a museum of world class stature. It can be argued with some success that the power of its creator, the Constable Anne in the 16th century, was equal to that of the crown. His descendant, Louis Bourbon, the Prince of Condé, renowned as the Grand Condé, actually threatened to supplant the king, Louis XIV, but failed, leading to his banishment from the court in 1650. Even his act of atonement, a gift to the king of Michelangelo’s twin sculptures, The Slaves, was not enough to redeem him. Until the creation of Versailles, none of the previous royal palaces held a candle to the elegance of Chantilly.

We start the tour of the château in the ‘Petit Chateau’ to see the impressive library and reading room which houses about 20,000 volumes, including medieval manuscripts, surrounded by banners of all of the comrades-in-arms of the monarchs of France. We then visit the  Apartment of the Princes, which holds its own when compared to the State Apartments of Versailles. The chinoiserie in the Monkey Salon is especially worth mentioning, as is the Great Condé’s own battle gallery. You will also visit the chapel before we enter the ‘Grand Chateau’ where we will visit the banquet hall, followed by entering the art collection, one of the largest in France. It is the personal collection of the last owner of Chantilly, the Duke of Aumale, before he bequested, in 1886, the château and its contents to the French Academy of the Arts and Sciences, aka the Institut de France. It includes master-pieces of Raphael and Piero di Cosimo, as well as drawings of Giotto, Fillippino Lippi, and works of Watteau, Ingres, and Delacroix, among others.

The park of Chantilly was designed by André Le Nôtre and includes a Grand Canal that rivals the one in Versailles. You can easily spend an hour exploring the park, and you have an option to do so riding in a small (bumpy!) train ride that lasts a bit over half an hour. We prefer a tranquil walk through the English Garden, where you will see a small rustic village and some of the ‘follies’ that inspired Marie Antoinette for her own domain in Versailles. It also set off a fashion wherein any French lord worth their title had to have their own follies. 

The great-grandson of the Great Condé, Louis-Henri de Bourbon, was a firm believer in reincarnation, convinced that he would return as a horse. To assure an abode be-fitting a Condé, he commissioned a talented architect, Jean Aubert, to build the magnificent stables of Chantilly, duly accomplished from 1719 to 1735. It housed 240 horses, 500 hounds and 100 employees. Today it is the home of the Living Horse Museum, which you can visit. In mid-afternoon, on certain days of the week, which change with the seasons, the museum offers a dressage show, a sort of equine ballet. If interested, we can suggest to you which date to choose for your tour, so that you can see the show, which usually lasts about 45 minutes.

Chantilly is also where 3000 thoroughbred horses routinely train for racing, including the race called the Prix de Diane, a very prestigious world class equine event.

Interested In Our Private Château de Chantilly Tour?

Depending on what you choose to include in your tour of Chantilly, there may or may not be enough time left to visit other near-by sites, such as the abbey in Royaumont, the ancient royal town of Senlis, the Château in Pierrefonds, or (needing more time) the charming village of Gerberoy. Further details will be provided upon request.

“Shahin, Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed the tour of the Loire Valley [Custom Loire Valley Day Tour from Paris of 2 chateaux and 1 wine estate]. Let me start by saying the best part of the trip was meeting you and listening and learning about the history of France and specifically Chenonceaux. Your comments and guidance throughout the day made the experience far more than just a sight-seeing trip. Lunch was great and so were Amboise and the wine tasting. I can’t thank you enough for putting this tour together for us, we will enjoy the memories for years to come. Merci beaucoup,”

Stephen Kelly – San Francisco, CA

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us at our

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Tour prices.

Your price is determined by the number of persons in your party, as follows:

• 1 - 3 Persons: $1475 US
• 4 - 5 Persons: $1575 US
• 6 - 8 Persons: $1675 US

Our price includes our provision of our guide and an upscale vehicle for the number of hours required, plus fuel, tolls and parking fees. Snacks, drinks, meals, gratuities, and entry/tasting fees at places that charge them are not included in our tour fee.

Chantilly Senlis Tourisme

• Business tourism

The destination

Chantilly Castle

The Asterix park

The medieval town of Senlis

Chantilly cream and Cotignac from the arenas

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Je recherche

Discover the Castle, the Condé Museum, the park,...

In Senlis, dive into 2000 years of history!...

A veritable green lung north of Paris, Chantilly-Senlis...

Welcome to the craziest of parks...

True Land of horses thanks to the diversity...

An astonishing immersive experience by becoming, for a day or a few days, actors in the History of France.

Chantilly Plant Days

European Museum Night

Experience unique emotions

A horse race, polo training, a few golf balls, a run or for the more adventurous Parc Astérix will delight everyone! Impossible to get bored.

Senlis treasure hunt

Henson Chantilly-Apremont Equestrian Center

Awaken your senses

Dreams, strolls, romantic walks, gastronomy, we cultivate the art of living where emotion is king.

Meet the magic

In the heart of the PNR Oise - Pays de France, Between forest and countryside, you will enjoy the green spaces, for great hiking, cycling or horse riding.

The Crazy Adventures of Louison Pignon – The Little Queen of the Woods

The agenda of outings, shows, exhibitions and parties

Our selection of unmissable events and highlights that punctuate our cultural season.

Guided tour of the city of Senlis

19 May 2024

From the 9€ / adult

Office de Tourisme, bureau de Senlis, 60300 SENLIS

Outdoor sports and leisure

May by bike on the Cantilian area

From 11 May 2024 to 25 May 2024

Selon les activités, 60500 CHANTILLY

43rd Coye-la-Forêt Theatre Festival

From 13 May 2024 to 8 June 2024

From the 20€ / adult

Centre culturel de Coye-la-Forêt, 60580 COYE-LA-FORET

group travel

Suggestions for half-day or full-day visits to explore the splendors of the destination.

Manse and cream

Duration : 2h30

The striking story of a unique heritage: Chantilly lace

Duration : 1h30

Museum of Art and Archeology of Senlis

Duration : 2 hours

In the footsteps of Seraphine

How to book your trip.

Alicia offers you a wide choice of discoveries of Chantilly-Senlis and organizes your tailor-made excursion.

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Chantilly Château hôtel - Seminars - Weddings

All who enters enjoys their times heres...

This exceptional venue is truly convivial – our motto, written in stone, says it all! Located in Chantilly, 35 km north of Paris, the Château de la Tour stands surrounded by lush greenery aneart of eight-hectare park. The elegant residence built in the early 20th century in a bucolic setting has everything to make your stay unforgettable...

The Château de la Tour, a four-star character hotel offers : 47 extremely comfortable rooms, a restaurant and bar each with its own terrace overlooking the park, a heated outdoor pool and fitness trail. You don't choose Château de la Tour by chance but the desire to have a completely experience.

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