For a mix of architecture, history, and heritage, Château de Chantilly is the place to be. It’s also an equestrian’s heaven, with its great stables attracting horse enthusiasts from around the world.
Bring the whole family to enjoy the castle and its grounds and soak up some culture in the art museum and stables. Don’t forget to sample some strawberries with the local speciality cream too.
Driving to Château de Chantilly from Calais
Driving to Château de Chantilly will take around 2 hours 28 minutes from Calais, via the A16. Although this isn’t the longest of journeys, you might want to stop en route. We recommend Amiens, a surprisingly quaint and colourful town, or Abbeville, home to one of the oldest belfries in France, but you could just as easily divert to the coast at Boulogne-sur-Mer, especially if your trip takes place in the warmer months.
If you are travelling a little farther after your visit to Château de Chantilly, we also recommend Château de Chambord. This is the real castle the animators of the original 1991 Oscar-nominated film Beauty and the Beast based the fictional castle on.
About Château de Chantilly
Château de Chantilly is just over 20 minutes from central Paris. Here you will find a forest, castle, and stables, plus it’s the birthplace of the famous whipped cream (Chantilly is French for whipped cream).
Many come here as a day trip from Paris, but there’s so much to see and do you’d be forgiven for returning.
The beautiful château is not to be missed.
Things to see and do
Château de Chantilly has plenty to entertain, so take your pick of activities.
Château de Chantilly
Much like the castles of the Loire Valley, the château de Chantilly is a fairytale building that’s delightful both inside and out. It was originally built in 1560 for Anne de Montmorency, the Constable of France, and Honorary Knight of the Garter.
Built in a typical French Renaissance style, it’s a combination of two buildings, the Petit Château, and the Grand Château. The latter was destroyed during the French Revolution but rebuilt in 1875-1882.
Don’t forget to look up when you’re exploring the château.
A bookworm’s delight, the castle’s library holds nearly 17,000 works. Perhaps even more impressive, it also has the second largest collection of old paintings after the Louvre. It’s bequeathed it to the Institut de France on one condition: that none of the works do not leave the property, even for temporary exhibitions!
The great stables
The château de Chantilly’s stables have been in use for more than three centuries. They are the largest in all of Europe, still in use today, and put on impressive equestrian spectacles year-round.
Housed in the Great Stables (Grandes Écuries) is the Living Museum of the Horse (Musée Vivant du Cheval) dedicated to equine art and culture. You’ll get a glimpse across the stable’s past and plenty of fascinating facts about horses.
The bronze stallions outside the Musée du Cheval are part of the Great Stables.
The park and gardens
The 115 hectares of park which surround the château are perfect for a stroll. The work of André Le Nôtre (who once said these gardens were a favourite among all he had designed), created an Anglo-Chinese-garden and English garden, as well as sculptures and water fountains. Marie-Antoinette was so inspired after a visit, she wanted a similar version of the gardens created for herself.
The immense pools of water are meant to reflect the sky, and you’ll find hidden streams, statues, and animals in every possible corner. It is really a joy to spend time wandering.
The Condé Museum
The Condé Museum is second only to the Louvre with its impressive collection of 15th to 19th century paintings. You will find works from famed artists Raphaël, Nicolas Poussin, Clouet, Fra Angelico, and many others, and, as we mentioned, you can only ever see these pieces here, as all of the paintings and statues on display protected by a “no loaning” clause established by the Duke d’Aumale, Henri d’Orléans.
Equestrian shows
The stables often put on shows that celebrate horses and all their talents. Typically an hour long, they are held in a stunning arena and part of your ticket price includes a walk through the main stables to meet the horses and a chance to see the museum. Dressage is usually presented on a theme, with exceptional lighting and costumes.
Check for any equestrian events during your visit.
Les Journées des Plantes de Chantilly
Les Journées des Plantes de Chantilly is an unmissable showcase of more than 200 of the most prestigious nurseries and other exhibitors in Europe, all within the grounds of the castle. You can learn about the plants, biodiversity, the latest garden trends, and conservation, as well as take in the gardens, castle, and stables.
The event happens twice a year, in spring and autumn, with information about dates, times, and prices updated here.
Visit Château de Chantilly with Eurotunnel Le Shuttle
A trip to Château de Chantilly will likely inspire you to see more of France’s châteaux. Be sure to see our guide to the best to help plan your trip.
Eurotunnel le Shuttle can get you from Folkestone UK to Calais France in just 35 minutes, and soon you’ll be marvelling at all that Château de Chantilly can offer. What are you waiting for? Book tickets today.