Chantilly in Northern France

When in Paris for the Rugby World Cup 2023, a short trip to Chantilly is an absolute must. Chantilly is a commune in the Oise department in the Hauts-de-France region. It lies just 40km north of Paris and is surrounded by lush and enchanting forests. Even better, it is just 20km from Paris-Roissy Charles de Gaulle aeroport.

The Domaine de Chantilly is truly one of the hidden cultural treasures of the region of Northern France and indeed the country of France. Comprised of the chateau, gardens and stables, it offers a wealth of attractions. The Domaine de Chantilly is indeed endowed with a very special status. Henri d'Orléans, Duke of Aumale (1822-1897), bequeathed the huge estate, its castle, its annexes and all its collections to the Institut de France in 1886. But he had conditioned this bequest to very strict rules, prohibiting the lending, sale or transport of the thousands of objects and paintings, modifying the hanging of the paintings or even making any change in the exterior or interior architecture.

THE CHATEAU

The Château de Chantilly is one of the finest jewels in the crown of France's cultural heritage. It is the work of a man with an extraordinary destiny: Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. This prince, who is considered to be the greatest collector of his time, made Chantilly the showcase for his countless masterpieces and precious manuscripts.

©CRT Hauts-de-France Nicolas Bryant

In tribute to his illustrious predecessors, the Princes of Condé, the Duke of Aumale called the series of rooms housing his collection the "Condé Museum". Useful tip: Audio-guides and tour booklets specially designed for children are available at the reception area at the Château.

The Duke of Aumale designed the art galleries to showcase his exceptional collections. He amassed the second largest collection of antique paintings in France, the largest collection being housed at the Louvre Museum.

©CRT Hauts-de-France_Nicolas Bryant

The reading room was designed by architect Honoré Daumet at the end of the 19th century to house the Duke of Aumale's rare book collection.

The Duke of Aumale acquired a large number of books from all over Europe, from booksellers and at auctions. The Duke was a wealthy, enlightened man and advised notably by Antonio Panizzi, the director of the British Library, and Léopold Delisle, the General Administrator of the National Library of France, he put together an exceptional collection of precious books and illuminated manuscripts, including some major works of medieval art. Of the 60,000 volumes contained in the Chantilly collection, almost 19,000 volumes are exhibited in the Reading Room, including 1,500 manuscripts and 17,500 printed documents on the subjects of universal knowledge. The manuscripts, the oldest of which dates from the 11th century, include 200 medieval manuscripts of which many are illuminated. The printed documents include approximately 300 incunables (pre-1501) and 2,500 books printed in the 16th century.

THE GARDENS

Designed at the end of the 17th century by André Le Nôtre, the gardener of Versailles, for Louis II de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, the French-style garden in Chantilly is a rare example of a layout with an axis that is off-centre in relation to the château.

©CRT Hauts-de-France Philippe Frutier

Of all the gardens designed by Le Nôtre at the end of the 17th century, Chantilly is undeniably the one with the largest ponds and the greatest number of water features. Its complete restoration in 2009 made it possible, while fully complying with traditional techniques, to rediscover the full extent of the ingenuity of the water-supply network, considered a major feat in its time and thanks to which the fountain sprays can measure up to five metres in height.

THE MINI TRAIN

A fun, guided tour of the gardens, supplementary ticket and booking necessary From April to October, Departurse every hour.

FOR CHILDREN

The playground area: For children aged between 3 and 12), the 4,000 m2 natural maze and the kangaroos (yes!) in the gardens provide great entertainment for families.

entertainment for families. As soon as it was created, the Anglo-Chinese garden became one of the main attractions of the grounds. A place to retreat to after hunts and walks, for refreshments and entertainment. The English garden was designed during the Restoration in 1819 by the architect Victor Dubois for Prince Louis-Joseph de Bourbon Condé (1736-1818). It occupies a plot of a part of André Le Nôtre's gardens that were destroyed during the Revolution. It is enhanced with romantic structures such as the temple of Venus, which is inhabited by swans and waterfowl that nest on its many islands, this garden also contains a large water feature designed by André Le Nôtre: the Beauvais Waterfall.

THE STABLES

A masterpiece of 18th century architecture, the Great Stables are the largest in Europe and were built by the architect Jean Aubert for Louis-Henri de Bourbon, the 7th prince of Condé. According to legend, this prince Louis Henri de Bourbon (seventh prince of Condé) wanted to be reincarnated as a horse and wanted stables worthy of his rank. As such, they are a veritable horses' palace. The 28metre high dome is simply majestic.

The building houses the Museum of the Horse, which presents the relationship between men and horses since the beginning of civilisation.

The Great Stables offer equestrian shows throughout the year, devoted to the art of haute-école horse training which has been contributing to Chantilly's international renown for more than 30 years.

Useful tip:

DRESSAGE DEMONSTRATION

The riders demonstrate their work in dressage and their preparations for the equestrian shows daily at 11 am, 2.30 pm and 4.30 pm

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel le Chantilly is just a 10-minute walk from the famed chateau and the Great Stables. This very lovely bed and breakfast-style accommodation sits in one of the town’s typically pretty sandstone villas. Its 20 rooms have been recently refurbished, while its common areas celebrate the property’s original stone, timber and fireplaces – combining to make a rather cosy stay indeed.

The Auberge du Jeu de Paume, a Relais & Châteaux property, gives pride of place to elegance, discretion and subtle refinement. A luxury that pervades each of the 92 exquisite rooms and suites as well as the two restaurants, lounges and the Spa. Guests benefit from an incomparable leisure offer and a unique French hotel experience blended with prestige and tradition. There is a stunning equestrian centre across the road, with several golf courses close by. Enjoy the superb decor, relax in the private lounges, soak up the chic and warm atmosphere… each guest will have an unforgettable culinary experience!

The Auberge du Jeu de Paume is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility (3 fully-equipped rooms and 3 parking spaces).

CHANTILLY WHIPPED CREAM DEMONSTRATION

©CRT Hauts-de-France Vincent Colin

At the La Capitanierie restaurant in Domain de Chantilly, liven up your meal or tea time with a presentation by the chef showing how to make the famous Chantilly whipped cream recipe, which you will be served during your meal/snack. Don’t forget to book!

Tel: 0011.33.3 44 57 15 89 (individuals) Tél: 0011.33.3 44 27 31 80 (groups)
[email protected]

Check out this Chantilly cream demo from Aussie food blogger Mel Port from @miacucina: Video

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