Chateau de Chantilly Day Trip from Paris
Looking for an alternative to the crowds of Versailles? You should visit Chantilly instead!
Chantilly is a small forested town north of Paris that is home to the beautiful Chateau de Chantilly. This stunning historic chateau is one of my top picks for the perfect underrated day trip from Paris. It’s not as crowded as Versailles, and it’s the perfect size for exploring on a leisurely day trip.
In addition to its picturesque chateau, Chantilly is a pleasant little town that is famous for being the birthplace of both Chantilly cream and Chantilly lace. Two big things for a town of just 10,000 people!
While you’re in Chantilly, you should definitely stop for a cup of chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) with Chantilly cream on top or do some shopping for Chantilly lace if you want a unique souvenir.
Chantilly is also renowned for horse racing, and you can visit the Great Stables at Chateau de Chantilly. The Chantilly Racecourse is also nearby and it’s a top destination for European horse racing.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Chantilly on a day trip from Paris!
History of Chateau de Chantilly
The history of Chateau de Chantilly goes all the way back to the 15th century. The original chateau here was constructed by the Montmorency family, one of the oldest and most prestigious noble families in France. It was later passed on to more nobility, including the Prince of Condé.
However, during the French Revolution, the chateau was confiscated by the state and destroyed. It was almost entirely rebuilt beginning in 1875 by Henri d’Orléans, son of the last King of France.
So interestingly, Chateau de Chantilly isn’t actually as old as some of the other chateaux around Paris. Henri d’Orléans then bequeathed the restored chateau and a massive art collection inside (known as the Musée de Condé) to the Institut de France in exchange for his return from political exile.
Chateau de Chantilly is also home to the Great Stables, which is so grand you’ll hardly believe it’s a horse stable! The Great Stables was constructed in the early 18th century for the Prince of Condé. Visiting the Great Stables and getting to see the horses there is one of the highlights of a visit to Chateau de Chantilly.
Getting There
Getting to Chantilly from Paris is very easy, which is why I recommend it for a day trip.
The best way to get to Chantilly is by train. From Gare du Nord in Paris, just take the TER (regional train) to Chantilly Gouvieux. This journey takes about 25 minutes. It’s also possible to take the RER D (commuter train) but it makes more stops and takes double the time so I wouldn’t recommend it.
From the Chantilly Gouvieux train station, it’s about a 25-minute walk to the entrance of the chateau. The walk takes you down a lovely tree-lined path and through a park to reach the chateau.
If you don’t want to walk, it may be possible to get a taxi from the train station and it’s about a five-minute drive. However, it’s a small town with a small train station so there may not always be taxis waiting. I’d plan on walking if you’re able, because it’s an easy and scenic stroll to get to the chateau.
If you have your own car (which I wouldn’t recommend if you’re staying in Paris because you don’t need one) then there is paid parking available by the chateau. The cost is €5 for the day.
Things to Do at Chateau de Chantilly
There are lots of things to do at Chateau de Chantilly. I recommend setting aside at least four hours to explore the chateau and its grounds. Add another hour or so if you want to stroll around the town.
Here are the best things to do on your visit here:
Tour the chateau. Your entry ticket includes access to the grand interior of the chateau, which is home to the Musée de Condé and an impressive collection of art, in addition to the period-decorated rooms.
Explore the grounds. The gardens of Chateau de Chantilly were designed by André Le Nôtre, the same landscape architect who designed the gardens at Versailles. Don’t miss the Hamlet, a collection of quaint little cottages that served as inspiration for Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet at Le Petit Trianon in Versailles.
Visit the Great Stables. You also have access to the Great Stables. Here you can see some of the show horses that live at Chantilly or explore the Living Museum of the Horse. There are also 30-minute equestrian demonstrations throughout the day that you can watch, but note that the show is all in French.
Enjoy lunch at the chateau. There are three restaurants at Chateau de Chantilly. I personally grabbed a bite to eat at the more casual cafe at the Great Stables. The other two are nicer sit-down restaurants.
Try Chantilly cream. You can try the famous Chantilly cream in a dessert from one of the restaurants on the property or in town. You can get it on top of ice cream or waffles, or hot chocolate when it’s cold.
Essential Info
Tickets for the Chateau de Chantilly can be purchased online.
Tickets are €18 for adults and €14.50 for students and young people aged 25 and under.
Children under the age of seven get in for free. You can also purchase a family ticket for €50 which is good for two adults and up to three children, making this a cost-effective option for families.
The chateau itself is open every day of the week except Tuesday from 10 AM to 5 PM. The Great Stables is open from 12 PM to 5 PM and the grounds and gardens are open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Chateau de Chantilly typically closes for several weeks during January and may close sporadically for special events throughout the year. Be sure to check the schedule on the website before you go.
Chateau de Chantilly Day Trip
This guide showed you how to plan a day trip to Chateau de Chantilly.
I really enjoyed my day in Chantilly and I think it’s the perfect destination for a relaxed day trip from Paris if you want to get outside the city and discover a beautiful chateau with bucolic surroundings.
Many tourists don’t know about the this lovely chateau, so it’s unlikely to be crowded like Versailles always is, especially if you make sure to go on a weekday or when an event isn’t happening.
Enjoy your visit to Chantilly!
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