A masterpiece located in the Oise region of France, the Château de Chantilly captivates visitors with its collections, exceptional gardens and timeless setting. Just 25 minutes by train from Paris, the château is one of France’s finest heritage ensembles. Just recently, it was voted Monument préféré des Français 2025, a testament to its exceptional cachet.
France’s Favourite Monument can be reached in 25 minutes from Paris
Built between the 16th and 19th centuries, it owes its current appearance to the Duc d’Aumale, one of the great collectors of his time. He made it a place dedicated to art and its transmission, bequeathing the estate and its collections to the Institut de France. Inside the château is the Musée Condé, a veritable national treasure. It is the second largest collection of early paintings in France, after the Louvre. Visitors will discover works by Raphaël, Poussin, Ingres, Watteau and Delacroix. The museum also boasts one of the country’s richest ancient libraries, with over 1,500 manuscripts.
No visit to Chantilly is complete without a visit to the gardens, the masterpiece of Versailles landscape designer André Le Nôtre. The 115-hectare park features majestic parterres à la française, water mirrors, fountains and spectacular perspectives. The park is also home to an English garden and a picturesque hamlet, which inspired Marie-Antoinette at Versailles. An ideal stroll in spring or summer, but also splendid in autumn with its flamboyant colors.
Opposite the château, the Grandes Écuries impress with their size and elegance. Built in the XVIIIᵉ century, they now house the Musée du Cheval and regularly host equestrian shows renowned for their artistic quality. A must-see for young and old alike. In addition to its temporary exhibitions and guided tours, Chantilly is also famous for its culinary specialty: Chantilly cream, homemade and served at the Hameau restaurant or the château’s Salon de Thé. A gourmet stop-off that extends the visit.
With its collections worthy of a national museum, its formal gardens and monumental stables, the Château de Chantilly is the perfect getaway for a day out of Paris. It’s the kind of visit where you take your time, whether admiring the paintings, strolling in the park or simply enjoying the unique atmosphere of this place steeped in history!
📍Location: Château de Chantilly – Rue du Connétable, 60500
📆 Opening hours : Open every day except Tuesday from 10am to 6pm
🚇 Access : By TER from Paris Gare du Nord (25 min journey)