Escape Paris Crowds At A Nearby Well-Preserved Castle And Museum Called A ‘Jewel Of France’
And just when you thought that Paris had nothing more to offer.
One thing is for sure, there’s always another secret to be discovered in Paris. Only if you are lucky enough to discover it.
Trust me, this castle is more than just a day trip. I found it accidentally, driven by a desire to escape the busy boulevards and found something truly special!
Ready to step into the pages of a fairy tale? Let me show you the way.
1. Explore the Château and Musée Condé
If walls could gossip, Château de Chantilly’s would spill centuries of aristocratic drama, artistic obsession, and indulgence. It’s big, actually it is huge! But, it’s more than that. It’s a time machine to the ultimate French elegance.
The rooms are so richly decorated they practically demand a powdered wig. And unlike the Louvre, where you jostle for a glimpse of the Mona Lisa, here, you can get nose-to-nose with Raphael, Poussin, and Delacroix in peace.
And then, there’s the setting! Every bridge, fountain, and hedge tells a story of power and prestige. Before leaving, step onto the terrace at sunset. Watching the golden light dance across the façade is a one-of-a-kind moment!
2. Stroll through the expansive gardens
Forget neat little flower beds! Chantilly’s gardens are a full-blown masterpiece, a living painting designed by none other than André Le Nôtre.
With 115 hectares of perfectly sculpted landscapes, reflecting pools, and pathways, it’s the kind of place where you half-expect to stumble upon a 17th-century nobleman taking an easy walk.
But just when you think you’ve seen it all, the mood shifts. Welcome to the Anglo-Chinese garden, where romance takes over. Then there’s the English garden! So beautifully wild, poetic and effortlessly elegant.
Bring a picnic, a book, or just your curiosity. This isn’t a garden to rush through. It’s one to savor.
3. Visit the Great Stables & Living Museum of the Horse
Imagine a palace. Now, imagine it was built for horses. That’s the level of grandeur we’re talking about at the Great Stables of Chantilly!
Designed in the 18th century by Jean Aubert for a prince who firmly believed he’d be reincarnated as a horse, these stables are as majestic as they are massive. It has enough space to house over 200 horses. Even Versailles’ royal apartment seems modest!
Even if you’re not a horse person, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the art of horsemanship. And if you are a horse person? Welcome to paradise!
4. Savor local culinary delights
If you think Chantilly is all about estates and stunning art, you’re so wrong! Here you can try France’s biggest contributions to the culinary world: crème Chantilly. Do whatever you want, just don’t call it whipped cream!
This is the stuff of legend, perfected in the kitchens of the château centuries ago. Light as air, subtly sweet, and so dangerously addictive that you’ll start looking for excuses to put it on everything.
If you want to take your appreciation a step further, head to L’Atelier de la Chantilly for a hands-on workshop. Here, you’ll learn the precise technique behind the perfect whip. Spoiler: it’s all about the right flick of the wrist and just a touch of vanilla.Plus, the best part? You get to eat your creation.
5. Attend special events & exhibitions
Just when you think Chantilly has shown you all its wonders, it surprises you with something new. The château hosts some of the most exciting events in France. Art lovers rejoice, and immerse yourself in special exhibitions!
Imagine walking into a gallery and seeing a never-before-exhibited work by a Renaissance master. That’s the kind of magic that happens here!
And of course, no visit would be complete without witnessing an equestrian spectacle! The Great Stables come alive with world-class performances, blending traditional horsemanship with theatrical storytelling.