The magnificent Château de Chantilly

With a history dating back to the Middle Ages, Château de Chantilly is irrevocably linked to the history of France. Surrounded by forests and landscaped gardens, the stunning French castle is also home to a breathtaking collection of art and is known as the horse capital of France.

This blend of natural beauty, art, history (and horses!) makes the château an unmissable attraction for the whole family.

Book your trip to Chantilly with LeShuttle.

Why visit Château de Chantilly in France?

There really is something for everyone at Château de Chantilly - whether you’re passionate about history, art or architecture, love nature or are an equestrian enthusiast – the French castle is overflowing with experiences to enjoy. Visit the château’s art galleries and suites or explore the French, English and Anglo-Chinese gardens. Learn more about horses in The Living Museum of the Horse and watch thrilling equestrian demonstrations. Children can even dress in period costumes and stroll through the château’s corridors like royalty. As if that wasn’t enough, visitors with a sweet tooth can also indulge in Chantilly cream topped ice-creams, pastry cones and waffles – making a trip to one of the château’s restaurants reason enough to go!

The beautiful château is not to be missed

Drive to Château de Chantilly from Calais

The drive from Calais to Chantilly takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes from Calais, via the A16. 

Although this isn’t the longest journey, 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. 

Just below Boulogne-sur-Mer lies Château Hardelot, another beautiful French castle, surrounded by a vast nature reserve, Condette Marsh.

How do you get from Paris to Chantilly?

Just under an hour from the French capital, Château de Chantilly is a popular day trip destination from Paris. You can reach Chantilly by taking the A1 or A3 northbound.  Along the way, you’ll pass near the theme park, Parc Astérix which is another great day trip destination. If you’d rather not drive, you can take a train from Paris to Chantilly in just 25 minutes.

The history of Château Chantilly

Originally a fortified estate, Château Chantilly’s history dates back to the Middle Ages. Rebuilt in the 16th century by the Montmorency family, it later flourished as a cultural hub for artists under Louis II de Bourbon. In the 18th century, Louis-Henri transformed the estate by rebuilding the château in a classical style and adding the great stables. Later, during the French Revolution, the château was demolished by the Bande Noire – a group that dismantled historical sites for profit. By the 19th century, the estate was passed to Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, who rebuilt the grand château and redecorated the petit château. In 1886, he bequeathed it to the Institut de France, opening it to the public.

Things to see and do at Château de Chantilly

Château de Chantilly has plenty to entertain, so take your pick of activities.

Explore the Château

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 between 1875 and 1882.

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 to the Institut de France on one condition: that none of the works leave the property, even for temporary exhibitions!

Don’t forget to look up when you’re exploring the château

Discover the Musée Condé

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. You can only ever see these pieces here, as all of the paintings and statues on display are protected by a “no loaning” clause established by the Duke d’Aumale, Henri d’Orléans.

Step into the grand stables

The Château de Chantilly’s stables have been in use for more than three centuries. They are the largest in Europe and are still in use today, with impressive equestrian spectacles held 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 of the stable’s past and plenty of fascinating facts about horses. 

The stables often put on shows that celebrate horses and all their talents. Held in a stunning arena, each show is typically an hour long and part of your ticket price. You can also walk through the main stables to meet the horses and explore the museum. Dressage is usually presented on a theme, with exceptional lighting and costumes.

The bronze stallions outside the Musée du Cheval are part of the Great Stables

Celebrate nature at 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 occurs twice a year, in spring and autumn. You can find out more about the dates, times, and prices here.

Wander through the gardens

The 115 hectares of park surrounding the château are perfect for a stroll.  André Le Nôtre created the Anglo-Chinese and the English gardens, as well as the sculptures and water fountains. Famously, he once said these gardens were a favourite among all he had designed. Marie-Antoinette was so inspired after a visit that 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.

Step into a fairytale, where elegant pathways, tranquil waters, and lush greenery await

Visit Château de Chantilly with LeShuttle

Visiting Château Chantilly to discover the estate’s natural beauty, art, history and horses! With LeShuttle, you can cross the channel in just 35 minutes, which means you can enjoy the Château and Chantilly cream before you know it.