Château de Chantilly
Chateau de Chantilly, Chantilly, Hauts-de-France
France’s splendid Château de Chantilly castle is located 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Paris. Rebuilt after the French Revolution, the palace that stands today dates to the 19th century and is renowned for its opulence. It is also home to the Musée Condé: considered one of the country's most important art collections.
Construction began on the original Château de Chantilly in 1528, but the castle was largely destroyed in 1799 during the French Revolution. The grand castle that stands today—commissioned by the Duke of Aumale, son of the last king of France—was redesigned by architect Honoré Baumet, and construction took place from 1875 to 1885. The château is renowned for its extravagant Renaissance style and for the Musée Condé, which includes works by Botticelli, Raphael, Delacroix, and Ingres. In 2013, the Musée du Cheval (Horse Museum) was installed in the palace’s Grand Stables, and equestrian shows are held on the grounds throughout the year.
The Château de Chantilly is included in the Paris Pass, and numerous tour options from Paris are available. Private tours provide a hassle-free way to explore.
A number of admission options are available, including tickets to the entire complex; tickets to the grounds; or tickets to the Great Stables, Musée du Cheval, and an equestrian show.
The château’s ground floor is accessible to visitors with mobility issues.
There are several restaurants and a hotel on-site.
The Château de Chantilly is located within day trip distance from Paris. Take the RER D or select SNCF trains to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station. The castle can also be reached by car: Take the A3 or A1 motorway from Paris and look for the Chantilly exit. Paid parking is provided on-site.
The Château de Chantilly has two open seasons. During low season—late October to late March—it is open every day but Tuesday, 10:30am to 5pm. During high season—late March to early October—it is open daily from 10am to 6pm. The château is closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and for several weeks in mid-January.
Set on a sweeping stretch of land and ringed by artificial lakes, the Château de Chantilly is celebrated for the beauty of its surroundings. The formal garden was designed in part by André Le Nôtre, who helped create the gardens at Versailles. Another highlight is the Hameau de Chantilly, a folly comprising several rustic cottages that inspired Marie Antoinette’s Hameau de la Reine at Versailles.
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