Just 25 minutes from Paris, in the Oise department, the Domaine de Chantilly is an essential monument of the heritage of France, classified a historic monument and protected since 1988. The riches of this domain are numerous and it almost deserves to be visited several times to be fully appreciated!
The Château de Chantilly as we know it today was developed and rebuilt in the 19th century on the "Le Petit Château", originally erected in the Middle Ages. It has seen many owners among the largest princely dynasties as the Bourbon and was finally bequeathed to the Institut de France in 1897 by the Duc d'Aumale. The current version was on the initiative of the heir Prince Henri d'Orléans, son of the last French King, Louis-Philippe. A fervent collector of paintings and objects of art, he wanted the domain to pay homage to his past and to be the temple of the most precious masterpieces in the history of France. The beautiful park of several hectares surrounding the castle is signed by André Lenôtre, dating from the 17th century, it is spread over the outskirts of a branch of the Nonette river. The splendour of the large apartments and reception rooms of the Château is impressive, as is the book chamber, which is filled with rare works and unpublished manuscripts. The prince himself said: "I think I have caught a bibliomania!"
If you visit the Domaine de Chantilly, to stroll through the splendid French garden is a true experience. Symmetry, reflecting water mirrors, fountains, statues, it's of no surprise that it was Lenôtre's favourite garden! You can then discover the Musée de Condé and its art gallery which brings together one of the largest collections of ancient works, after the Louvre museum. The combination of these exceptional paintings is breathtaking and you can contemplate the works of unavoidable artists like Poussin, Ingres or Raphael.
The architect Jean Aubert designed and built the stables of the domain in the 18th century, and they are still, to this day the largest stables in Europe. You can visit the Horse Museum, which traces back the relationship between man and horses through the history of the civilizations and equestrian shows are very regularly organized here.
Also, after visiting and discovering the hidden treasures of the domain, you can take the time to dine under the arches of the Capitainerie. The restaurant, is the old kitchen's of Vatel, who was the intendant of the château and who organized sumptuous dinners here. In short, a visit of the Domaine de Chantilly will delight every one of your senses.
Aglaé Dancette
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To prepare your visit and to learn about the Château de Chantilly and its stables
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