Oh, Chantilly - An elegant, historical town hidden in a lush green forest 30-minute train ride away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. Fresh air, greenery, artistic and calm, Chantilly is relaxing, yet a less touristy destination for a weekend getaway. Till now, I still remembered grabbing my camera and picnic snacks, hopping on the train for this last minute journey, searching on Instagram and Trip Advisor for the best thing to do and visit. Here is a little to-do list for you lucky folks and I hope your exploration in Chantilly be efficient and relaxing! Bon Voyage!
1. Picnic to your heart’s content with a French countryside scenery
Crystal blue sky, white clouds, sunshine, and the great green plain, give you the perfect excuse to stretch under the sun and enjoy the greenery. You will see families having picnics, kids running on the field. My suggestion is to lie on the green lawn with France's best cheese and bread. Read a book and enjoy the smell of fresh-cut grass while the sun streams down slowly on your face. Just in case you forgot to bring your picnic basket? No problem, you can buy a picnic from the gift shop.
* Remember that picnics are not allowed in the Domain of Chantilly, only the large lawns opposite the chateau and alongside the racecourse can be used for picnics.
2. Be inspired by the Musée Vivant du Cheval
People did not call Chantilly a "princely horse town" for nothing. Back in 1719, Prince of Condé believed that he would be reincarnated as horse after his death. So, he ordered the architect, Jean Aubert, to build stables that would be suitable to house a horse of his rank. This Great Stable has now become a Living Museum of Horse. Inside the museum, you could find equestrian equipment, as well as paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts illustrating covering equine topics like the history of the domestication of horses, the different races of horses in the world and the evolution of tack over the centuries.
If you are a horse lover, you may check the event schedule and book the ticket here: https://newdomainedechantilly.tickeasy.com/en-US/home
P.S. Please tell me I am not the only one who thinks that this looks like a castle. Seriously, even a horse is having a better life than I do.
3. Explore the French fairytale castle
Unlike the glittering, golden Versailles castle that displays excess opulence of French royalty, the Château de Chantilly more with its fairytale-like turrets, and quiet sprawling gardens. The Château de Chantilly was built for summer residence and recreation. During the Classical Era, Louis II de Bourbon, the Prince of Condé, known as "the Grand Condé", organised a courtly life in Chantilly that was as vibrant as that of Versailles, inviting all the greatest artists of his time. This is how Le Nôtre came to design the sumptuous "French style" gardens here.
4. Get lost in the French Royal Gardens
Designed by the principal gardener of King Louis XIV of France, the mastermind behind both the park of the Versailles Palace and the French Style Garden in Chantilly -- André Le Nôtre, the gardens are definitely worth visiting!
A typical French garden consists of symmetrical French-style flower beds, immense mirrors of water reflecting the sky, numerous fountains and water features, and an exceptional collection of statues. Parc de Chantilly is more than that. Next to the French garden (Parterres) are Jardin Anglais and Jardin Anglo-Chinois. While the French-style garden focuses on the linear structures, Anglo-Chinese Garden stressed to sublimate nature, it combines planted areas and constructions. The Anglo-Chinese Garden was created by Jean-Francois Leroy in the 18th century, which demonstrates the penchant for China that was very much in fashion in the 18th century.
* You can rent a golf cart in the garden! Click here for details.
5. Being bullied by Swans
Here's a photo of me innocently trying to approach a swan and almost got attacked the next second.
6. Creme Chantilly Sampling
There are 2 things that Chantilly is famous for -- Chantilly lace and Creme Chantilly!
Crème Chantilly is a rich whipped cream infused with vanilla extract. It is a classic embellishment to French pastry. Created by French chef François Vatel, chef to Louis XIV in the 17th century, who is said to have served it for the first time for a banquet at the Château de Chantilly.
In the late afternoon of my last day in Chantilly, we were determined to have a taste of the legendary Crème Chantilly! I got this beautiful image of a big bowl of strawberries covered in cream in my mind. However, since it was already 3pm when we arrived at the restaurant, the kitchen was closed. The owner was nice enough to make us this huge box of cream, and this is what we got at last...
After having way too much cream.. (we finished 80% of it), I had a sugar rush and this is what happened after.. (No, I am not trying to find an excuse for being ridiculous.. )
7. Learn about Chantilly lace
Chantilly lace is a handmade bobbin lace, mostly made of silk. In the 17th century, the Duchesse de Longueville organised the manufacture of lace at Chantilly. It was a special favorite of Louis XV's last mistress, Mme du Barry, and of Marie Antoinette.
8. Indulge yourself with French buckwheat galette in a local restaurant
Not sure about you but a buttery, thin and crispy galette always gets my stomach growling. I found this nice, cozy creperie -- Dam Juliette, 10 minutes away from the castle, and it serves really nice crepes and galettes!
I wrote a separate blog article for Dam Juliette, click here to find out more!
- Transportation -
Option 1: TER (Recommended)
From Gare du Nord, take the TER Picardie regional trains -- SNCF. It takes 25 minutes. Get off at "Chantilly - Gouvieux". Check your schedule here: www.voyages-sncf.com
At Gare du Nord, buy the ticket from the counter. (Probably easier than figuring out which machine to use and methods of payment accepted)
Look at the train departure boards to figure out which platform your train leaves from.
Then punch your ticket in the machine before boarding the train.
*Tips: You may buy the ticket ahead of time if you want (but you should not punch it till just before boarding).
Option 2: RER D
From Gare du Nord, take RER line D. It takes 45 minutes. Get off at "Chantilly-Gouvieux". Check your schedule here: www.transilien.com.
Option 3: By Bus
You may take the DUC bus (Desserte Urbaine Cantilienne), a bus provided free of charge by the municipality of Chantilly. Departure from the train station, get off at "Chantilly, église Notre-Dame". However, the bus only operates few times per day from Monday to Saturday.
You may check the bus schedule here: https://www.oise-mobilite.fr/en/route-schedules/6/RouteSchedules/lefeburebois-saint-denis/276/lefebure/2?PartnerId=3
Hope you enjoyed my little Chantilly to-do list and let me know in the comment section if you have more to add!!
Have a nice weekend in Chantilly!
Xoxo,
Jay
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