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Chantilly & Senlis: a green setting on the outskirts of Paris
We would like to tell you about this important place in history and the wonders that surround it. We particularly appreciate it for its accessibility and proximity to Paris. Whether by train, plane or from your Parisian apartment, you will be surprised by what lies just around the corner! Chantilly & its castle It is […]
We would like to tell you about this important place in history and the wonders that surround it. We particularly appreciate it for its accessibility and proximity to Paris. Whether by train, plane or from your Parisian apartment, you will be surprised by what lies just around the corner!
Chantilly & its castle
It is one of the treasures of French heritage, the work of the last king of France, Henri d’Orléans. He inherited the estate in 1830 as well as the fortune of the last Prince de Condé, Louis-Henri-Joseph de Bourbon, and his plan is to restore this magnificent château to its former glory. Unfortunately, he did not have the time, the revolution of 1848 sounded the death knell for the monarchy.
Exiled in London and determined to wait, he gathered one of the most incredible collections of art objects, rare books and paintings. In fact, he is considered the greatest collector of his time! All these works were destined for the Château de Chantilly and it was not until 1871 that they took their place on the estate. Widowed and having lost his two sons, he bequeathed the estate in 1886 to the Institut de France but under conditions! When he died, the Musée de Condé had to be opened to the public, the presentation of the collection had to be preserved and, above all, no works could be lent. Thus, you will only be able to admire the incredible collection of the last king of France in the Chantilly estate.
The castle is as it was in the 19th century, time has stopped as Henri d’Orléans wished. A magnificent visit awaits you!
Chantilly, princely city but also capital of the horse
Thanks to its very sandy soil, adapted to the fragile legs of thoroughbred horses, Chantilly has become the largest training centre in the world. More than 2500 thoroughbred horses are trained every day at Chantilly and its
surroundings. Horseback riding, golf and polo are sports activities par excellence generating an important economy.
A king, horses and cream!
Although its origin remains uncertain, the Chantilly cream is said to be the work of the pastry-caterer François Vatel. Like the best recipes, he would have inadvertently created it in 1671 during a reception given by the Duke of Bourbon at the castle. The kitchens are facing a huge problem, a shortage of cream! François Vatel would then have had the idea of whipping the cream to give it more volume and satisfy all the guests.
However, it was not until the 18th century that the name “whipped cream” appeared. It is mentioned for the first time in a book by a certain Meunon who added sugar to it and gave this cream in which we love to dip our fruit. The best whipped cream is tasted today in the park of the castle “Aux goûters champêtres”, the chef Jean-Michel Duda makes it following the traditional recipe based on raw cream! Nothing better than a superb pastry shop in the shade of a tree with a view of the castle.
Strolls and Forest
The Chantilly tourist office recommends three walks to discover the city. The touristic circuit in town, the circuit along the canals and the circuit along the racecourse. Enough to stroll around to discover the richness of the estate! If you prefer a bit of greenery, the Chantilly forest extends over more than 6 hectares and has a few surprises in store for you in addition to a very rich fauna.
Senlis, a town in the heart of the forests
In the heart of the country of Art and History, Senlis abounds in an exceptional cultural and architectural heritage. Its protected area of 40 hectares makes the happiness of filmmakers! Walking around the town is a real leap back in time, cobbled streets, climbing ivy, mansions and shop windows from another era. First a Gallic town, then a Roman one, the city was preserved from destruction and offers you a piece of History. Its ancient wall slips between the Renaissance-style houses, then surrounds the cathedral and leads you to the many museums of the city. Senlis offers you a lot of possibilities, something to walk around admiring the ancient facades, wonderful museums such as the Art and Archaeology museum to learn more about this city of History or a special moment in its cathedral.
In search of greenery and eager to discover, this tour is made for you! From Chantilly to Ermenonville, you will meander through towns and forests, discovering our cultural and architectural heritage. Don’t miss the visit of the castle and the museum of Condé which reveal an extraordinary collection. We like to make you discover this part of France 30 minutes from Paris with friends, lovers or family!