One of my favorite solo day trips during our week in Paris was visiting Chantilly, France.

I hadn’t prioritized this spot on previous trips because the “only” things to do in Chantilly were visit the castle and stables, learn about lace, stroll through the forest, try the infamous Chantilly creme…

Basically, there’s plenty to do in Chantilly, and I don’t know why it took me so long to visit!

Overall the visit was very low-key, which I appreciated this trip as we were wandering around Europe for two weeks and trying not to burn ourselves out. From Gare du Nord, it was an easy 30-minute train ride to the Chantilly station and then a lovely 30-minute walk from the Chantilly station to Chantilly castle.

The weather bounced around a bit during my wanderings but occasionally the skies would clear and I would snap some photos of the castle, grounds, stables, and more. I even took time to enjoy a leisurely outdoor lunch (complete with Chantilly creme!) that ended up being a highlight of my day.

I’d put Chantilly on your list, and when you visit, be sure to check out the following highlights.

Day Trip to Chantilly, France

Chateau de Chantilly

The castle is a little ways from the train station and there are buses that routinely run back and forth. I found the 30-minute walk through the forest and hippodrome area refreshing and my slower approach allowed me to really take in the stables, gardens, and castle.

The castle’s exterior looks different from every angle so I spent some time simply orienting before heading inside. It was tempting to head off into the gardens right away since the weather was nice, but it seemed like more people were arriving so I wrapped up my outdoors viewing and headed inside.

I had read ahead of time that the information plaques throughout the castle and the informational brochures they hand you with your ticket are all in French – so I paid a little extra for an English audio guide. It was definitely worth the upgrade – I was able to pick up some words here and there with my basic French reading skills, but I wouldn’t have had nearly the same appreciation for what I was seeing without the guide.

The Château de Chantilly is one of the finest jewels in the crown of France’s cultural heritage. It is the work of a man with an extraordinary destiny: Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale, son of the last King of France, Louis-Philippe. This prince, who is considered to be the greatest collector of his time, made Chantilly the showcase for his countless masterpieces and precious manuscripts. The Château survived down through the centuries and remains as it was when the Duke of Aumale gave it as a gift it to the Institut de France in 1886, making it the perfect place to take a journey back in time to the heart of a princely residence. In tribute to his illustrious predecessors, the Princes of Condé, the Duke of Aumale called the series of rooms housing his collection the “Condé Museum”.

https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/chateau/

I really enjoyed seeing the chambers, chapel, dining area, and other living spaces. Although I’m not a huge art fan, I ended up really enjoying the gallery and learning that it/the castle are home to the second largest collection of antique paintings in France, surpassed only by the Louvre!

Of course my favorite part of the castle was the Reading Room. The Duke of Aumale was the greatest bibliophile of his time and his extensive collection is on display in an incredible two-story room.

Jardins du Chateau de Chantilly

The Chantilly grounds have three main gardens – the French garden, Anglo-Chinese garden, and English garden. At 284 acres, I barely scratched the surface!

I started in the French garden immediately behind the castle and enjoyed following the straight paths along the water features and spotting several different types of birds, including a colorful duck with her ducklings.

I only scratched the surface of the English gardens as the weather got a little dicey while I was in that area and instead made my way over to the Anglo-Chinese gardens to see the rustic homes in the Hamlet and grab a late lunch outdoors.

Aux Goûters Champêtres Restaurant du Hameau

A highlight of my day was having a leisurely lunch at Aux Goûters Champêtres Restaurant in the Hamlet. There was a large tent with seating but I decided to risk the raindrops and sit fully outdoors at a small table overlooking the small nearby river.

My waitress was very friendly and I was able to cobble together my order in French – a baked goat cheese salad, amazing bread, and a mini bottle of red wine. While all of it was delicious, my strawberry tart with fresh chantilly creme was divine. I slowly enjoyed my fare, wrote in my journal, and then eventually moved on to the stables.

Musée du Cheval

The Great Stables were built in the early 18th century and are so ornate that I mistook them for the castle during my initial approach!

I briefly stepped into the Horse Museum to learn more about how the relationship between humans and horses has evolved since the dawn of civilization. It was interesting, but I was more taken by the open stables where a number of horses and donkeys were resting in their stalls. As you can see in the photo below, the arched stables were truly every bit as grand as the castle.

In the center of this Grand Tables is an open area where some of he employees were working the horses. I joined a few other people to watch the training, but I had unfortunately missed the Equestrian Show they routinely offer visitors.

I wrapped up as the museum and stables were closing and began my 30-minute trek back to the train station. I didn’t have time to visit the Museum of Lace or explore the downtown area – I think I would have needed another day to fit everything in! – but there’s always next time.

I thoroughly enjoyed the pace and variety of places to explore during my time in Chantilly. It was a low-key and interesting day trip during my time in Paris.