8 Things To Do In Chantilly

Are you looking for the best things to do in Chantilly?

Chantilly is a residential town in Northern France famed for its fine lacework and beautiful porcelain in the 18th century.

The town’s name came from the Gallo-Roman namely Cantilius who built the first villa there. Moreover, it is home to the Chateau de Chantilly, which is one of the most beautiful castles near Paris that is well worth the visit.

The chateau was constructed sometime in the 14th century and is located on a small rocky island that lies in the middle of an artificial lake.

The distance between Paris and Chantilly is approximately 40 kilometers, which can be traveled by train in approximately 20 minutes. This is one reason why Chantilly is one of the popular day trips from Paris.  The train at the Gare du Nord train station departs every hour. Train tickets can be purchased at the Grandes Lignes Ticket Office.  

In addition, this picturesque town is famous for its chateau, park, and other tourist attractions. If you want to know more about these destinations and exciting activities to look out for during your stay in Chantilly, we’ve compiled some of the best things to do in this beautiful town.

8 Things To Do In Chantilly

1.Visit the very first church in Chantilly- Notre Dame of Chantilly

Visiting the Notre Dame of Chantilly should be part of your Chantilly itinerary. It is the first church in Chantilly that was built in 1691 but underwent an expansion between 1724 and 1734. This French classical structure was made by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart. Its classical style, beautiful windows, and elegant statues are some of the things you can witness during your visit. 

Since Notre Dame de Chantilly is such a notable example of French Gothic architecture within the city, the French government designated it a Historical Monument of France in the year 1965.

2. Learn about the process and history of lacemaking at the Musee de la Dentelle

Lacemaking is most commonly associated with Chantilly because the town became an important lace-making center in the 18th century. The history and process of lacemaking can be witnessed in the Musee de la Dentelle.

The museum was created by two Cantiliennes in 1985. It preserved about 1000 pieces of 19th-century lace including the unique and rare square shawl.  

Taking a tour at the Musee de la Dentelle will provide you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of the entire process of lacemaking and will also demonstrate the diverse uses of lace. Chantilly lace is known for its outlined pattern and abundant detail.

In addition, the very best Chantilly laces were always crafted from silk, and they were always black in color, making them suitable for wearing during times of grief.

3. Be amazed by the ancient hydraulic techniques at the Prince’s Mill

The Prince’s Mill, often referred to as the Pavilion de Mans is located at 34, rue des Cascades 60500 Chantilly.

The Great Waters Machine of the princes and the hydraulic machine of the Duke of Aumale were intended to be housed in this building when it was constructed in the 17th century.

The purpose of the hydraulic machine in the area is to supply drinking water to the town of Chantilly. Additionally, the machine also aims to supply waterworks including fountains, pools, and cascades. 

Moreover, Pavilion de Manse will welcome you with an in-depth look at the development of the generator in addition to the building’s classical French architecture that was constructed by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart.

4. Take in the breathtaking view of the Chantilly Forest

Chantilly Forest covers over 6,344 hectares of land and is home to a variety of trees such as pines, oaks, and beeches.

Strolling around the forest of Chantilly is a perfect getaway for those who want to take a breath of fresh air while having close access to the chateau, Chantilly park, and other city landmarks.

The Chantilly Forest is open to a variety of activities such as hiking and hunting. Furthermore, the forest is dedicated to racehorse training.

The horse training takes place on a 47-kilometer training ground in the center of the forest. In fact, the woodland has been utilized for horse training for more than 50 years, which is one reason why it was referred to as the ‘Horse Capital’- a perfect place for holidaymakers in France.

5. Drop by at the Living Museum of the Horse

If you want to learn about the significance of the relationship between men and horses throughout history, a visit to the Living Museum of the Horse in Chantilly should be part of your France itineray.  It is a well-organized museum that is home to diverse breeds of horses. 

The Living Museum of the Horse is located in the Great Stables, Europe’s largest Princely stables. It was built between 1719 and 1735 for Louis-Henri, Prince of Conde. The Living Museum of Horse is large enough to accommodate 240 horses.

It is an art and ethnology museum available to all visitors, experts, and novices alike. Furthermore, the museum provides a variety of interactive resources that allow visitors to not only see different species of horses but also their history in an educational and enjoyable way.

6. Satisfy your palate with the French cuisine at Le Bouchon Gourmand

Trying authentic French cuisine should be part of your to-do list while in France. But if you happen to visit  Chantilly, one of the restaurants that serve traditional and modern French cuisine is Le Bouchon Gourmand. Its pleasant atmosphere will add to your experience while having a taste of its bestsellers. 

Aside from the great food they serve, Le Bouchon Gourmand has helpful staff. They all speak good English so you won’t need to brush up on your French merely to interact with them. Furthermore, they are always prepared to assist their customers in understanding the menu and addressing their concerns. 

Overall, visiting Le Bouchon Gourmand will provide you with a memorable eating experience,  since both their food and service are excellent. 

7. Go for a stroll at the Garden of the Princes (Princes Vegetable Garden)

The Princes Vegetable Garden is a nature reserve that is open to visitors to Chantilly. The Garden of the Princes or commonly referred to as the Princes Vegetable Garden was created on the old gardens of the Grand Condé by Yves Bienaime. The garden was created to honor, conserve, and maintain the area’s natural qualities.

Spending some time at the Princes Vegetable Garden will allow you to witness different types of gardens including Japanese gardens, exotic gardens, bamboo mazes, and many more.

Aside from the garden, you can also see live animals like geese, peacocks, and native birds. Moreover, there are a lot of fun things to see like the chicken races, rabbit races, and especially the sheepdog demonstrations. 

8. Don’t miss out on Couleurs Cafe’s Chantilly cream.

Couleurs Cafe is located at Constable Street. It is a must-visit place if you want to have a taste of the famous Chantilly cream. It is a cream sweetened with sugar and flavored with vanilla. Couleurs Cafe offers a fine coffee lounge serving various types of beverages- from local coffee, teas, fruit juice, and beers. 

After exploring the city of Chantilly, you can relax at this little coffee shop with a relaxing atmosphere and minimalist interior. The cafe has homey vibes making it an excellent place to go if you want to rest or socialize with friends.

Where to Stay in Chantilly

Booking.com