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Chateau de Chantilly Metro:
RER D direction Chantilly, trains from Gare du Nord |
The Chateau is north of Paris. If I remember correctly, the train ride takes about 45
minutes. To get from the Train Station to the Chateau, you should take a taxi. It is a
long walk. I went in the winter, so I'm not sure if there is other public transportation
during the peak tourist season. I will make this a priority item on a return visit. I felt
very rushed. It would be easy to spend an entire day here.
The Chatuau de Chantilly is built on a rock surrounded by water. The
buildings were erected between the 14th and 19th century for the families of Orgemont,
Montmorency, Bourbon-Conde, and Orleans. The Grand Chateau was razed to the ground during
the revolution. It was rebuilt on the foundations of the 14th century Orgemont fortress.
The Park was designed in the 17th century by Andre le Notre (who also
did Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte).
The Musee Conde. I was very impressed with the collection of paintings
in this museum. There is a colleciton of paintings and drawings from the French School as
well as many italian masterpieces. There is also a book collection, manuscripts, and 40 of
Fouquets minatures.
They brochure I picked up claims that the Aerophile is the largest
balloon in the world. I find that really hard to believe, but it is pretty big. Anyone can
take a ride for a price of course!
I did not have time to visit The Living Horse Museum. The horses are
housed in the stables next to the Chateau. It looks as nice as the castles. Being a horse
must be a pretty good life here. They have equestrian shows during the first weekend of
each month. There are 30 horses of different breeds, donkeys and ponies. There is horse
racing track right in front of the stables. I assume they race, but I don't know when.
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