Your Key To Chantilly – Where History Meets Outdoor Sports

Here in Chantilly, everything starts from the castle. In the 14th century, Chateau de Chantilly was originally a fortified building constructed on a bed of rocks and it was not until the Renaissance period when the Montmorency Family took over and built it in the style of a Grand Chateau. The castle was passed on to the Grand Condé during the reign of Louis XIV who brought the Chateau to its peak in terms of vibrancy and cultural activities.

In the 19th century, it was totally rebuilt by the passionate will of the Duke of Aumale who held a significant collection of books and paintings which is considered as the second largest collection after the Louvre Museum. Throughout the centuries, most prestigious names in French politics and in the arts and letters can be associated with Chateau de Chantilly.

Between the nearby majestic forest and the Chateau is a vast lawn where horse races were regularly organized since 1833, and the site has since evolved into the racetrack it is today.  The Global Jumping Championship takes place annually on the grass in the middle of the racetrack.

The hippodrome (horse racing stadium), popular among the wealthy English, hosts famous classic horse races such as the Prix du Jockey Club (from 1836) and Prix de Diane (from 1843) which are the beating heart of Chantilly.

Since Chantilly is renowned as the “Capital of Horses”, it is the largest center for Polo in Europe with its nine polo fields.  At the “France Galop” training center, there are more than 3,000 horses with over 1,000 jockeys and 80 trainers.  Horseback riding sessions can be easily organized following the trails of the nearby forest, the training center or “Le Notre” gardens of the Chateau and one can even assist at a hunt session with horses and hounds.

It is incredible to see so many remarkable sites concentrated in such a small town of barely 10,000 people: Chateau de Chantilly, Condé Museum, The Grand Stables and its Horse Museum, Lace Museum, Pavillon de Manse, “Potager des Princes” as well as the racetrack where horse races take place all year long.

For golf lovers, Chantilly is a popular destination in the region with six famous golf courses all within twenty minute drive from `the city center. International golf championships are regularly held here throughout the year.