Chantilly: Old Masters & the Great Stables

A short train ride from Paris, and you're standing in France's second-greatest collection of old masters.

Quick Overview

• Your group only (up to 6 people)
• Duration: About 7 hours, from Paris and back
• What we see: The Grand Apartments, the Condé museum, the library, the Great Stables, Le Nôtre's gardens
• What's special: Paintings hung exactly as the duke left them, because his will forbids anything to be moved
• Travel: Regional train with me from Gare du Nord (about 25 minutes)
• Days: Wednesday to Monday (the estate closes on Tuesdays)
• Pace: Unhurried, and shaped around what you love
• Languages: English; ask if you need another language
• Best for: Art lovers, horse lovers, families
• Your guide: Me, a state-licensed guide-conférencier with a background in French art history

The Experience

The Duke of Aumale, son of the last king of France, rebuilt Chantilly to hold his collection and left it to the Institut de France on one condition: nothing may ever be moved or lent. So Raphael, Poussin and Ingres still hang exactly where he hung them.

We visit the Grand Apartments, the picture galleries of the Condé museum and the library, home of the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry. Lunch is where Chantilly cream was born.

In the afternoon we visit the Great Stables, a palace built for 240 horses, and the gardens by Le Nôtre. It's twenty-five minutes from Gare du Nord by train.

Route & Walking Info

• Distance: 4 to 5 km on foot
• Terrain: Gravel paths, stairs in the château
• Pace: Whatever feels good to you. We take breaks when we need them.
• Accessibility: If you need to avoid stairs or long walks, tell me before booking and I'll adapt the route.

Good to Know

• Meeting Point: Gare du Nord, in front of the main departure boards. I'll send a map link and very clear instructions once you book.
• Timing: Meet me 15 minutes before the train; I'll have everything ready.
• Horse demonstration: Times vary through the year; I'll check them for your date.
• Race days: On big race days the town is busy; I'll suggest another date if needed.
• Shoes: Wear your most comfortable ones. Really.
• Bags: Keep them small; many sites have security checks.
• Late Arrivals: Trains don't wait. If we miss ours, we'll take the next one; any ticket change fee is at your cost.

Optional Add-Ons

• Senlis medieval town
• Christmas edition in December
• Other Languages (Ask me about availability)
• Afternoon Planning (I can help you map out the rest of your day nearby)

After You Book

• A personal confirmation once I've checked the date. I confirm every booking myself.
• My meeting instructions, clear and simple.
• I'll ask what you're most curious about (or what you'd rather skip), and shape the visit around it.
• Mobility needs or children in the group? Tell me early and I'll plan for it.
• Want lunch or dinner afterwards? I'll suggest a table I'd book myself nearby.

FAQ

Is it really private? Yes. Just you, your group, and me.

Is it really an hour from Paris? Less: about 25 minutes by train from Gare du Nord, plus a short walk.

Is it good for kids? Yes: the horses and the gardens are a hit.

Send me your dates and what you love most, and I'll shape the day around you.