The charming town of Chantilly makes for a beautiful day trip from Paris, with its lovely historic Château offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of the French aristocracy, combined with stunning gardens designed by France’s most famous landscape architect, and one of the most incredible art collections in the country. Our private tour from Paris gives you the chance to explore the Château de Chantilly and its delightful grounds accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. You will also spend some time in town that gives it its name, where you will taste the region’s most famous delicacy: the rich, sweet Chantilly cream.
On this full-day private tour, you will:
- Discover the beauty and charm of Chantilly on a relaxed excursion from Paris;
- Enjoy the convenience of round-trip private transfers to and from your hotel in central Paris;
- Explore the magnificent Château de Chantilly with tickets included;
- Find out about its long and fascinating history from your knowledgeable private guide;
- See the opulent rooms once occupied by French noble families and get a glimpse into what life was like in the Château across the centuries;
- Admire one of France’s most wonderful art collections at the Musée Condé;
- Stroll through the gorgeous gardens and learn about the renowned landscape architect who brought them to life;
- See the quaint Hamlet that is said to have inspired the one in the Petit Trianon of the Palace of Versailles;
- Pass by the Great Stables and uncover Chantilly’s rich equestrian culture;
- Visit the charming town of Chantilly, known for its elegant architecture and picturesque atmosphere;
- Indulge in a Chantilly Cream tasting and learn how it became synonymous with luxury in the 17th Century.
Step away from the busy streets of Paris and uncover one of France’s most beautiful and historic chateaus on a full-day private excursion to the enchanting town of Chantilly. With seamless round-trip transfers from your hotel in central Paris, you'll enjoy a relaxed and rewarding day exploring this elegant corner of northern France, a place where art, history, and nature come together.
After getting picked up by your guide and driver, you will soon leave the city behind to embark on a comfortable journey north to Oise, historically known as part of the ancient province of Picardy. After a pleasant jaunt through the verdant countryside, you will arrive at the Château de Chantilly, a grand country estate that rivals Versailles in beauty, but without the crowds. With tickets included and a knowledgeable local guide at your side, you’ll dive into centuries of French nobility as you wander through the château’s lavishly decorated rooms, once home to powerful families like the Montmorencys and the Condés. You'll hear tales of courtly intrigue and royal visits, and gain insight into what life was like inside these historic walls.
The exact route of the visit can be tailored to your interests, and art lovers should not miss the Musée Condé, one of France’s most extraordinary art collections. You'll have the opportunity to admire masterpieces by distinguished artists such as Raphael, Poussin, Ingres, and Delacroix, all preserved exactly as their collector, the Duke of Aumale, intended in a setting as refined as the artworks themselves. Your guide can also share more about the Duke himself, a prince, military officer, historian, and art collector who orchestrated the reconstruction of the Grand Château in a neo-Renaissance style after the original was destroyed during the French Revolution. Outside, you’ll embark upon a scenic stroll through the château’s stunning gardens, a masterpiece of landscape design by André Le Nôtre, the genius behind the gardens of Versailles. Among the highlights is the whimsical Hamlet, a charming collection of thatched cottages that is said to have inspired Marie Antoinette’s rustic retreat at Versailles.
After exploring the estate, you'll pass by the palatial Great Stables, a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture commissioned by an eccentric Duke and Bourbon prince with a passion for horses. You will learn about Chantilly’s equestrian legacy and the extravagant history of its owners before heading into the heart of Chantilly town. Once there, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant recommended by your guide (Lunch not included). You’ll then explore the town’s key sights and take in its rustic charm.
Of course, no visit to Chantilly would be complete without trying the area’s most celebrated confection, so you will finish your visit with a tasting of the famous Chantilly cream, a luxurious treat that once graced royal banquets and became a symbol of French indulgence. As the day winds down, you can sit back and relax on a comfortable drive back to Paris, taking with you the memories of a château as grand as Versailles, wrapped in the quiet elegance of the French countryside.
