Chantilly: Day Trips and Tours from Paris

Just a short drive from Paris, you will find the town of Chantilly. The French city is known for being the birthplace of whipped cream, fine lacework and porcelain, as well as its racehorse track and chateau.

With rich history and culture to experience, a day trip to Chantilly from Paris should be on the agenda of every visitor. Aside from marveling at the architecture and checking out the museums, there is a grand park and lush gardens for a stroll.

Here is everything you need to know about Chantilly, one of the most exciting day trips from Paris.

What's the best way to travel from Paris to Chantilly?

Chantilly is located about 40 kilometers north of Paris and is easily accessible by car and train.

From Paris to Chantilly by car

The easiest way to get to Chantilly from Paris by car is by taking the northbound A1 motorway. You then get off at the Chantilly exit and south of Lille, you take the exit to Survilliers. The journey should take under an hour, depending on the traffic.

From Paris to Chantilly by train

Traveling by train is the quickest and most straightforward way to reach Chantilly from Paris. From the Paris Nord station, there are multiple direct services to Chantilly that take as little as 20 minutes.

Guided tour to Chantilly from Paris

If you would rather avoid driving or using public transportation, there are many guided tours to Chantilly from Paris. These tours typically include pickup from your accommodation, making the experience more relaxed and comfortable.

What is the typical itinerary?

Your excursion to Chantilly will begin in Paris, where you will either be picked up from your hotel or arrange to meet in the city. After a short drive, you arrive in Chantilly, where your tour will begin.

Tours of Chantilly usually include visits to the Château de Chantilly, the Condé Museum, the racetrack and the Great Stables.

During your trip, you will also get the opportunity to stroll through the gardens and explore the rest of the town for a bite and drink.

While you are in Chantilly, make sure to try some of the locally produced food and treats, with whipped cream sweets being a must. When your visit to Chantilly concludes in the afternoon, you will then return to Paris.

What tour options are there for visiting Chantilly?

Guided tours to Chantilly from Paris

The most convenient way to visit and explore Chantilly is with a guided tour. These tours usually last about 6 hours and include transportation from Paris by minivan or shuttle. The size of the groups can vary and most tours start in the morning.

When you arrive in Chantilly, the tour guide will show you around and share their knowledge with you. During the trip you will get to visit the most important areas, such as the Château de Chantilly, the Condé Museum and the racetrack.

Family day trip to Chantilly from Paris

Should you be travelling with your family and want to give your excursion to Chantilly a fairy tale vibe, you can book a family day trip. These tours can offer the sort of flexibility that parents will appreciate.

Usually included in the price are tickets to the chateau and museums, a ride in a horse carriage and a playground stop, as well as a complimentary sweet treat from a local boulangerie.

Private tour to Chantilly from Paris

For a more relaxed and personal tour of Chantilly, consider booking a private tour from Paris. These types of tours tend to be more flexible with multiple departure times during the day and can last up to 8 hours, depending on the places you visit.

While more expensive, the groups in private tours are smaller in size, so you will have the full attention of the guide during your visit to Chantilly. Private tours may also include a meal and can be customized based on your preferences and interests.

What is the average cost of a day trip from Paris to Chantilly?

Guided tours to Chantilly usually cost between €120 and €350 per person, which includes transportation and the services of a guide. For a family day trip to Chantilly, expect to pay about €330 per adult, with children being free.

The cost of a private tour to Chantilly ranges from €120 to €400 per person, depending on the size of the group and type of transportation, the places visited and the duration of the guided tour.

You can also skip the line for the chateau by paying €17 per person.

What will you see and do?

Château de Chantilly

Although not as known as the Palace of Versailles or the Château de Fontainebleau, the Château de Chantilly is widely considered one of the most beautiful castles near the French capital.

It was built in the 18th century and was home to Henri d’Orléans, Duke of Aumale and son of the last king of France. As such, the castle is steeped in history and features an impressive art collection.

The castle is also complimented by an impressive garden that was designed by landscape architect André Le Nôtre with a terrace and grand canal.

Condé Museum

During your tour of the Château de Chantilly grounds, you will also have the opportunity to visit the Condé Museum There you will find one of the largest collections of paintings in the country, as well as a library with thousands of rare books and manuscripts.

Established by Prince Henri d'Orléans, the Duke of Aumale, the museum's collection is primarily focused on Italian and French master artists. Among them are works by Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, Nicolas Poussin and Antoine Watteau.

Great Stables and Living Museum of the Horse

As horse racing has played an important part in Chantilly's history, a visit to the Great Stables - the largest in Europe - and the Living Museum of the Horse is highly recommended.

Located on the chateau grounds are the Great Stables, an 18th century architectural masterpiece where horses are trained to this day. Impressive equestrian demonstrations are also performed regularly and are not to be missed.

The Living Museum of the Horse is dedicated to equine history and art, while also exploring our relationship with horses.

Asterix Park

While Asterix might not quite be on the same level as Mickey Mouse, the Asterix Park gives Disneyland a run for its money. Located in Plailly, the theme park is a short drive from Chantilly, making it an ideal stop on a family excursion.

As expected, the park is based on the iconic creation of Uderzo and Goscinny, resembling the Gaul village from the comic’s pages. There you will find many familiar characters and you can enjoy over 40 fun-packed rides and shows.

When is the best time to visit Chantilly?

The best time to visit Chantilly is during the summer, from June through August. Crowds can be large during the high season, so a visit in late spring or early autumn may be more relaxed.

What other day trips are there from Paris?

• Day trips to Giverny from Paris
• Day trips to Normandy from Paris
• Day trips to Mont Saint Michel from Paris

Know before you go

• There are many places to visit on foot in Chantilly, so pack a pair of comfortable shoes.
• Chantilly is known worldwide for being the birthplace of whipped cream, so don't forget to try the real deal from one of the village pastry shops.
• The major sites and shows in Chantilly can get quite busy during the tourist season, so book your tickets in advance.