Chantilly, France : the Grand Chateau

France has hundreds of chateaus that were built by its kings, princes, nobles and wealthy families in the past centuries. Many of them are still maintained in their graceful state.  Along the Lori Valley and around Paris, you can visit these beautiful chateaus.  I have been to five of them, including the famous Chateau of Versailles.  Recently, my wife and I visited the Grand Chateau in Chantilly.  Its architectural beauty and rich cultural contents are just stunning.

Chantilly had been developed initially on a small island in the marsh area.  After significant efforts of the de Montmorency family since the 16th century and then reconstruction by the due d'Aumale, Before the death of due d'Aumale in 1897, he bequeathed Chantilly and his collections to the Institut de France.  Chantilly is a master show piece for the French arts and cultures.  I will  compare Chantilly to Versailles and Louvre. 

(The Grand Chateau of Chantilly)

(Beautiful French garden with fountains and waterways)

(Status of hunting dogs guarding the chateau entrance)

What impressed me most is not its architectural beauty, it is the cultural artifacts kept in Chantilly.  It is home of the Conde Museum which has beautiful gallery of paintings.  Its rich collections of French, Italian, Flemish and German art works from the 15th to 19th centuries are only next to the Louvre Museum.

(The art gallery exhibits many great European paintings)



(The famous painting of Raphael - The Three Graces)

(Eugene Fromentin's Hunting for Heron)

(Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres's Venus Anadyomene)

Chantilly also has invaluable collections of illuminated manuscripts and rare books.  It has maintained a professional team to manage its great library and archives. 

(The Library)

(Professional archives team at work)

Besides arts and cultural works, Chantilly also has the Grand Stables.  Its famous equestrian training and house demonstrations bring further fame to the Chantilly.  If you are in Paris, do not spend all your time inside the city for its great food and leisurely goods.  Chantilly is just an hour ride from Paris.

(The Grand Stables and racing course)