Chantilly Horses: Riding the Château Grounds in Rare Silence
To experience Chantilly on horseback is to step inside its living mythology. Here, horses are not ornament but inheritance - moving freely through canals, forests, and royal grounds with quiet authority. This day unfolded as a rare privilege, shaped by trust, access, and the profound stillness that comes only when history opens its gates. Chantilly reveals its truest self from the saddle.
Henson has exclusive access and rights to the Chateau grounds, and I had the rare opportunity to go on a ride solo with Henson teammate Marion. We started the ride along the canal, cut through town, and up past the hippodrome. Marion entered a secret code, and the back gates of the Chateau swung wide open. We spent the morning galloping through the park without a single soul in sight.
If my heart wasn't already full enough after that experience, I waved goodbye to Marion and my horse and hurried over to the Grand Ecuries. It was time to see the famous horse show in Chantilly! You'll find a video on this experience at the end of the article. Even if you are not a fan of the horse, visitors of any age will find this spectacle mesmerizing.
A mille merci to Atelier Tours for creating such a magical stay. I cannot wait to return for another weekend of horses, great food, and awesome company.
Best Of Chantilly
Visit - Auberge du Jeu de Paume Hotel
4 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
Lavish 18th-century–style rooms featuring antiques and original artwork. Restaurants, spa, and pool. Website.Eat - Le Vertugadin Restaurant
44 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
A cozy French bistro with an excellent wine list. The pepper steak is a beloved classic. Advance reservations recommended. Website.Shop - Living Museum of the Horse
Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
Both the Grand Stables and the Château offer expansive gift shops with books, fabrics, collectibles, artwork, china, and more. Website.Drink - Hubault 1539 Wine Shop
12 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
Over 400 wines and champagnes. Anthony Hubault, MOF sommelier finalist (2015), speaks both French and English.
