Hello Autumn in Paris: Your 5-Day Magical Journey - Day Three
𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲-𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗻 🍁 𝗜𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗿𝘆 - Day THREE.
Day Three: Let's visit a French Chateau! Castles, Forests, Antiques, and Autumn Vibes.
9:06 AM - Don't let the idea of leaving Paris intimidate you, as my BEST and favorite memories in France are of day trips like this. If you can ride the metro, you can take a train for this trip to Château de Chantilly.
It's super easy, and, FYI, I have tutorial videos (see below) on both the Paris metro (two videos!) AND a video on how to use the trains in France.
This is a super-fast train ride, only 26 minutes direct.
I suggest using the app Trainline to book your ticket in advance - it's only about 6 euros one way at the time of this post.
Why Château de Chantilly?
The chateau has the 2nd largest art collection outside of the Louvre minus the crowds
The Royal stables horse show should not be missed if you like horses.
Quick commute. It's only 26 min from Paris.
Of course, the castle is a magical and historical place to visit. Be sure to open the cupboards in the butler's pantry! The porcelain china…. Wow.
Loads of restaurants to choose from, some Michelin.
Antique stores.
Walks in the forest. I also recommend horseback riding with Henson. They have exclusive rights to use the chateau grounds.
Féte des plantes. If you can time it, they have an EPIC annual garden festival on the property in spring and autumn (October 6-8, 2023). I shared a video on this back in May - see my YouTube channel, link in bio. Absolutely magical for any gardener.
Take the 9AM train from Paris Gare du Nord, and you'll arrive into Chantilly in less than a half hour.
Train station address: 18 Rue de Dunkerque, 75010 Paris
9:32 AM arrive in Chantilly. The tourist shuttle to take you to the castle will be waiting. It leaves at 9:45 AM.
If you enjoy riding horses, check out the company Henson. They have exclusive, epic horseback rides through the grounds of Chateau Chantilly!
Did you arrive after that? No problem. Walking only takes 20 minutes and is flat. Or you can taxi or wait for the next shuttle.
9:50 AM - Arrive at Château de Chantilly. You can buy your tickets to both the castle and the horse show online, in advance.
The castle hosts various events, concerts, shows, temporary exhibits, and programs throughout the year. So, check their website and ticketing page to see what else is happening.
The horse show is usually in the afternoon. So...
12:00 PM - Lunch. Right outside the castle and across the street from the stables, I recommend two restaurants for you to try. I also recommend booking reservations as both are in demand, and you want to ensure you get your lunch promptly.
Le Bouchon Gourmand
22 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
Closed Sunday and Monday
Le Vertugadin
44 Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
Lunch Wed through Sunday
2:30 PM - Attend the horse show at the historic stables across the street.
If horse shows aren't your thing, consider a stroll through the Chantilly forest to kick the leaves and breathe the fresh air, walk the stunning canals, or go antiquing!
4 PM - On your way back to the train station, wander along main street shops and stop into Mathias Bon Studio. With table art, decor, and antiques, this little shop will surely have a treasure to take back home!
Rue du Connétable, 60500 Chantilly
4:45 PM - The walk back to the train station is a simple, flat, fifteen-minute stroll outside the Chantilly hippodrome. Keep an eye out for a horse race!
5:30ish PM (depending on train schedule that day) - Return to Paris and a half hour later, you're back in the heart of Lutece.
