Great Stables (Grandes Écuries de Chantilly)

The Basics

The Great Stables of Chantilly, just north of Paris, are a masterpiece of neo-classical architecture and are the largest—and certainly most luxurious—horse stables in Europe. Spanning some 43,000 square feet (4,000 square meters), the stables have wooden stalls for 250 horses and kennels for several packs of hounds.

Travelers may have an immersive experience at the Château de Chantilly. Excellent audio guides allow visitors to explore the entire château and grounds, the Museum of the Horse, and of course, the grand stables. Additionally, ticket holders experience a 30-minute equestrian show underneath the dome of the Great Stables, with its circular manège and spectators' stands that accommodate 600 people. Finish a perfect day at the restaurant for a Renaissance-themed meal.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Suitable for solo travelers, couples, and families; horse lovers especially.
• Wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are vast.
• Admission is US$17 for tickets, which gives access to the château, grounds, stables, museum, and includes audio guide and a dressage demonstration.
• Special exhibits and audio guides cater to children.
• A restaurant and cafe are on site.

How to Get There

Great Stables of Chantilly (Grandes Écuries de Chantilly) is in the city of Chantilly, about 34 miles (55 kilometers) directly north of the center of Paris. The easiest way to reach the attraction is by RER train from Gare du Nord in Paris; expect the trip to the Chantilly-Gouvieux station to take about 20 minutes and then an additional 15 minutes to walk to the château. The drive from Paris is about 1 hour; park and then make the same walk to the site.

When to Get There

Great Stables of Chantilly (Grandes Écuries de Chantilly) is open November - March, Wednesday - Monday, 10:30am - 5pm, and daily from April - October, 10am - 6pm. Chantilly is a place of wonder and beauty at any time of the year, as each season brings its own charms. The best weather is from late spring through early fall, May through September. Come in May for the annual Chantilly Flower Show when growers, collectors, landscapers, professionals descend upon the château.

Museum of the Horse (Musée du Cheval)

Recently renovated, the Museum of the Horse on the premises of the château at Chantilly is one of the few museums in the world dedicated entirely to horses. Displays examine the historical relationship between man and horse through times of war and peace and are crammed with equine portraits and sculptures, gaily painted carriages, carousel horses and racing trophies–but the highlight is getting up close and personal with several rare breeds of horses and ponies.

Ways to explore

Travelers may have an immersive experience in Chantilly, exploring not only the Great Stables but the entire château and its grounds—a space so expansive that it’s possible to book 2-day tickets. Tours from Paris let you take in the Living Museum of the Horse, which occupies most of the Great Stables, and watch one of the spectacular equestrian shows underneath the dome. Some packages include a meal at one of the château’s restaurants.

Accessibility

The Great Stables have an uneven paved floor, which makes wheelchair access difficult, but the Living Museum of the Horse is accessible, with adapted bathrooms. Call ahead to reserve wheelchair-friendly seating at the shows.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Forget the carrots and sugar lumps: These horses aren’t for petting.

What to wear

Wear comfortable shoes to cover at least a fraction of the grounds.

Not allowed

There’s a strict no-photos rule during equestrian shows and performances.

Amenities

Eateries, restrooms, shop, baby-changing facilities

Address

The Great Stables form part of the Château de Chantilly in the small town of Chantilly, about 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Paris.

Driving

If you’re driving from Paris, get onto the Périphérique then follow the A1 toll road north. Take exit 7 to the D16 (signed Chantilly), then follow signs to Château de Chantilly.

Public transportation

The château is about a 25-minute walk, a 10-minute bus ride, or a 5-minute taxi ride from Chantilly-Gouvieux station (RER line D). Mainline trains also run from Paris’ Gare du Nord.

Best times to visit

During the high season (late March to late October), the stables are open 10am–6pm; in the winter, they’re open 12pm–5pm. Equestrian shows are usually around 2:30pm.

Best days to visit

The château, grounds, and stables are closed on Tuesdays.

Best months to visit

Peak season (July and August) sees the grounds in their full glory, with more frequent equestrian performances and fun family activities.

Special events

Festivals and special events: Look for Chantilly’s annual flower show, the Journée des Plantes de Chantilly, in May, when the château’s grounds become a riot of color.