Chantilly’s grandstands face a setting shaped by the château, forest and Great Stables of the Princes de Condé. The architecture of the racecourse has its own links to that heritage: Honoré Daumet, architect of the château, rebuilt the stands in the nineteenth century. A later restoration renewed the grandstand and surroundings, retaining the sense that a day at the races takes place within a much older estate.
The racecourse is only the public centre of a much wider equestrian landscape. Chantilly’s training grounds extend into neighbouring communities, with extensive grass and sand gallops supporting a large population of racehorses. Behind the grandstands, the road was rerouted in the 2000s to make room for a new parade ring and weighing facilities.
Château de Chantilly. Explore the Condé Museum’s painting collection inside the château for an art-filled addition to a racing visit.
Château gardens. Continue outdoors through the formal and English gardens, where paths connect water, woodland and views of the estate.
Chantilly has 10,591 residents.
