Chantilly

Chantilly is a commune in the Oise department in northern France. It is in the metropolitan area of Paris 38.4 km. (23.9 miles) north-northeast from the centre of Paris. Chantilly and six neighbouring communes form an urban area of 36,474 inhabitants (1999 census).

The Château de Chantilly was home of the princes of Condé, cousins of the kings of France. Chantilly is also known for its horse racing track, the Chantilly Racecourse, and the Living Museum of the Horse, with stables built by the Princes of Condé. In 1995 Chantilly twinned with the racing town of Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, England. Chantilly gave its name to Chantilly cream, popularised by the "maître d'hôtel"of the princes of Condé, François Vatel.

Take the A1 Autoroute du Nord (Paris - Lille motorway) - northwards from Paris, take the Chantilly exit, southwards from Lille, take the Survilliers exit. Alternatively, drivers can take the RN 16 or RN 17 trunk roads. Chantilly is usually less than one hour's drive from Paris (depending on traffic).