A few steps from the Château de Chantilly (near Paris), beside the town’s famous racecourse, the Musée du Cheval is compelling even for those not specifically interested in horses.
Splendidly reworked in 2013 under the aegis of the Aga Khan Foundation, set up by the racehorse owner and breeder who has an estate nearby – the Museum of the Horse occupies the magnificent Grandes Écuries or Grand Stables that were built for Louis-Henri de Bourbon, 7th prince of Condé, by the architect Jean Aubert in the 18th century. Inside, you’ll find fascinating displays on horses throughout history and around the world, ranging from paintings and sculptures to ethnographic objects including children’s toys.
France tourist attraction : special interest for kids
Meanwhile, the Stables’ atmospheric 30-metre dome hosts spectacular equestrian displays showcasing haute-école horse training, including special family-oriented Christmas shows on a different theme each year. Visitors can also visit horses, donkey and ponies in their pens.
Musée du Cheval
Rue du Connétable
F-60500 Chantilly
Tel : +33 (0)3 44 27 31 80
