Home to the country’s largest collection of antique paintings after the Louvre, and to a Le Nôtre designed formal garden, the Château de Chantilly, near Paris, is at the heart of France’s horse capital. What better way to explore than on a horse?

Recharge your batteries as a couple and gain a unique perspective on local heritage by riding a local Henson horse around the glorious castle estate, appreciating its vivid autumnal colours. The Château de Chantilly was built in the 1400s before being rebuilt during the 1870s after its destruction in the French revolution.

A guided ride with Espace Equestre Henson is the perfect way to see the castle estate with its water features, statuary and forest – indeed, it’s the only way of seeing it in January, when it's closed to the public. Wonderful sites you’ll pass include Chantilly’s famous racecourse and the former ducal stables with their horse museum.

Bred in Picardy’s Baie de Somme, Hensons are placid horses ideal for helping you discover a rich and lovingly preserved cultural heritage.

Live Like a Prince

After giving your steed a brush-down, head to Le Hameau restaurant in a half-timbered cottage in the castle grounds to sample authentic crème Chantilly.

More gourmet delights and French art de vivre, plus a spa and pool, await you at the Château de Montvillargenne in neighbouring Gouvieux.