Planning to visit Chantilly as a day trip from a Paris on a Sunday in March. I'm not clear on what the difference is between taking the SNCF versus the RER? Is it strictly a timing decision or are there other differences we should be aware of? I'm guessing that in March there isn't much need to book in advance, but please let me know if that is the wrong assumption!

Regarding the Chateau visit, very interested in the Stables and see conflicting information as to whether the stable demonstrations are available in March? (They haven't responded to inquiry). Most likely visit date is Mar 12. Anyone have any information on this aspect of the Chateau?

Lastly, has anyone done the Whipped Cream Workshop? Is it fun / worthwhile??

Merci d'avance!

The stables seem to be open - except Tuesday.
https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/eve...emonstrations/
The "dates" they are open are for 2022. Hope that it is not closed for repairs. It was a few decades ago just before we visited.

Note that the interior of the Chateau is mainly an art gallery.

Not too sure why one would go all the way to France to learn how to make whipped cream. But if you have excess time - why not?

Stu Dudley

There is no RER to Chantilly -- it is a TER with a set schedule. Travel time is about 23 minutes.

I completely agree, that's kind of why I was asking! : )

Thanks for this. The Chateau de Chantilly lists 2 options from Gare du Nord (1 noted as SNCF and the other as RER) which is why I'm a little confused. Is the TER the SNCF line then?

https://chateaudechantilly.fr/en/access/

I confess that I was wrong -- it is indeed the RER D that goes to Chantilly. In any case, all of the local train lines are operated by the SNCF. There is no booking in advance for the RER. You just get your ticket out of one of the machines.

The living horse museum and the château are equally fascinating but in completely different ways. They are conveniently located directly across from each other.

The walk to and from the station is quite lengthy, but there is a free shuttle bus. I preferred to walk upon arriving because it is interesting to see whatever is along the way, but I (we) had walked enough after the visits and were happy to wait for the bus to return us to the station. It stops in front of the main château gate.

One important thing to know is that even though Chantilly is on an RER line, it is beyond the Paris metropolitan area fare zones, so a Navigo pass is not valid to go there. You have to buy a ticket for Paris-Chantilly from Gare du Nord. Even I think that it feels unfair since the zones go "almost" far enough. (Yes you could get off the train at the last Navigo valid station and get a train from there to Chantilly, but you would lose a huge amount of time.)

This is all so helpful, thank you!

I will be there April 8, no horse show until April 9. Cream event only on certain days and times. There is one event on Sunday March 12 at 2 and 4 with 20 spots left. Sometimes what I do if I am unclear if the event I want is available is click to book and see what comes up.

You can also take a polo lesson in Chantilly polo club and perhaps watch a game.

Couldn't venture to Chantilly due to the strikes... sorry I don't have updated info / recommendations to post! Thanks to all for the input.

If anyone can unravel the French train system, it is the famous Man in Seat 61.

https://www.seat61.com/train-travel-in-france.htm