Chantilly, the horse racing capital of France, has long been a favorite tourist destination because of its classy combination of château, park and forest. The Château, built on an island at the eastern edge of town, started to take shape in 1528 when the Connétable Anne de Montmorency had an older fortress replaced and added the Petit Château. During the reign of the Great Prince of Condé (1621 - 86) rennovation work continued and Le Nôtre (famous for the parks in Versailles) created a park and fountains. Destroyed during the French Revolution, the Grand Château was again rebuilt and finally replaced by a Renaissance-style château in 1876-81. Today the Grand Château and Petit Château form the Musée Condé, which amongst many treasures houses the famous 15th century illuminated manuscript Les Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry.
Culinary Art and Gastronomy School