Hippodrome, Chantilly

National GeographicJun 25, 2025

These 3 cities near Paris deserve more than a day trip

If they weren’t eclipsed by the City of Light, Versailles, Chantilly, and Fontainebleau would be pilgrimages in their own right. Here’s why they’re worth an overnight stay. Chantilly, Fontainebleau, ...

19th-century racecourse hosts close to 200 annual races

23 things in this story

Chateau de ChantillyAttractionrestored Renaissance masterpiece with gardens
Condé MuseumMuseumon-site museum with painting masterpieces
The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of BerryPlace15th-century prayerbook known as the "Mona Lisa of manuscripts"
Le Hameau restaurantRestaurantserves crème Chantilly in thatched-roof cottages
l'Atelier de la ChantillyRestauranttastes riffs on classic whipped cream
HippodromeSight19th-century racecourse hosts close to 200 annual races
Great StablesSight18th-century structure superior to palaces of several kings
Living Museum of the HorseMuseuminside the Great Stables
InterContinental ChantillyHotelsix miles away with contemporary decor
Elsewhere
LouvreMuseumParis, FranceFrance’s most important antique art museum
Chateau of VersaillesSightVersailles, Francemind-blowing in its grandeur
Chateau of FontainebleauSightFontainebleau, Francecoddled eight centuries’ worth of French monarchs
Marché Notre-DameMarketVersailles, Franceone of the region’s finest food markets
La Boutique RoyaleSightVersailles, Francesells Toile de Jouy fabrics, tableware, and goodies
OsmothèqueMuseumVersailles, Franceworld's largest fragrance archive
Quartier Saint-LouisNeighborhoodVersailles, Francehistoric district to explore
King’s Kitchen GardenSightVersailles, Francecreated in 1683 to supply the king's table
OreRestaurantVersailles, FranceAlain Ducasse's eatery in the Pavillon Dufour
La Petite VeniseRestaurantVersailles, Franceeatery on the Grand Canal
La Table du 11RestaurantVersailles, Francestandout dining option
Bistro du 11RestaurantVersailles, Franceby Michelin-starred chef Jean-Baptiste Lavergne-Morazzani
Xavier PinceminRestaurantVersailles, Francerestaurant overseen by French Top Chef winner
LafayetteRestaurantVersailles, Francepopular bistro

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Hippodrome

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These 3 cities near Paris deserve more than a day trip