Post by frederickwentworth on Aug 10, 2007 14:54:22 GMT -5
Hello all,
I thought I'd start a thread on day trips. Paris is a world in itself but there are marvellous places just outside the city.
I'll start with my favorite--Chantilly. Not so crowded as you might fear. The website is
www.chateaudechantilly.com/
You'll find all necessary info in English (how to get there, etc.). Please choose a fine day because the park is well worth a visit.
What's so special? It was the residence of the last king of France's 5th son, the duc d'Aumale who bequeathed it to the Institut de France at his death. This means that the chateau is now as it was at the end of the 19th C. Nothing can be moved, nothing can be lent. It gives an idea of what a princely house and collection looked like at that time (the chateau itself was completely rebuilt by its last owner). Obviously the way in which paintings and sculptures were presented is now an oddity--but an interesting one.
The art exhibited is just world class. Probably the most famous medieval manuscript in the world (Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry), three Raphael (two are truly outstanding), the most beautiful picture in the world in my opinion (Poussin's Massacre des innocent), two of the best paintings by Ingres (particularly a self-portrait), incredible statuary in the chapel, etc. This is the second most important art collection in France after the Louvre--without the crowds. This is really for true art lovers because you have plenty of time & space to look at those treasures.
Between visits to the incredible paintings take a strool in the park, admire the French garden reminiscent of Versailles, the English garden, the hameau ("hamlet") which predates the Petit Trianon but has all the regulatory cottages, peek at the painted interior of one of the cottages (an incredibly refined 18th C. decor of verdure), take tea with strawberries & cream at the little café, try to discover the lay-out and the "fabriques" of the Chinese garden and save some bread for the huge carp waiting for you in the lake under the bridge. Obviously this is not for yahoos who visit places in order to impress their friends. This is a highly civilized place for people willing to spend time to admire God's creation and man's genius.
The place is slightly run-down--it is in the hands of the Institut i.e. the French Academies and these respectable old ladies & gentlemen are not very competent financial managers--but it has incredible charm for those willing to take the time. Allow a full day. There are 2 fairly acceptable restaurants inside the chateau. Forget it if you are travelling with wild, unruly children or bored , sullen teenagers--farm them out to the in-laws. No picnics are allowed on the grounds but there is a very pleasant lawn next to the car park with a fine view of the chateau (chilled champagne for two). Very special, very romantic. You won't regret leaving Paris for a day.
FW
I thought I'd start a thread on day trips. Paris is a world in itself but there are marvellous places just outside the city.
I'll start with my favorite--Chantilly. Not so crowded as you might fear. The website is
www.chateaudechantilly.com/
You'll find all necessary info in English (how to get there, etc.). Please choose a fine day because the park is well worth a visit.
What's so special? It was the residence of the last king of France's 5th son, the duc d'Aumale who bequeathed it to the Institut de France at his death. This means that the chateau is now as it was at the end of the 19th C. Nothing can be moved, nothing can be lent. It gives an idea of what a princely house and collection looked like at that time (the chateau itself was completely rebuilt by its last owner). Obviously the way in which paintings and sculptures were presented is now an oddity--but an interesting one.
The art exhibited is just world class. Probably the most famous medieval manuscript in the world (Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry), three Raphael (two are truly outstanding), the most beautiful picture in the world in my opinion (Poussin's Massacre des innocent), two of the best paintings by Ingres (particularly a self-portrait), incredible statuary in the chapel, etc. This is the second most important art collection in France after the Louvre--without the crowds. This is really for true art lovers because you have plenty of time & space to look at those treasures.
Between visits to the incredible paintings take a strool in the park, admire the French garden reminiscent of Versailles, the English garden, the hameau ("hamlet") which predates the Petit Trianon but has all the regulatory cottages, peek at the painted interior of one of the cottages (an incredibly refined 18th C. decor of verdure), take tea with strawberries & cream at the little café, try to discover the lay-out and the "fabriques" of the Chinese garden and save some bread for the huge carp waiting for you in the lake under the bridge. Obviously this is not for yahoos who visit places in order to impress their friends. This is a highly civilized place for people willing to spend time to admire God's creation and man's genius.
The place is slightly run-down--it is in the hands of the Institut i.e. the French Academies and these respectable old ladies & gentlemen are not very competent financial managers--but it has incredible charm for those willing to take the time. Allow a full day. There are 2 fairly acceptable restaurants inside the chateau. Forget it if you are travelling with wild, unruly children or bored , sullen teenagers--farm them out to the in-laws. No picnics are allowed on the grounds but there is a very pleasant lawn next to the car park with a fine view of the chateau (chilled champagne for two). Very special, very romantic. You won't regret leaving Paris for a day.
FW
Let the riot begin! LOL - 
hahahha