Hippodrome de Chantilly
Historic racecourse near Paris, famed for the elegant Prix de Diane and morning horse training.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience France's most elegant race
Hippodrome de Chantilly
Best Time
Experience France's most elegant race
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic racecourse near Paris, famed for the elegant Prix de Diane and morning horse training.
"A beautiful setting with exciting races and a great overall experience."
🎯 Book Race Day Tickets Early
Major events like the Prix de Diane sell out fast. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on race days. Opt for stylish yet practical footwear.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Prix de Diane
Hippodrome de Chantilly
France's most elegant horse race, a blend of fashion, tradition, and top-level racing since 1843.
Morning Training Sessions
Hippodrome de Chantilly tracks
Witness the dedication of horses and jockeys during early morning training on the pristine tracks.
Rooftop Bar Chez Moïa
Hippodrome de Chantilly
Enjoy panoramic views and a vibrant atmosphere at this rooftop bar, open on Saturdays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting Around Chantilly
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Race Day Tickets Early
Major events like the Prix de Diane sell out fast. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on race days. Opt for stylish yet practical footwear.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Parking is generally well-managed and easy on race days, making arrival and departure stress-free.
🎩 Dress for Elegance
The Prix de Diane is a fashion event! Think chic outfits and stylish hats for a memorable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Race Day Tickets Early
Major events like the Prix de Diane sell out fast. Secure your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially on race days. Opt for stylish yet practical footwear.
🚗 Parking Convenience
Parking is generally well-managed and easy on race days, making arrival and departure stress-free.
🎩 Dress for Elegance
The Prix de Diane is a fashion event! Think chic outfits and stylish hats for a memorable experience.
💰 Food Can Be Pricey
While the experience is great, food and drink prices can be high. Consider a picnic if allowed or budget accordingly.
🐴 Horse Museum Nearby
Combine your visit with the nearby horse museum for a deeper dive into equestrian history.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Hippodrome de Chantilly for its fantastic atmosphere, beautiful setting, and well-organized events, especially during the prestigious Prix de Diane. The facilities are noted as clean and well-maintained. However, some find the food and drink prices to be high relative to quality, and access on foot can be challenging.
"Great Experience at the Diane Races in Chantilly
I visited the Hippodrome de Chantilly with my daughter for the yearly Diane races, and we had a lovely day! The event was very well organized, with smooth entry, clear signage, and helpful staff who were friendly and professional. Parking was easy and well managed, which made arriving and leaving stress-free.
The atmosphere was fantastic — a beautiful setting, exciting races, and a great overall experience. The facilities were clean and well maintained, which we really appreciated during such a busy event.
The only downside was the food: prices were quite high, and unfortunately the quality didn’t really match the cost. That said, it didn’t take away from what was otherwise a wonderful day out. We’re already looking forward to next year!"
Tatiana Majerus
"A very nice course not far from the town, horse museum and the chateau"
Michael Finch
"Very difficult approach by foot due to a lack of footpaths. The racecourse and facilities are good."
Craig Briggs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Hippodrome de Chantilly is about an hour's drive from Paris. Public transport options might involve a combination of trains and local buses, so it's advisable to check routes and schedules in advance. Driving is often the most straightforward option.
Accessing the Hippodrome de Chantilly on foot can be difficult due to a lack of dedicated footpaths, making it less ideal for pedestrians. Driving or using local transport is recommended.
Parking at the Hippodrome de Chantilly is generally well-organized and easy to manage, especially on race days, contributing to a stress-free arrival and departure experience.
While cycling might be possible, the lack of dedicated footpaths could make the approach challenging. It's best to check local cycling routes and conditions beforehand.
Information on dedicated shuttle services can vary depending on the event. It's recommended to check the official Hippodrome de Chantilly website or event-specific details for any available transport assistance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the event. Major races like the Prix de Diane will have higher admission fees compared to regular race days or training sessions. It's best to check the official website for current pricing.
Tickets for the Hippodrome de Chantilly can typically be purchased online through the official website or authorized ticketing partners. On-site ticket sales may also be available, but booking in advance is recommended for popular events.
Opening hours are event-dependent. On race days, gates usually open a few hours before the first race. For non-race days or specific attractions like the rooftop bar, check the schedule.
For major events like the Prix de Diane, there's an emphasis on elegance and fashion, with many attendees wearing hats and stylish attire. For regular race days, smart casual is generally appropriate.
Policies on bringing outside food and drinks can vary by event. It's advisable to check the Hippodrome's regulations for specific events, as some may have restrictions.
🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere is described as fantastic, especially during major events like the Diane races, offering a beautiful setting with exciting races and a great overall experience.
The facilities at the Hippodrome de Chantilly are generally considered good, clean, and well-maintained, even during busy events.
Beyond the races, you can witness morning horse training sessions, enjoy the scenic views, and visit the rooftop bar Chez Moïa on Saturdays. The nearby horse museum and Chateau de Chantilly are also significant attractions.
Yes, families can enjoy the races and the atmosphere. Children from local schools have even performed at the hippodrome, indicating a family-friendly environment. 
The Prix de Diane is one of France's most prestigious and elegant horse races, held annually and known for its blend of high-level competition, fashion, and tradition.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Food options are available, but reviews suggest that while the quality is decent, prices can be quite high, and may not always match the cost.
Some visitors have noted that the quality of food doesn't always match the high prices. It's worth considering this when planning your dining budget for the day.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in the provided information. It's recommended to inquire directly with the food vendors on-site or check the Hippodrome's event details for menu information.
Picnic policies can vary. It's best to check the Hippodrome's specific rules for the event you are attending to see if bringing your own food is permitted.
The Chez Moïa rooftop bar is located at the Hippodrome de Chantilly and is open every Saturday from 3 PM to 11 PM, offering views and a lively atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The grandstands offer excellent vantage points for capturing the races. The elegant architecture of the hippodrome itself, especially during events like the Prix de Diane, provides beautiful backdrops.
Yes, morning training sessions offer fantastic opportunities for photographers to capture the power and grace of the horses and jockeys in action.
Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, professional or commercial photography might require special permits. Always check the venue's specific policies.
Popular shots include the stylish attendees with their hats, the elegant horses on the track, and the overall festive atmosphere of the event.
A telephoto lens can be very useful for capturing close-ups of the horses and jockeys during the races, especially from the grandstands.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Consider attending a less crowded race day or a specific family-oriented event if available. While food can be pricey, packing snacks or planning a picnic (if permitted) can help manage costs. The open spaces of the hippodrome also provide room for children to move around, making it a more enjoyable outing for everyone.
🥂 Fashion & Social Enthusiasts
+1Beyond the major races, the Rooftop Bar Chez Moïa offers a chic spot to enjoy views and a lively atmosphere, particularly on Saturday afternoons. It’s a great option for a more relaxed social experience with a sophisticated ambiance.
🏇 Horse Racing Aficionados
+1Don't miss the morning training sessions for an intimate look at the dedication involved in preparing racehorses. Observing the horses on the track during these quieter hours provides a deeper appreciation for the sport.
+1For those interested in the broader context, exploring the nearby horse museum and the Chateau de Chantilly offers a comprehensive dive into the region's deep equestrian roots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Prestige of the Prix de Diane
+1Winning the Prix de Diane is a significant achievement in the racing world, marking a filly as one of the best of her generation. The race embodies a timeless elegance, making it an unforgettable experience for spectators. It's a celebration of equestrian excellence, tradition, and the sophisticated French lifestyle, drawing crowds from Paris and beyond for a day of thrilling competition and social engagement.
+1Recent years have also seen historic moments, such as the first female jockey winning the prestigious race, highlighting the evolving nature of the sport while maintaining its cherished traditions. This blend of history, sport, and style makes the Prix de Diane a must-attend event for racing enthusiasts and fashion aficionados alike.
Morning Training: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes
+1This is a chance to see the horses in a more natural, less-crowded environment, providing excellent photographic opportunities. It’s a peaceful yet invigorating experience, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous preparation that goes into elite horse racing. Many visitors find this aspect of the hippodrome just as captivating as the races themselves, appreciating the raw beauty and effort involved.
+1While race days are filled with excitement and fanfare, the quiet focus of morning training reveals the deep bond between humans and horses, and the sheer hard work that underpins the sport. It’s a perspective that adds significant depth to understanding the world of horse racing at Chantilly.
Beyond the Track: Chantilly's Equestrian Heritage
Exploring these sites together provides a comprehensive understanding of Chantilly's significance in French history and culture, particularly its long-standing relationship with horse breeding and racing. The landscape itself, with its sprawling training grounds and elegant racecourse, is a testament to this enduring legacy.
Visitors can easily combine a day at the races with a visit to the Chateau and its gardens, creating a well-rounded experience that celebrates the beauty, history, and sport of horses in this iconic French setting. This synergy between the hippodrome and its historical surroundings makes Chantilly a unique destination for any horse lover.
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