* This is truly one of the most magnificent castles in France, framed by a beautiful park, which was laid out by the great Andre Lenotre! The history of the estate begins in 1484, when Chantilly became the property of the Montmorency family. The greatest contribution to the creation of the architectural ensemble of the estate was made by Constable Anne de Montmorency, whose equestrian statue now stands in front of the entrance to the palace. In 1632, the grandson of the constable, Henry II de Montmorency, was put to death for assisting the rebellious Duke Gaston of Orleans. The confiscated estate passed to his sister Charlotte and her husband, the Prince de Conde. Their descendants continued to bear the title of Duke of Montmorency and lived in Chantilly until the 19th century. After the death of the last Prince of Conde in 1830, the castle was inherited by the Duke of Oml, who was an enthusiastic collector and art connoisseur. After his death, having no direct heirs, he bequeathed it along with his precious library and his entire collection of paintings and sculptures to the French Academy. Therefore, the castle houses the richest Conde Museum, founded during the duke's lifetime. The museum's collection is the second most important in France after the Louvre collection. Here are the famous "Three Graces" and "Madonna of Lorette" by Raphael, the mysterious posthumous portrait of Simonetta Vespucci, the hands of master Piero di Cosimo, French paintings of the 15th century by Engerand Carton and Pierre Vilat. In a separate room of the French Renaissance there is the largest collection of royal portraits in the world, the hands of master Clouet. The collection of 17th- 18th century French paintings contains five originals by the great classical artist Nicolas Poussin. Neoclassical and romantic 19th-century paintings by Ingres, Messonnier, Fromentin, and Delacroix are extensively represented. The castle houses the famous operating stables, where equestrian performances are now taking place and the Horse Museum is also located. You will be captivated by the beauty and elegance of this magnificent castle, its park ensemble and the wealth of its history and collection.