Horseback riding at Château de Chantilly was our favorite experience in France.
Table of Contents
Horseback Ride at Château de Chantilly (Vlog)
During our honeymoon in France, our favorite experience wasn’t touring the château itself, but horseback riding near Château de Chantilly.
This riding experience gave us a deeper appreciation of France’s equestrian culture. Beyond the joy of riding, we also learned a great deal about horses throughout the process.
How to Book a Horseback Riding Experience at Château de Chantilly
About Château de Chantilly
🗺️ Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EuEKKUaVEYKYkd9k7
The history of Château de Chantilly dates back to the 14th century. More than just a château, it has long been a center of culture and art. Riding horses here, surrounded by its landscapes, feels like stepping back in time.
Located about one hour north of Paris, Château de Chantilly is one of France’s most renowned historic estates and is home to the magnificent Grandes Écuries (Great Stables). Chantilly has long been an important hub for French equestrian and horse racing culture, and even today, equestrian shows, events, and major horse racing competitions continue to take place here.
Chantilly is also known as the birthplace of crème Chantilly (Chantilly cream). According to tradition, it was created by a chef at the château and served at lavish banquets for kings and nobility.
Booking Details & Tour Information
We initially checked the Château de Chantilly website, but found that horseback riding slots were not available every day and the schedule was quite limited.
Instead, we booked directly through the equestrian center Henson’s official website, which offered far more date and time options and made planning much easier. Online payment by credit card was straightforward, and the booking process went smoothly. After booking, we received a confirmation email with full details, including the meeting time and location.
The horseback riding experience includes:
- Approximately 1.5 hours of riding
- About 1.5 hours of preparation, including leading the horse, grooming, and saddling
Price: €63 per person (2025).
As this is a popular activity, booking in advance through the Henson website is highly recommended.
HENSON Meeting Point
📍 Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UvfbpMwJ22nV1QBR8
We departed from Gare du Nord in Paris at 08:06 on a TER train, arrived at Chantilly-Gouvieux, and then walked about 30 minutes to the meeting point. (There is a shuttle bus from the château, but for some reason we didn’t take it.) Arriving well before the 10:00 meeting time was no problem at all.
At first glance, the HENSON meeting point looks like a parking area. Once inside through a small gate, however, you’ll find a storage space filled with equestrian equipment. After checking in at the counter (they speak English!), staff will guide you to change boots and select a helmet.
Before the Ride: Leading, Grooming, and Saddling the Horse
Before riding, each participant leads their own horse, grooms it, and saddles it. This was one of my favorite parts of the experience. The horses are friendly, accustomed to human interaction, and their coats are incredibly soft. Grooming them was surprisingly calming and therapeutic.
At the meeting point, the instructor observes each rider’s build and asks about riding experience before assigning a suitable horse. We then carried our assigned saddles to the pasture across the way to lead our horses back.
One detail I really appreciated is that the horses here do not use bits (a Threads user, ching_wh_0224, mentioned these are bitless bridles). For visitors, this reduces the risk of accidentally hurting a horse’s mouth due to unfamiliar handling.
Many of the horses have distinctive markings—a straight line running from their backs to their tails, resembling a chipmunk. Every horse had an exceptionally soft coat, with a wonderful texture to the touch.
Switching to the Forest Route
Originally, the riding route was planned toward the château gardens. However, due to a triathlon event (and even a medieval parade!) taking place that day, the route was changed to the forest instead.
The ride required crossing streets, which made more sensitive horses (like mine…) a bit nervous. That said, France truly lives up to its reputation as an equestrian country—drivers and pedestrians were extremely considerate. One woman even picked up her dog to avoid startling the horses.
The change in route turned out to be a blessing. Riding through the forest was incredibly comfortable and natural. The trails were wide, the pace relaxed, and it didn’t feel like a guided “experience,” but rather like following a horse along a familiar, everyday path. At one point, the instructor briefly allowed the horses to trot so everyone could experience the rhythm of a faster gait.
Riding Experience & Overall Review
Including preparation and wrap-up, the entire experience lasted about three hours, with around 1.5 hours spent riding. Considering the quality and depth of the experience, the price felt more than reasonable.
This wasn’t a thrilling or heavily staged activity—it was calm, grounded, and natural. It’s suitable for beginners or those who have never ridden before, and riders with prior experience will also appreciate the rhythm and atmosphere.
How to Plan the Perfect Day
We went horseback riding in the morning, then returned to the château area in the afternoon to explore and watch the equestrian show at the Great Stables (tickets sold separately). It was the perfect way to spend an entire day centered around horses.
If you’re planning a trip to France, don’t miss Château de Chantilly—and highly consider booking a horseback riding experience here.
More Horseback Riding Experiences
Interested in outdoor horseback riding in Taiwan or Japan?
From beaches and river trekking to forest trails, you can experience a wide variety of riding environments across different regions.