What do you think of when you think of Visiting Paris ? The Eiffel Tower, perhaps, or the Arc de Triomphe. The shocking contrast between the Louvre and the shiny glass pyramid that now stands in its entrance? Maybe Montmartre and the narrow streets so little changed since 1900 when so many famous French artists lived there – because it was cheap. But you probably don’t think of French chateau – surely they are all in the Dordogne or the Loire Valley, aren’t they?
When you look beyond the famous Paris sights to the more subtle pleasures you probably think of romance, wandering hand in hand along the wide boulevards, distracted only by the expensive boutique; or the satisfying pleasure of sitting for hours in a cafe just doing nothing.
Travel a little north of the city, only about 40 kilometres, and you will find the remarkable Chateau Chantilly . A beautiful chateau, in part dating back to the 16th century, surrounded by a moat and very beautiful gardens, it is a lovely way to escape from the bustle of Paris for a while.
But why is it remarkable? Is it for the stables – 180 metres long (that is VERY long) and more luxurious than almost all houses? Or the incredible art collection, second only to the Louvre for historical paintings?
No, the reason I say it is incredible is because…it is only a little over 100 years old! Yes there is a ’small chateau’ dating from the 17th century, but the main chateau you see was built at the end of the 19th century, the original Chateau Chantilly having been damages and demolished. My guess is you wouldn’t guess unless you have an eye for detail.
The question is, does it matter?
Would it matter if you went to see the Mona Lisa, appreciated its many qualities, and then were afterwards told that you had looked at a perfect copy - because the original had been taken away for security reasons? Would you care if you found that your much-loved signed copy of a well-known book had actually been signed by the authors assistant because the writer was too busy?
I fear that the answer is yes, it does matter – our appreciation of a work of art is dependent on the history it carries, our proximity to the artist it brings. But for all that, cast this knowledge that Chantilly Chateau is not ‘old’ out of your mind, take the trouble to get there, and you will be very glad you did!
