Chantilly, about 40 kilometres north of Paris, is famous for its château, its forest and its racecourse. To this day the town is still surrounded by a vast forest, where kings and nobles once hunted, and horse races are still held here regularly every year. Outside the Château de Chantilly, the French formal garden drawn and designed by Le Nôtre, the designer of Versailles, and the English garden spread around the fountains vie in beauty with the Anglo-Chinese garden among the criss-crossing canals.

The Forêt de Chantilly covers more than 6,000 hectares, and on this 15.7 km hike we will explore every aspect of it. Chantilly cream, renowned throughout France, is also named after this château. Chantilly cream is made by whipping the fresh cream of full-fat milk until it is mousse-like. Sugar and vanilla are usually added during whipping. When the hike is over, don't forget to call in at a local shop to taste authentic Chantilly cream!