The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis
Less than one hour from Paris, plunge into the heart of eight centuries of history and discover the splendour of the magnificent residence of a family of art collectors. The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis was the home of the Jacquemart – André, great art lovers and collectors.
The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis and Musée Jacquemart-André
A veritable Ali Baba’s cave of souvenirs brought back from their final trips, the Musée Jacquemart-André has over 6,000 works of art (furniture, paintings, sculptures, objets d’art…), dating from Antiquity to the 19th century. The romantic grounds and rose garden (in bloom in June) are ideal for a gentle stroll in the fresh air. History fans will love the ruins of the medieval abbey and the chapel of Sainte-Marie, decorated with frescoes by Primatice !
The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis has romantic scenery, medieval and Renaissance history, grounds ‘à la française’ with a rose garden, Espace Jean-Jacques Rousseau and collections from the Musée Jacquemart-André. In summer perfume workshops are held on Sundays.
Close-up on the grounds of Chaalis and its rose garden
Created by Nelly Jacquemart André at the turn of the 20th century, the rose garden at the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis is in the image of its creator, a haven of peace characterised by simplicity, gentleness, serenity and equilibrium. It is also beautifully colourful as all the roses are grouped together according to their hue along paths covering 3,500m². A wonderful feast for the eyes and for the nose too !
A super family activity : Perfume workshops !
Every Sunday from March to October, the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis runs perfume workshops for children and all the family. Head notes (eucalyptus…), heart notes (orange blossom, rose…) and base notes (benzoin resin…) are sniffed, commented and assessed. Then comes the moment of the ‘grand test', when children are given a strip dipped in a ‘mystery essence’ that they have to recognise. Then the children become mini laboratory assistants, full of excitement at the idea of taking home a perfume they have made themselves !
What to do near the Abbaye de Chaalis ?
The Abbaye Royale de Chaalis nestles at the heart of the Forêt d’Ermenonville, not far from the royal town of Senlis, and Domaine de Chantilly. Just opposite is « La Mer de Sable » an amusement park ideal for young children.
Enjoy a walk in the Forêt d’Ermenonville to recharge your batteries ! It is one of three forests in the Parc Naturel Régional Oise-Pays de France and adjoins that of Chantilly. The 3,300 hectares are a wonderful showcase of natural diversity and a great place for walking, mountain biking, and horse riding.
Also not far away is the Sentier des Ecrivains, a 10km discovery trail devoted to three well-known authors : starting from Abbaye de Chaalis or Ermenonville, discover the romantic scenery where Jean - Jacques Rousseau, Gérard de Nerval and Etienne Pivert de Sinancourt once walked. Texts (in French) by the writers guide visitors along the trail and there is also information about architecture, flora, fauna and geology.
Finally, the « Journées de la Rose (Rose Days) » are an annual show for garden professionals and rose lovers. Come and meet plant experts, rose growers, nurserymen, artists and tradesmen who offer advice and display their newest and best products.
""In June, the roses are in full bloom. This is the time we love walking in the rose garden. Such tranquillity, such scents, such colours … a real joy !” Gîtes de France Oise
Opening times
The grounds, rose garden, medieval abbey and chapel are open every day 10.00 – 18. 00 in summer, 10.00 – 17.30 in winter. Closed 25 December and 1 January.
The château-musée : 1 March – 11 November, open every day 11.00 – 18.00. 12 November – 28 February, open Sundays only 10.30 – 12.30, 13.30 -17.30.
How to get to the Abbaye Royale de Chaalis
The Abbaye is 10km from Senlis. Via A1 autoroute, exit n°7, follow Saint - Witz and Ermenonville, opposite La Mer de Sable. Via A1 from Lille, exit n°8, follow Ermenonville. Via N2 exit Le Plessis - Belleville then follow Ermenonville."
