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On Sunday, we took the RER train to Gare du Nord, then transferred to the Grande Ligne en route to the Domain de Chantilly, one of the grand estates outside Paris.Â
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The Conde family, who owned the estate for most of the last 400 years, was a branch of the royal Bourbon clan and closely related to the French crown. The enormous estate reflects their former glory (and provides a lovely window into the impetus behind French Revolution).
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Dogs were a Theme.
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Horses were a Theme.
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Killing things using dogs and horses was a Major Theme, in multiple artistic media.
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But I shall spare you the gory details.
The grounds include a very large stable complex, now used for dressage performances, with a marvelous museum of the horse.
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The interiors are…well, let me just say I’m glad I don’t have to be the one to dust. The last Conde Prince, aka the Duke of Aumale, amassed an art collection as large – or larger – than the Louvre’s.
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I did enjoy the Oriental Monkeys.
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And I now think every home should include its own modest place of worship.
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‘Twas a relief to tour the grounds – which were extensive and exquisite.
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The backside of the estate had some surprising residents.
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But the greatest glory was Les Journées des Plantes de Chantilly – the annual Chantilly Flower show. Ooh, la la!
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And then there was the garden art. Oh, for a larger overhead compartment!
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