The Chantilly Castle, constructed by Louis Joseph in the 16th century, underwent significant changes throughout history. Following the French Revolution in the 18th century, it became the property of the nation. Initially serving as a prison, the castle underwent a renovation in 1815. Now it houses a vast library, featuring numerous art exhibition rooms. The Chantilly Castle covers a vast area of 8,000 hectares (19,768 acres), boasting breathtaking ancient architecture. Its courtyard encompasses charming fountains, mesmerizing ponds, and a splendid park.
On September 4th, 2016, the Château de Chantilly provided an extraordinary backdrop for a remarkable convergence of automotive masterpieces, hailed as works of art by car enthusiasts. This prestigious event attracted renowned names and renowned brands from around the world.
The castle hosted three captivating exhibitions. Firstly, the “The Grand Condé, rival of the Sun King?” exhibition took place in the Jeu de Paume hall. It showcased over 120 significant historical works and documents, including renowned pieces borrowed from various prominent museums in France and beyond. Enthusiasts and participants were captivated by this event, which paid homage to the greatest artists in the history of the automotive industry and the art world.
Next, the Concours d’Elegance exhibition evaluated automobiles designed by emerging car designers, focusing on their aesthetic beauty. The winning car was the DS E-Tense, accompanied by a model adorned in a dress created by Eymeric François.
Lastly, the Concours d’État focused on meticulously evaluating hundreds of vehicles based on criteria such as restoration quality, current condition, and historical significance. The ultimate accolade, known as the Richard Mille “Best of Show,” was bestowed upon the iconic 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B.
The event also featured the Concours des Clubs, where 800 cars from 40 different car clubs faced scrutiny, not only for their appearance and restoration quality but also for their artistic presentation, reminiscent of scenes from idyllic paintings such as “picnic on the grass.”
In 2017, the luxury watch brand Richard Mille and Peter Auto will co-host the fourth iteration of this splendid event on September 10th at the Château de Chantilly. Car enthusiasts from all corners of the globe are invited to partake in this grand celebration of automotive excellence.
Chantilly Arts & Élégance – Where Cars, Art, and Elegance Converge
The third edition of the Chantilly Ars & Élégance competition took place at the Daine de Chantilly castle, becoming the perfect convergence of world-class artists and awe-inspiring artistic vehicles.
