What to see in Chantilly

A world-class club just outside Paris, and Europe’s top tournament in September

Founded in 1995 by Patrick Guerrand-Hermès, the Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly has become one of the largest polo clubs in Europe, and even the world. Nestled in the heart of the Trois-Forêts area, around an 18th-century farm, it offers a spectacular setting, straight out of a postcard.

With nine grass fields, two sand arenas (including a brand-new all-weather arena), and a polo school open to all, the club welcomes both international champions and curious amateurs eager to discover this unique sport, somewhere between horse riding and hockey. As Sylvester Stallone once put it:

“Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake.”

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A little-known but spectacular sport

Polo impresses not only by its elegance but also by its sheer intensity: four riders per team, athletic horses fully engaged in the game, a ball flying at over 100 km/h, and breathtakingly precise moves.

Add to this the sharp Spanish banter – in the unique accent of South America – and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Argentina. Riders cheering from the sidelines, sipping mate tea; petiseros (grooms) wearing boinas; strings of five or seven horses exercised at dawn by a single horseman; Latin music echoing through the stables; and evening asados over open flames…
From spring to autumn, the Polo Club turns into a little Argentine enclave just outside Paris.

There is no need to be an expert to enjoy the matches, which are dynamic and easy to follow; the atmosphere is friendly, and spectators often picnic field-side, applaud great plays, and share a glass of champagne at halftime. Forget the elitist clichés: everyone’s welcome here.

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The Open de France is coming soon!

Every September, the club hosts the Open de France, the largest polo tournament in Europe at that time of year. Both men’s and women’s teams compete in parallel events, delivering high-level sport and unforgettable moments for a growing international audience.

Teams from around the world, Argentinian stars, flying ponies, and a breathtaking venue — the Open de France is not to be missed if you’re in Chantilly this autumn.

👉 2025 Dates: September 3–21

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Practical info

• 📍 Polo Club du Domaine de Chantilly – Apremont (10 min from La Maison du 18)
• 🚗 Free entry to most matches
• 🍾 Bar, food trucks, and weekend events
• http://www.poloclubchantilly.com