On this exceptional site, fully stocked with game birds, a small chateau was built at the end of the 12th century. At the end of the 15th century, the existing chateau was constructed next to the original building.

During the French Revolution, much of the chateau was destroyed but in 1840, the Duc d'Aumale, who inherited Chantilly, undertook major restoration work to restore the building to all its former splendor.

Babelon recounts the fascinating history of the place and its occupants. With reference to numerous documents, architectural plans, portraits and magnificent up-to-date photographs, he demonstrates the development of Chantilly through the centuries, the rival to Versailles.