Chantilly and six neighbouring communes form an urban area of 36,474 inhabitants (1999 census).
The Chateau de Chantilly was home of the princes of Condé, cousins of the kings of France. Chantilly is also known for its horse racing track, the Chantilly racecourse, and the Living Museum of the Horse, with stables built by the Princes of Condé. In 1995 Chantilly twinned with the racing town of Epsom and Ewell in Surrey, England.
Chantilly gave its name to Chantilly cream, popularised by the chef of the princes of Condé, François Vatel.