A superb day at Chantilly thanks to Richard Mille

Sep 07, 2014,13:51 PM
 

Thanks to the staff of Richard Mille, I could spend today a full day at Chantilly to attend the Arts & Elegance event. This event proposes to dive into an universe of Luxury and Elegance, of Cars and Fashion in a stunning scenery: the Chateau de Chantilly located in  the north of Paris. Actually, the main purpose of this event is to organize a Concours d'Elegance made of three contests: a Concours d'Etat with some of the most impressive classic and racing cars in the world, a Concours d'Elegance which gives the opportunity to cars manufacturers to display their concept cars (in association with a Fashion brand for each of them) and the Grand Prix des Clubs which gives a prize to one of the Great Clubs which participate to the "Lunch on the Grass" party.

We all know the strong link between Richard Mille and the contemporary racing cars and pilots. Thanks to the use of innovative materials and the original lay-outs of the movements, the initial concept of Richard Mille watches was to give the feeling to the owners to have a racing machine on the wrist. It is the reason why I find the position of the brand as main partner of the Chantilly event very interesting.

The Chantilly event, even if contemporary and concept cars are present, is mainly focused on cars from the past. For Richard Mille, it gives the opportunity to be present in a territory which is at the same time familiar (high end cars) and remote. After all, we may think that a Richard Mille on the wrist while driving a car from the 30s would be strange. It is this kind of idea which has to be erased. A Richard Mille watch has its legitimity on the wrist of any cars lover. Of course, for Richard Mille himself, it is a way to express his love for classic cars and I can imagine how proud and happy he could be when his brand became the main partner of the event.

To sum up what I feel in a few words, this partnership has the main role to give a timeless side to the brand what is a key concept for a watches manufacture which embodies a very innovative and contemporary design.

Actually, and it is something I appreciated, Richard Mille didn't use the event to promote the watches: the Richard Mille Salon was located inside a wing of a mansion in front of the Chateau with a very exclusive access. This discreet approach, in my point of view, was the right one.

I shot so many pictures that it is impossible to post them all. I did a small selection of the cards which seduced me and believe me... it was a very hard job to reduce this list. It was today one of the most impressive gathering of cars I've ever seen even last year at the Villa d'Este.


The day started quite early when I took the shuttle from the Place de la Concorde to reach Chantilly. What a surprise! The shuttle was actually a Citröen bus from  1947! Its speed performance was quite low... but it wasn't a problem since they were a lot of traffic jams around Paris!




Just before leaving the Place de la Concorde, we met even older cars! From the 1st World War! The Taxis de la Marne are back!




After a two hours journey, we reached Chantilly:




I didn't need to have a small rest... I decided to plunge into the atmosphere of the Event as fast as possible.

Maserati is another partner and it is the reason why a lot of cars of the brand were parked just after the main entrance, thanks to the presence of Clubs:




Several famous italian brands were also present, I think I don't need to introduce them:








The Chateau:















I met a lovely lady with a RM010 on her wrist:



Some cars were coming from the Schlumpf collection:




Several concept-cars:
















I know now what is the purpose of a shooting-break car: you can safely put away your hat:




The classic and racing cars from the past:








A spectacular scenery:








I love these dashboards... do you notice the presence of St Christopher? The car is protected during its long journeys.
































The event mixed cars from different decades:
















































For me, one star of the show was this superb blue Talbot Lago:












French car!




But the most seducing car was for me this gorgeous Delahaye. I spent long minutes in front of it.












My fav picture!




Another prestigious brands...












































A Fiat 600 I appreciated:




I have a soft love for Facel Vega cars...




















I think that this car escaped from Logan's run... wink









































Let's discover the Richard Mille salon.

The guests could have a drink in this classy and relaxed atmosphere decorated with watches displays:















Frames with pictures of the ambassadors of the brand were hung on the walls:















Time was flying and I had to leave Chantilly....

I had a last glance on the Alfa-Romeo...




... and on the Chateau:




It was a superb event and I enjoyed it a lot. I would like to thank the Richard Mille team for the invitation, it was a true pleasure to spend this Sunday in this context... a feast for the eyes!

Fr.Xavier


This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-09-12 08:32:04 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-09-12 08:41:32 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2014-09-19 09:15:46


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Quite an eclectic mix of cars

 
 By: AndrewD : September 7th, 2014-14:19
Looks like you had fantastic weather, great photographs and some very interesting cars. A few of those hood ornaments would make short work of any pedestrians! The RM watches were very nicely displayed as well. Thanks for taking us along. Andrew

Thanks for the report Fr. X! It was a super event and sorry I could

 
 By: 219 : September 7th, 2014-14:30
not make it! A beautiful event and fabulous cars! A grand day out! Thanks for the report. Andrew H

Lovely..........

 
 By: Conkers : September 7th, 2014-17:31
........collection of photos, thanks for sharing. The colour scheme on the new RM011 dual time zone is very striking, really like it and looks very legible. Was trying the Lotus RM011 Grosjean (full NTPT and NTPT/RG variants) options at the weekend, and f... 

Thanks Conkers!

 
 By: foversta : September 8th, 2014-13:20
I understand your point of the RM011 Lotus Grosjean. Fx

I missed this opportunity

 
 By: Mark in Paris : September 9th, 2014-05:55
Hi Fx, I thought it was to be held next week-end... You had a fantastic weather with beautiful cars, thanks a lot for sharing this impressive collection of pictures ;) Next, the new Parisian boutique opening ? Cheers, Mark

Thanks Mark.

 
 By: foversta : September 9th, 2014-11:44
About the boutique you will have to wait a bit. Maybe end of the year. Best regards. Fx

A very impressive location and superb cars!

 
 By: fernando : September 10th, 2014-05:39
Looks like a perfect day for such an enjoyable event. Thanks for sharing the occasion with such wonderful pics. Fx. cheers fernando

what a place!

 
 By: gensiulia : September 10th, 2014-08:49
need to back there asap! thanks for this awesome cars and RMs. best, c93

Wonderful report Fr.Xavier!!

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : September 12th, 2014-08:41
Btw, the full official RM press release came out today and I posted it up in our News Central forum here: There are additional pictures for those who appreciate cars! Cheers, Anthony ...  

I love Chantilly. Cars are amazing, even better treasures for me inside the castle..

 
 By: watchthatman : October 22nd, 2014-20:12
I've read that Musee Conde has the second best collection of classical art in France, behind the Louvre. And it feels like you have the place to yourself. Ingres Same model as Boticellis birth of venus ...