Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille, one of France’s most celebrated displays of automotive and artistic splendor, once again dazzled attendees, featuring an exquisite blend of haute couture, timeless automobiles, and modern innovation. Since its inception in 2014, the event has held a special connection with Bugatti, and this year’s edition was no exception, drawing more than 20,000 guests to experience 800 extraordinary vehicles.
At the heart of the weekend’s festivities was the French debut of Bugatti’s latest creation, the Tourbillon. Following its initial reveal in Molsheim, the hyper sports car made a grand entrance at Château de Chantilly, an iconic setting renowned for its historical significance and unmatched elegance. Visitors marveled at the Tourbillon’s striking design, which draws inspiration from Bugatti’s illustrious past, including legendary models like the Type 57SC Atlantic and Type 35, celebrated for their aesthetic beauty and racing dominance.
The weekend unfolded as a multisensory journey through time, seamlessly blending past and present. Alongside the vintage and modern Bugatti vehicles on display, guests enjoyed a wide array of activities: from hot-air balloon rides and fencing showcases to horse-drawn carriage rides and equestrian performances. The event’s atmosphere was one of opulence and grandeur, with the Château itself playing host to a masquerade cocktail party and an evening of fireworks, celebrating both the automotive masterpieces and the art of living.
Bugatti’s legacy, spanning 115 years, was on full display. A series of iconic vehicles, including the legendary Type 35, paid homage to the brand’s historic achievements in motorsport. The five examples of this 100-year-old model were featured in Sunday’s Concours d’Etat, a contest celebrating pre-war unrestored cars. Bugatti also honored its future, with the Tourbillon taking center stage, representing a new chapter for the marque.
In addition to the cars, the Chantilly event also showcased Bugatti’s dedication to artistic craftsmanship. The Bugatti Baby II, a smaller-scale homage to the Type 35, and the stunning glass figurines by French crystal manufacturer Lalique paid tribute to the brand’s rich artistic heritage. The Bugatti Carbone Limited Edition watch and the Asprey Bugatti silver model also captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Among the most memorable moments of the weekend was the Supercars Rally, a 150km tour through the scenic Oise region. The rally featured Bugatti’s modern innovations, including the Chiron Super Sport, with Bugatti executives Mate Rimac and Christophe Piochon leading the charge.
The festivities culminated in the Concours d’Elégance, a breathtaking showcase of automotive design and fashion. The Tourbillon, accompanied by a model dressed in a Victor Weinsanto creation, captivated onlookers as it glided around the central Miroir d’eau. Weinsanto’s outfit, inspired by the car’s elegance, reflected the creative synergy between haute couture and automotive engineering.
As the event drew to a close, Bugatti’s heritage and future were celebrated in equal measure. The 1928 Type 35 earned the prestigious ‘Best of Show avant-guerre’ award, while the Tourbillon was recognized with the ‘Prix du public’ for its show-stopping presence.
Reflecting on the weekend’s success, Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, remarked: “Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille continues to be a unique opportunity to celebrate French heritage, blending art, fashion, and automotive excellence. The Tourbillon embodies the spirit of Bugatti’s past and future, and will stand the test of time just like its predecessors.”
With another stunning edition in the books, the Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille event once again affirmed its place as an unparalleled celebration of art, heritage, and innovation, with Bugatti at the heart of it all.
