FrenchMystiqueTours

I know these places have been covered in trip reports before but everyone has their own perspective on the places they visit so I'll give you my view, from the seat of a bike. Plus, you'll get to see the countryside and villages that lie between these places so there's that too. Of course, if you've never been to these places then this is all new to you so have a look at my report.

http://tinyurl.com/ch2odst

zoecat

Very nice- thank you!

I've taken the day trip twice by train/bus from Paris to Chantilly/Senlis and really enjoyed my days. It's nice to be able to see the photos of some of the places in between.

I remember nice shopping in Senlis and an exceptional pizza for lunch at the Italian restaurant in the town center. As your photos reflect, Senlis is a lovely town.

Dee_Dee

Another lovely report. I so enjoy riding along with you. Wow... love that new train.

taconictraveler

FMT: you never disappoint! Excellent photos. I just love these towns and villages surrounding Paris, and if I can't ever get to see them all, I'll be able to see your photo essays. Merci mille fois.

catcrazyaf

I always love riding along with you FMT. Thanks for allowing me to "visit" so many places.

Coquelicot

Another great report. We especially enjoy the in-between parts of your days out with your bike--the roadsides, forests, streams, and villages.

Senlis is where King of Hearts was filmed and one of the places where Seraphine was filmed (the other was Crecy-la-Chapelle, which you also visited and reported on).

FrenchMystiqueTours

Thanks everyone for always reading my reports and leaving such nice comments. Maybe someday we'll all do a Fodors GTG while riding through the French countryside.

irishface

Enjoyed your report. Difference between setts and cobbles duly noted. An interesting bit to stash away and stump the opponents in family trivia type of games.

bilboburgler

I thought a "berm" was something from the Pink Panther but now I know it is the top of sloped area.

FrenchMystiqueTours

irishface - Yes, I suppose that's worth a few points in a trivia game. If you want extra points point out the difference between cobbles, setts and cubes too.

http://www.pavingexpert.com/setts01.htm

FrenchMystiqueTours

bilbo - I'm not actually 100% sure I used berm in the correct sense. My understanding (that is, not a dictionary definition) is that it is a large mound of earth usually acting as a barrier. I'm sure there's a better way to define that but I think you get the idea. Anyway, I was using berm to refer to the whole mass of earth and rubble in-fill, not just the paved area on the top.

YankyGal

I actually lost count of the people in your pictures - that could be a first! ;-)

I see the sun finally made it out that day. The contrast in colors between your 2nd & 3rd posts (dreary day vs. pretty day) is striking!

Thanks for the great report and lovely photos.

denisea

Great report and photos....we have been considering Chantilly for our next trip to Paris. My husband is an excellent biker and this is an intriguing way to see alot! Thanks.

FrenchMystiqueTours

YankyGal - Senlis has a decent population but somehow everyone still managed to run for cover every time I got my camera ready. :

denisea - Thanks. A bike is such a great way to see places near Paris that would be impossible to see by public transport. You can see the well known places by public transport but not the small villages and countryside. I'm sure your husband will enjoy biking between these places.

denisea

Ah, I am certain of that. I am in good shape but don't ride much (i never got the hang of the clipless pedals - I have super small feet and can never find cycling shoes to fit me)...I run, he rides!

Would love to do the Pierrefonds trip....looks like great scenery and a way to branch out to see more every time we come back to Paris.

FrenchMystiqueTours

denisea - Have you ever tried toe-clips (or toe cages as some people call them)? Then you don't need special shoes. I've never liked the clip-in pedals because I feel like I can't move my feet if I have to react quickly. I've been using the toe-clips for ages. Give 'em a try sometime, then you won't have to run after your husband anymore while he's riding in front of you.

denisea

Yes, they work better for me. But, honestly, I just want plain old petals like I grew up with (not great for performance). I will never catch my husband on a bike but he is a mtn biker and enjoys riding where it is possible to go sailing over the handlebars! I will stick to the road.

I just showed him the TR from the Pierrefonds bike tour and he is up for that....I am trying to sell him on a trip to Paris in Oct 2013....that TR helps me plead my case!

FrenchMystiqueTours

denisea - Plain old pedals are fine but you're probably aware that you get better performance with less effort using the clip-ins or toe-clips. Pedals aside, the most important thing is getting hubby to take down the "thrill" level a notch and do some nice easy road riding so you can join the fun. Glad you've found some persuasive assistance for hubby.

denisea

Definitely, FMT....if I am on a bike, it would be more for fun and less for performance. I am not great at getting my feet out of the clips....which is interesting! He will be fine to take down the thrill level for that terrific scenery....I just need to keep selling him on the trip!