ParisFlaneur

Has anyone been to Senlis? Are the connections easy? Would you recommend it ?

RonZ

You take the train to Chantilly, then the bus at the north end of the station. It stops near the chateau along the way. Have Lunch at Le Commerce.

Rubicund

We had a great day out in Senlis a couple of years ago and it was well worth it. Have a look at:

http://www.beyond-paris.com/senlis.html

FrenchMystiqueTours

I go to Senlis a few dozen times a year and it is probably the most beautiful town in such close proximity to Paris, IMO. Take a train from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux (you actually arrive in Chantilly). The journey takes 24 minutes. As you walk out the front of the train station the bus depot is adjacent and to your left. You'll see that all of the bus stops have a sign denoting the destination of that bus so look for the sign for Senlis (bus #15). To get bus schedules bewteen Chantilly and Senlis use the local transport website (which has an English language option):

http://www.oise-mobilite.fr/

When you arrive in Senlis go to the tourist office (across from the cathedral) to get a map of the tourist trail around town and any other info you might need. The TO will be closed for lunch hours, usually from 12:30 to 2PM.

http://en.senlis-tourisme.fr/

There are some nice restaurants in Senlis, such as Hôstellerie de la Porte Bellon, Le Scaramouche and Le Bistro'nomik. There are many other places, fancier and less fancy, so you won't be lacking for choice.

frenchaucoeur

If you do as FMT suggests, think about visiting the chateau in Chantilly as well if time permits. Although it's a reconstruction, it's a magical building with a huge and impressive art collection. We stayed nearby and the sight of the chateau in the late afternoon, in the mist, was unforgettable.

Christina

Part of the chateau building at Chantilly is original, and the rebuilt part was from the 19th century, so that doesn't mean it's like Dresden or anything.

kerouac

Senlis is very nice, but frankly it has never overwhelmed me. I confess that I have never been to the very popular medieval festival there.

frenchaucoeur

Christina is right. I didn't mean to imply that the chateau was put up last week. I didn't realize that part of the original building remains. But whenever it was built, it's quite lovely.

zoecat

I have visited Senlis twice now and enjoyed both visits. Many shops close at lunch time, so keep that in mind if you enjoy shopping. I had a terrific pizza for lunch there. I can't remember the name of the restaurant but it was very popular with the locals and in the old town center. Probably the only Italian place in town.

ParisFlaneur

Thanks everyone! I will definitely put Senlis on my travel plan. I appreciate the train info as well as the restaurant suggestions. I'll let you know how it all goes.

kerouac

But it is still better to visit the many delightful cities that actually have a train station when your time is limited.

Nevertheless, I made a photo report about Senlis 4 years ago: http://anyportinastorm.proboards.com/thread/5091/senlis

ParisBee

Very easy to get to Senlis from Gare du Nord. It is a beautiful place! Definitely recommend going and especially visiting the old church there!

kerouac

One of my godchildren was born in Senlis when a friend was working for the French headquarters of Avon cosmetics nearby.

Abby5205

To Kerouac
I am curious about which cities you would recommend to visit that have a train station and why. ParisFlaneur may find your response interesting as would I.

Adelaidean

Kerouac's comment and photos in his Senlis photoblog interested me.. that many of the residents homes hide behind high walls. So different to those delightful tiny Bavarian towns with very 'open' gardens to enjoy when passing. Still, Senlis does look fascinating.