davidjac

I have read various threads about which to visit. However, this may have a slightly diffrent bent since it will be in January. Which do you think would be more interesting?

Thanks
Davidjac

Palenque

the only difference in January i can think of is that Chantilly has equestrian shows that are inside - that said not sure of show calendar.

Activities - Chateau de Chantilly
Tour of the château, the grounds and the Living Museum of the Horse (Musée ... Shows « Princes of Chantilly » and « Christmas, the horse and the child » at ...
http://www.chateaudechantilly.com/ch...activites.html

Christina

I don't think it matters that much, as both have beautiful gardens which won't be worth anything in January. I suppose thus FOntainebleau, as it is larger and the CHantilly chateau isn't really that much itself (interior), that isn't the reason you go there. If they do have some horse shows inside and that appeals, that's another issue (they don't generally have them in winter except around the holidays, maybe if you are going Jan 2nd or so). But Fontainebleau has a Napoleon museum. Of course that have that small art collection inside the Chantilly castle, but that is definitely not the reason one goes there.

It depends on your interests, I'd pick Fontainebleau.

traveller1959

I would prefer Chantilly over Fontainebleau. The time of year does not really matter. Chantilly has an outstanding art collection (ranks second after the Louvre).

Palenque

chantilly, being much closer to central Paris, is also quicker to reach i believe - if you take the train to Fontainbleu-Avon you arrive in the Avon part of Fontainbleu, a good mile or so from the castle. It's a shorter walk if i recollect from the Chantilly station to the chateau.

StCirq

I have definitely gone to Chantilly for the art collection, as well as its charming setting. The miniature portrait gallery is, IMO, fascinating. Fontainebleau is far more austere IMO. I would pick Chantilly (and you can combine it a visit to lovely Senlis).

zoecat

I agree with StCirq- Chantilly combined with a visit to lovely Senlis. There is a bus from Chantilly to Senlis which leaves from the train station or the Chateau.

If you prefer to not walk from the train station to either the Fontainbleu or Chantilly chateau you can take the local bus. It is what I recommend, although there is a nice walk through the trees and meadows from the Chantilly train station to the chateau.

Do you have a copy of the book, "An Hour from Paris"? It is an excellent guide to many day trips, including Fountainbleu and Chantilly. Highly recommended.

analogue

The Living Horse museum in Chantilly is outstanding, and I am not even interested in horses.

kerouac

A little spelling and pronunciation note.

It is Fontainebleau and it is pronounced Fon-ten-blow (approximately).

(This is for the benefit of all of the people who say "blew" at the end, even though they know how to say, 'eau' 'bureau' or 'beau'.)

greg

Zoecat,
I want more info on Senlis.

It looks like the bus from Senlis is connected to Paris by bus through Chantilly or CDG?

Any particular advantage doing Paris-Chantilly-Senlis-Paris vs. Paris-Senlis-Chantilly-Paris?

LarryJ

Senlis no longer has rail service but the train station is still there. It is very beautiful and worth looking for if you are in Senlis. The bus from Chantilly stops at this station if you are traveling by bus.

Larry J

zoecat

The order of visits depends on arrival times. Most shops in Senlis are closed during the lunch period. So, plan to arrive in Senlis around 9:00-10:00 to shop, visit the historical sights and then enjoy lunch.

If you are plan to visit the Chantilly chateau in the morning, you can take the ~13:20 bus (double check the schedule) from the chateau to Senlis.

SNCF trains leave Gare du Nord to Chantilly. The bus from Chantilly to Senlis leaves from the Chantilly train station (turn left as you exit the train station). Your train ticket from Gare du Nord will cover the bus ticket from Chantilly to Senlis if you purchase the train ticket as "through to Senlis" (show your train ticket to the bus driver). This same bus makes a stop at the Chantilly Chateau. Sit on the right-hand side of the bus for the best (and very lovely) views.

The Chantilly>Senlis bus schedule is displayed at the Chantilly bus stop and may be available from the bus driver. The bus is timed with the train, so expect a 10 minute wait for the bus. It's about a 20 minute bus ride. The last bus from Senlis to connect to the train in Chantilly leaves at 19:00.

Many museums and sights are closed on Tuesday in Senlis and I believe the Chantilly chateau is also closed on Tuesday.

There is a great brochure available at the Senlis tourist office that includes a map and shows 30 places of interest within town. I enjoyed walking throughout the town, including the backstreets and along the edges.

There is a great Italian restaurant in Senlis, although I don't know the name. Just follow your nose. Excellent pizzas.

I hope this helps!

zoecat

One more thing- the final "s" in Senlis is sounded, so pronounce it "Sonleece". Important when buying your train ticket.

Sue4

Bookmarking. Great information here. I hope still pertinent in 2014!