Hi, So am leaving tonight-yeah--but have thought of a few last minute questions I could use help with. First, I want to go to Chantilly to see the horses and the grounds. What is the best time to go? Can you really see the horses being exercised in the AM. What is the best way to get there? (no car) And. also have (perhaps crazy idea) to get my hair cut/colored. Don't want to spend 100's of Euro or anything, but wondered if anyone had some recommendations? Thanks much!

I can't help you with a recommendation on a hair cut and color as I don't do that when traveling.

It's easy to get to Chantilly by train from Gare du Nord. It takes about a half hour. I didn't see the horses so am not sure about that, but think it is best to go in the morning (not necessarily super early) as there is a lot to do out there, to make sure you don't run out of time. I assume you are talking about the racegrounds and horse training facilities there, not just the museum.

Some of the hose shows at the horse museum are late afternoon (3:30 and 5:15). The Horse Museum is closed on Tuesdays (check the chateau for hours, also). Just be sure you avoid going on a race day, that's the one thing I know (unless you have tickets for it, of course). There are races at Chantilly on August 29th and 31st.

i believe the info you want is also on this website:
http://www.museevivantducheval.fr/

Hi, Thanks for the help. I did go on the web site, but it wasn't very clear how often or when the trains run--maybe they are very frequent? Rail france was no help
And I'm glad to know you can go see the horses in the AM--my guidebook said you could, but again the website doesn't say yeah or nea (sorry for the pun) Thanks

the rail timetable can be found on
www.sncf.com

it looks like a 'regular' train goes about once/hour, and the RER-D suburban rail goes a couple times an hour.