Travelnut

If I wanted to prebook tickets on sncf.com, I could include Senlis so that the ticket includes the bus ride between Chantilly and Senlis.
Normally, even though the ticket purchase states a specific time for the train, one can use the ticket at ANY time that same day (ie. catch a later train) using the same ticket.
What about the bus, though? If I pick a time to take the bus in Senlis back to Chantilly, must I catch it at that (and only that) time? Or could we jump on the next one just as well?

Is it really necessary to reserve for any casual restaurant on the Chateau grounds? (late Sept)
Would there be any objection to a light picnic on a bench somewhere in the gardens?

Thanks!

Dave_in_Paris

Good question about the "flexibiliy" of the bus ticket. I doubt it's a problem using it at a different time on the same day, but I'm not sure. (It may be more of a challenge explaining to the driver that you've already paid the fare).

Some time ago, there was a restaurant on the chateau grounds -- no great shakes, howver. There is a very pleasant creperie on the main drag of Chantilly, on the end of the street fartheest from the Chateau, part of it tables in a courtyard, on the right-hand side of the street as you walk away from the chateau, and not to be confused with the creperie near the chateau end of the street. The target one has "Fleurie" in its name, I think. The chateau is a little gem. However, the only tours given are in French, so bring a book with a good description if you don't understand French. On one day, you can just wander through without a guide. I believe that's Saturday, but I'm not sure. Senlis is a wonderful, picturesque place, one of the loveliest towns in France. Wear VERY practical shoes for walking on the cobblestones, and have a great time.

Travelnut

Thanks, Dave!

RonZ

As I recall, we either bought a bus ticket at the station or paid the driver directly, so not to worry.

Dave_in_Paris

We did pay the driver directly when we boarded, often but years ago. The drivers have some ability to make change but I would try to come armed with the approximate ammount. Commuters use the bus to get to and from Paris, so it can be crowded coming toward Chantilly in the morning and going toward Senlis in the afternoon rush hours, but I imagine those are times and directions that are least likely to find you aboard.

Travelnut

Right, I'm thinking we'll go over to Senlis first, do a walkabout, get coffee, etc. then take the bus to Chantilly * so as to be there when it reopens at 2:00 or thereabouts.

* Does the bus have a stop/drop off by the Ecuries? (or somewhere near the Chateau), or is it straight back to the Gare..?

Thank you all for chiming in...

RonZ

Travelnut...go to Destinations above and search Side Trips From Paris for a pretty good description.

Travelnut

Ha! That would be TOO simple. thanks.

Dave_in_Paris

Travelnut,

Looks like the one-way fare to and from Senlis is 2.40 euros per person (you may already know that). I doubt there is a lower roundtrip fare.

At the Chantilly train station, buses for Senlis leave (or used to) from the parking lot outside the station -- left side of the station with your back to the train tracks.

That lot also is used by Chantilly city buses, marked DUC, or Desserte Urbaine Cantilienne, which you don't want for Senlis. The buses you do want are marked Cariane.

There is an "Eglise de Notre Dame" stop on the Chantilly-to-Senlis Cariane route that's fairly near the Chateau, through the "picturesque ruin" arch, the road leads past the grand chateau stables and to the chateau itself, about five minutes on foot. Unfortunately, I don't know whether there are bus stops on both sides of the road at the church. You may be able to see, or ask, as you're en route to Senlis, and you may be able to sweet talk the driver into letting you off there even if there isn't one there on the Senlis to Chantilly route.

Travelnut

Great... one segment of the trip plan done! Thank you, Dave and RonZ...