Senlis

We are great believers in the principle of when you go to a new place, particularly one where you may not speak the language, it is advisable to take the conducted tour.  The advantages are that everything is arranged for you and it is worry free.  In addition there is multi-language commentary.  The disadvantages are that it is quite expensive and one is constrained to the itinerary of the tour guide. 

For the traveler willing to take a few small risks and have a bit of an adventure, it is much more fun (and less expensive) to travel independently. Going to Senlis was such an adventure.

The first step is in the planning.  How do we get there? Senlis is only 40 km from the north of Paris, but although there is a "station," no trains go to the town.  One needs to take the train to Chantilly from Gare du Nord, then the bus to Senlis which stops at the "station."  

Gare du Nord

Perhaps the reason the station does not quite have a traditional "French" look is because it was rebuilt in 1922 by a German architect after sustaining major damage during the First World War.

Senlis Train Station

This is an ancient town with its old wall, narrow, medieval streets, ancient buildings and Royal precinct dating back to Gallo-Roman times. Because it is a bit of an effort to get here there are few tourists. It is well worth visiting.  

The Senlis Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Gothic church and a national monument of France. The cathedral was built between 1153 and 1519; its 256-foot-tall spire dates from the 13th century and is visible for miles around.

Cathedral Notre Dame, Senlis

The  ruins of the Ancient Royal Castle district which dates from the Roman era are beautifully preserved and are right next to the little tourist office where we were greeted warmly and given maps and advice as to what to see and do.

In the Royal Precinct

Unfortunately there was not enough time to see and do everything that Senlis had to offer.  But here are some pictures taken in the narrow medieval streets of the town.