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One-Day Getaway: Senlis and Chantilly

© Sara Dellinger

Just 32 miles (51 km) north of Paris, there is a place where you can spend a very pleasant afternoon exploring winding cobblestone streets, charming boutiques and cafés in a magical, medieval city.

Often called "Senlis la Royale", the town is known for its Gothic architecture and the magnificent Cathedral Notre Dame with its statues, sculptures and gargoyles.

Senlis also features the ruins of the Chateau Royal and its gardens and four museums of note: The Musée de la Venerie houses a fine exhibit of hunting theme paintings, old weapons, traditions and folklore from the 15th century to today. Artifacts from the town's Gallo-Roman past and several ages, which include a nice collection of Gothic sculpture, are housed at the Musée d'Art et d'Archaologie. The Musée des Spahis is consecrated to the region's equestrian past with objects, costumes and documents. The Musée de l'Hôtel de Vermandois recounts the town's history. On display are objets of daily life, historical archives and audiovisual displays. Be sure also to visit the Cziffra Foundation, founded by the late 20th century pianist Georges Cziffra and housed in the Lizst Auditorium, not far from the Cathedral.

From April on, you can discover Senlis and its environs in a horse-drawn carriage. The start of the season may be delayed this year, due to the outbreak of hoof-and-mouth disease. Horses are not affected by the disease, but are potential carriers. Hoof-and-mouth is highly contagious and can be transported on shoes , tires, or the wind. For more information on the ride and the start of the season, visit their website "Decouverte de Senlis en Caleche": http://www.senlis-en-caleche.com/

Chantilly

Chantilly is just about 11 Km West of Senlis. A must-see is the Chantilly Domaine, a special treat for those who enjoy a peaceful stroll through a park, highlighted by the famous Chantilly château surrounded by a moat. It is especially striking at night when the castle is lighted and reflected in the water.

Shall we go to the races? The town is known for horses. Just in front of the castle and next to the Chantilly Forest is the racetrack, created in 1834. If you have time, take a tour of the nearby Musée Vivant du Cheval (the Living Horse Museum), where everything that has anything to do with horses can be found, including live shows. The Musée Condé is located in the château, and houses one of the largest collections of paintings from the 14th to the 19th century (Clouet, Ingres, Raphaël, Boticelli, Delacroix, Poussin...). Other collections include furniture, books, precious manuscripts and ceramics.

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