Senlis Day Trip from Paris
A Senlis day trip from Paris brings you to a small medieval town that most tourists skip. The walled old town has Roman ruins, a Gothic cathedral, cobblestone streets, and almost no crowds. It's 50km north of Paris, close enough for a half-day visit, quiet enough to feel like you've escaped the city completely.
Senlis traces its history back 2,000 years to Roman times. The town was a royal residence for French kings in the Middle Ages, which explains the castle ruins and impressive cathedral. The 12th century was Senlis's golden age - wool and leather trade brought wealth, royalty built palaces, the cathedral went up. Then the town declined and stayed small, which preserved the medieval character.
This small town near Paris day trip works if you want calm, history, and authentic French atmosphere without tourist infrastructure. Senlis doesn't have major museums or famous attractions. It has narrow streets, old buildings, a few cafes, and a pace that feels like rural France despite being close to Paris. Good for a relaxed half-day, especially combined with nearby Chantilly.
Tip: Senlis is tiny. You can walk the entire old town in 2-3 hours. Don't plan a full day here unless you're combining it with Chantilly or just want to sit in cafes.
| Factor | Details |
| Distance from Paris | 50 km north |
| Travel time | 45 minutes by car; 1 hour by train+bus |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours for old town; 4-5 hours with lunch |
| Best for | Medieval architecture, quiet atmosphere, history |
| Entry | Free to walk; museums ticketed |
| Crowds | Very low - off tourist radar |
| Difficulty | Easy - flat walking, small area |
How to Get to Senlis from Paris
Train + Bus
Take a train from Paris Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux station (25 minutes). From Chantilly station, catch bus line 15 or 16 to Senlis (20 minutes). Buses run several times per day but not frequently - check schedules ahead. Total journey is about 1 hour if connections work smoothly.
Train tickets are standard SNCF fares. The bus is inexpensive. This is the cheapest option but requires coordination and waiting for buses.
Alternative: Some trains go to Creil station, then you transfer to a regional train to Senlis. This takes longer and involves more connections. The Chantilly route with bus is simpler.
Rental Car
Drive from Paris via A1 motorway to Senlis (45 minutes). Parking in Senlis is free on streets around the old town. This is the most flexible option and lets you combine Senlis with Chantilly (10 minutes away) or other nearby destinations.
The drive is straightforward on highways. GPS works fine. Senlis is small enough that you won't get lost.
Organized Tours
Very few tours include Senlis because it's not famous. Some operators combine Senlis with Provins, Château de Compiègne, Pierrefonds in private day tours. These are expensive and mainly for people who want a driver and don't want to deal with public transport.
One Day Itinerary for Senlis
9:30-10:30 AM: Travel from Paris
If driving, leave Paris around 9:30 AM to avoid rush hour. If taking the train, catch a morning departure from Gare du Nord to Chantilly-Gouvieux, then transfer to the bus to Senlis.
10:30-11:00 AM: Arrive and Old Town Entry
Arrive in Senlis around 10:30-11:00 AM. Park near the old town walls or get off the bus at the main stop. Enter the old town through one of the medieval gates in the Gallo-Roman ramparts. The walls date to the 3rd century AD and were expanded in the 12th century.
Pick up a walking map from the tourist office if it's open, or just wander - the old town is small enough that you can't get lost.
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Cathedral and Royal Castle
Start at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis - a Gothic cathedral built in the 12th century with a 78-meter tower completed in the 13th century. The cathedral is impressive for a small town, reflecting Senlis's importance in medieval times. Enter for free to see the interior, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass.
The cathedral has a plaque commemorating Joan of Arc, who led French troops to victory near Senlis in 1429.
Next to the cathedral are the ruins of the Château Royal (Royal Castle). The castle dates to Roman times but the current ruins are from the 12th century when Louis VII was king. The ruins have been converted to an open-air garden. Walk through the castle grounds, see the remaining walls with elegant arches, and get views over the town.
Allow 45-60 minutes for the cathedral and castle area.
12:00-12:30 PM: Medieval Streets and Ramparts
Walk the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town. The layout is medieval, preserved within the Gallo-Roman walls. Key streets: Rue de la Chancellerie, Rue de la Treille, Rue du Châtel. The buildings are a mix of medieval stone houses, half-timbered structures, and classical mansions from the 17th-18th centuries.
Walk along sections of the ramparts. The Gallo-Roman walls are still visible in places, with medieval additions on top. The Grosse Tour and other towers remain from the defensive system.
The old town is atmospheric but not dramatic. It's the cumulative effect of narrow streets, old stones, and quiet atmosphere rather than specific monuments.
12:30-1:30 PM: Lunch
Senlis has several cafes and restaurants in the old town. Options are limited compared to larger towns but quality is decent. Traditional French bistros serve regional food. Prices are reasonable - lower than Paris.
Local specialty: Séraphine from Senlis - an orange chocolate named after local painter Séraphine de Senlis. Also beetroot products, as the Picardy region grows beetroots.
Budget 60-90 minutes for a sit-down lunch. French lunch culture is slow even in small towns.
1:30-2:30 PM: Museums or More Walking
Senlis has three small museums if you're interested: Museum of Art and Archaeology, Museum of Hunting, and Museum of Spahis (colonial cavalry). Entry requires tickets. These are niche museums - only visit if the topics interest you.
There's also a historic abbey (Abbaye Saint-Vincent) and ruins of a Roman arena outside the old town walls. The arena is free to visit and shows Senlis's Roman origins.
Alternatively, just keep wandering the streets, sit in a cafe, or browse the small shops. Senlis is about atmosphere, not attractions.
2:30-3:00 PM: Final Old Town Time
Use remaining time for any spots you missed or to revisit favorites. The old town is so small you'll have covered everything by now. This is time for photos, shopping, or just soaking up the quiet.
3:00-4:00 PM: Return to Paris
Head back to Paris. If you're on the bus, check the schedule - buses to Chantilly station run infrequently. If driving, allow 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. You'll be back in Paris by mid-afternoon.
Things to Do in Chantilly - Extended Options
Combining with Chantilly
Chantilly is 10 minutes from Senlis by car or bus. Most visitors combine both in one day - Chantilly chateau in the morning, Senlis in the afternoon. This makes sense since they're so close and Senlis alone doesn't fill a full day.
If combining both, allow 3-4 hours for Chantilly and 2-3 hours for Senlis. It's a full day but doable and gives you variety - grand chateau plus quiet medieval town.
Roman Arena
The Arènes de Senlis (Roman arena) sits just outside the old town walls. The ruins date to the 1st century AD when Senlis was a Gallo-Roman settlement. The arena is partially preserved - you can see the oval shape and some seating areas. Free entry. Allow 20-30 minutes.
This is worth seeing if you're interested in Roman history or have extra time. Skip if you're rushed or not into ancient ruins.
Abbaye Saint-Vincent
A historic abbey founded in the 11th century. The abbey buildings have been converted to various uses but you can see the exterior architecture. Not a major attraction but adds to the historical atmosphere.
Forest Walks
Senlis sits on the edge of forests (Forêt d'Halatte, Forêt de Chantilly). If you like nature and have extra time, there are walking trails through the woods. The forests are pleasant but not spectacular - good for a short walk if weather is nice.
Staying Overnight
Senlis has a few small hotels and B&Bs. Staying overnight makes sense if you want a very relaxed pace or are using Senlis as a base for exploring the region (Chantilly, Compiègne, etc.). The town is quiet in the evening - a few restaurants open but limited nightlife.
Market Days
Senlis has a weekly market (check current schedule with tourist office). French markets are good for local products, food, and atmosphere. If your visit coincides with market day, it adds life to the town.
Why Senlis Works as a Day Trip
Senlis succeeds as a day trip because it's close, easy, and unpretentious. You're not fighting crowds or dealing with complicated logistics. The town is small enough to see in a few hours without exhaustion. It's authentic - locals outnumber tourists, shops serve residents not visitors, the pace is genuinely slow.
The downside is there's not much to do. If you need constant stimulation or major attractions, Senlis will bore you. It's for people who appreciate quiet medieval towns, history, and atmosphere over activities.
The town works best combined with Chantilly or as a half-day trip when you want to escape Paris without going far. It's not worth a full day on its own unless you're extremely into medieval history or just want to sit in cafes.
Practical Tips
What to Bring
- Comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets
- Camera - the old town is photogenic in a subtle way
- Cash - small shops and cafes may not take cards
- Layers - weather can change
Timing Your Visit
Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Spring and fall have good weather. Summer is warmest but the town doesn't get crowded even in peak season. Winter is cold and gray but the medieval atmosphere works in any weather.
The town is dead quiet on Sundays and holidays - some shops and restaurants close. Visit on weekdays or Saturdays for more activity.
With Kids
Senlis works for kids interested in history or castles. The old town is small enough that kids won't get bored walking. The Roman arena and castle ruins offer some exploration. But there's no playground or kid-specific attractions. Better for teenagers than young children.
Language
French is the language. English is less common than in Paris - this is a small provincial town. Basic French helps but you can get by with gestures and patience.
Tourist Information
The tourist office in Senlis has maps and information. Staff usually speak some English. Opening hours are limited - check ahead if you need specific information.
Comparing Senlis to Other Small Town Day Trips
vs Provins
Provins is another medieval town near Paris. Provins is larger, more touristy, and has more to see (ramparts, underground tunnels, shows). Choose Provins for a full day of medieval sights, Senlis for a quiet half-day.
vs Chartres
Chartres has one of Europe's greatest Gothic cathedrals. The cathedral alone is worth the trip. Chartres is more impressive architecturally but also more touristy. Choose Chartres for the cathedral, Senlis for quiet atmosphere.
vs Rambouillet
Rambouillet has a chateau and gardens. It's similar to Senlis in being a small town near Paris but with a different focus - royal chateau vs medieval streets. Choose based on whether you want gardens or old town atmosphere.
