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- Senlis
Senlis is a town of the Oise department, located 30 minutes from Paris and 2hrs 15mins from Calais. It is nestled in the heart of one of the largest forests of the north of France and provides the ideal destination for couples seeking to escape for a weekend combining nature and romance!
Senlis, a romantic destination for couples!
Streets with cobblestones, walls covered with ivy, private mansions, built one beside the other, quiet outside seating areas adorned with flowers, elegant boutiques with front windows from another era…
Senlis is a town where it is good to wander around hand-in-hand, taking one's time to enjoy the present moment together.
Senlis, an open-air museum
Roaming through the streets of Senlis is like leafing through a history book. After being part of Gaul and, subsequently, the Roman Empire, Senlis is the town where the Capetian dynasty established itself. It was never destroyed and is therefore layered with the remnants of each era. Its ancient walls weave among the Renaissance houses, encircle the cathedral and lead you to the different museums of the town, which can be found right next to the cathedral!
The Museum of art and archaeology immerses you in the past of a town that has spanned two millennia. The Museum of the Spahis takes a look at the colonial splendour and is a reminder that Senlis was once a garrison town. As for the Hunting Museum, it offers a fascinating illustrated history of hunting with hounds.
The visit would not be complete without a quick selfie with your loved one in front of Saint Vincent Abbey or the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre that is celebrating its 2000th anniversary.
Go down into the cellars!
Beneath the cobblestones, where you will be treading in Senlis, lies a hidden treasure… the most beautiful vaulted cellars of the Middle Ages are in Senlis!
To visit them, go to the tourist information office that organises guided tours.
Another idea: Make a gastronomic stopover during your walk at the "Grill des Barbares". This restaurant is actually located in a superb vaulted cellar dating back to the 18th-century ;-)
The forests and gardens of the south of the Oise... five minutes from Senlis
Want to take a nap in the shade of a tree that is several hundred years old? Well, as you leave Senlis, the Forest of Ermenonville is all around you!
Would you like another romantic walk in a garden? Make your way to the gardens of the Château of Valgenceuse… the gardens were designed by Le Nôtre and were a favourite of many writers such as Gérard de Nerval, Alfred de Vigny or Alexandre Dumas.
Chantilly is also an important centre for horses (don't miss the equestrian museum "Musée du Cheval" with its resident horseriders and equestrian shows) where you can taste the genuine Chantilly whipped cream with your other half!
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