Why This Itinerary?

• Blends ancient Roman sites, Gothic architecture, and 19th-century elegance into a beautifully layered day.
  
  

• Combines strollable historic towns with forested countryside charm.
  
  

• Flexible options: choose between art, ruins, or even a hands-on perfume workshop.
  
  

• Ideal for culture lovers, history buffs, and relaxed road-trippers.
  
  

• Use this link to help route your trip.
  
  

Morning: Travel & Explore Historic Senlis

• 8:00 AM – Depart Chambourcy
  By car: Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes (via A15 and N330, ~65 km)
  Optional: Grab a coffee and croissant on the go
  
  

• 9:15 AM – Arrive in Senlis & Park
  Recommended parking: Place Henri IV or Parking Villevert for easy access to the old town
  
  

• 9:30 AM – Walk the Medieval Town Center

• Start on Rue du Chat Haret, full of half-timbered houses and fairytale charm
  
  

• Continue along Rue de la Treille and Rue du Châtel for more photogenic architecture
  
  

• Dog friendly
  
  

• 10:15 AM – Visit the Gallo-Roman Walls
  Impressively preserved 3rd-century ramparts—walk along their base for great views and  atmosphere
  
  

• 10:45 AM – Choose Your Adventure
  
  

• Roman Amphitheatre – A modest site but full of historic significance
  
  

• Dog friendly
  
  

• Musée d’Art et d’Archéologie de Senlis – Roman artifacts, Gothic sculpture & 19th-century works in a former bishop’s palace
  
  

• Not dog friendly
  
  

• 11:30 AM – Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Senlis

• One of the oldest Gothic cathedrals in France—don’t miss the intricate façade and serene cloister
  

• Not dog friendly

Midday: Lunch in Senlis

• 12:30 PM – Choose a Local Favorite
  
  

• Chez Nous – Elegant, modern French cuisine in a stylish, intimate setting
  
  

• Le Bistrot de Senlis – Warm, traditional atmosphere with comfort-food classics
  
  

Or: Pick up picnic fare and enjoy lunch on the green behind the cathedral or near the Roman ruins

Afternoon: Art & Nature at Domaine de Chaalis

• 2:00 PM – Short Drive to Domaine de Chaalis
  Approx. 15 minutes (10 km) through scenic forest roads
  
  

• 2:15 PM – Explore the Jacquemart-André Museum
  
  

• Elegant 19th-century mansion filled with fine art, antique furniture, and Nélie Jacquemart’s private collections
  
  

• A hidden gem for lovers of period decor and art history.
  
  

• Dog friendly, if carried in a small bag.
  
  

• 3:15 PM – Abbey Ruins & Chapel of Saint Mary
  
  

• Wander through the peaceful remains of the 13th-century Cistercian abbey
  
  

• Visit the chapel, known for its delicate 16th-century frescoes
  
  

• Dog friendly
  
  

• 4:00 PM – Optional: Perfume Workshop (Only on Sundays)
  
  

• Discover the basics of fragrance composition and create your own custom scent
  
  

• €3 per person
  
  

• Pre-booking strongly recommended via the Chaalis website
  
  

• 5:00 PM – Refresh at the On-Site Café
  
  

• Located in an 18th-century pavilion with forest views
  
  

• Light snacks, pastries, and tea—perfect for winding down your visit

Evening: Return to Chambourcy

• 5:45 PM – Depart
  
  

• Take a scenic drive home through the Oise countryside
  
  

• Optional: Stop for dinner in Chantilly or Auvers-sur-Oise on the way if time allows
  
  

• 7:00 PM – Arrive back in Chambourcy