Senlis is located 48km/30mi north, north east of Paris in the Oise département on the Nonette river and has a long history dating back to Gallo-Roman times when it was known as Civitas Silvanectium. Still important in the early Middle Ages, Hugh Capet, the founder of the Capetian dynasty, was elected king here in 987.

Several monarchs followed but they soon moved on to Fontainbleau and elsewhere but Senlis remained a Royal City till the nineteenth century.

The old town is a delight to wander round with its half timbered houses and old streets. Check out the ruins of the 12th C. Royal Palace built by Louis VI with its surrounding park (see image below) and also the Cathédrale-Nôtre-Dame, a pleasing mix of the Gothic and neo-Gothic styles.