Senlis

Visit Senlis, Picardy

Senlis is a town situated in the southern part of the Oise department of Picardy, in northern France.

Start your visit in the heart of Senlis old town, where narrow cobbled streets are lined with tall old houses and shops and as contrast, there are also several important grand townhouses, such as the Hotel Germain, the Hotel d'Herivaux and the Hotel du Haubergier. There is much to discover in the town so a quick visit to the tourist information office is recommended before you start exploring.

The town is best known for the Cathedral of Notre Dame, dominating the town with its tower, ornate portal and richly decorated interior. Constructed between the 12th and 16th centuries the small cathedral is a fine testament to gothic architecture, and interesting especially because different periods of gothic architecture can be seen: the 12th century west facade is on 'primitive gothic' style, the 13th century south tower is 'radiant gothic', while the 16th century south facade is in 'flamboyant gothic' style.

The castle at Senlis dates from the 12th century and was for several centuries home to the Kings of France. Now largely in ruins (following the French revolution), the substantial remains are now set in attractive parkland and an evocative reminder of their past importance, with many of the original buildings clearly recognisable, including the chapel, tower and living quarters.

Other sights of note include parts of the original defensive ramparts (now a pretty walk around the town), the eastern wing of the 13th century Priory of Saint-Maurice, and the Chapel of Saint-Frambourg.

The remains of a Roman amphitheatre can also be seen on the edge of Senlis - the peaceful setting gives little indication of the thousands of spectators that once came here to watch the Roman gladiatorial combats!

Photo courtesy of Senlis Tourist Office

See Picardy and Oise (the region and department for Senlis) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Senlis: 'Historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé);

Suggested places to visit near Senlis, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Paris Opera 42km; Eglise de la Madeleine 42km; The Louvre 43km; Paris 43km; Arc de Triomphe 43km; Notre Dame cathedral 43km; Beauvais 43km; Pantheon 44km; Eiffel Tower 44km; Catacombs 46km;

Senlis tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Cathédrale Notre Dame (Senlis) - religious monument (0km) : Parc du château de Valgenceuse - remarkable garden (1km) : Oise-Pays de France - regional natural parc (3km) : Foret d'Halette - site of natural beauty (5km) : Foret de Chantilly - site of natural beauty (7km) : Foret de Ermenonville - site of natural beauty (7km) : Potager des Princes - remarkable garden (8km) : Chantilly - town of art and history (9km) :

See more places and a map at places near Senlis