Senlis is a town situated in the southern part of the Oise department of Picardy, in northern France.
Exploring Senlis
France This Way review: there are several sites of interest discover in the town so a visit to Senlis tourist information on Place du Parvis Notre-Dame is recommended before you start exploring.
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.
You will quickly reach the Cathedral of Notre Dame, the best known monument in Senlis that dominates the town with its tower, an ornate portal and a 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 carvings around the door in the western facade are very impressive and depict the Triumph of the Virgin.
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!
Photos courtesy of Senlis Tourist Office
Attractions nearby
A few kilometres west of Senlis we recommend you visit the Chateau and town at Chantilly.
Explore elsewhere in the North East France. You can find more travel ideas in the Oise guide and the Picardy guide.
Arrange a visit to Senlis
Hotels in Senlis
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Map of Senlis and places nearby
Visit near Senlis with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Chantilly
The Chateau de Chantilly is an extensive castle from the 16th-19th centuries, surrounded by extensive gardens and parkland
Chateau de Chantilly guide
Chantilly
The town of Chantilly in the Oise department of Picardy is best known for the Chateau de Chantilly, horses and whipped cream!
Chantilly guide
Ermenonville
The Mer de Sable theme park is the main reason visitors come to Ermenonville, but find time to also see the Chateau d'Ermenonvile and visit the Park Jean-Jacques Rousseau
Ermenonville guide
Royaumont Abbey
Royaumont Abbey, once one of the most important cistercian abbeys in France, is a 13th century abbey north of Paris
Royaumont Abbey guide
Morienval abbey
The Abbey of Notre-Dame at Morienval is an impressive example of Romanesque architecture
Morienval abbey guide
Compiegne
In Compiegne you can visit the palace, several museums, and other interesting historic monuments and memorials
Compiegne guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Oise
Tourist classifications for Senlis
Senlis is classified as a historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé)
Address: Senlis, Picardy, 60300, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 49.208056, longitude 2.5875
Plan your visit to Senlis, Oise
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Cathédrale Notre Dame (Senlis): religious monument
- Parc du château de Valgenceuse: remarkable garden
- Oise-Pays de France: regional natural parc (3 km)
- Foret d'Halette: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Foret de Ermenonville: site of natural beauty (7 km)
- Forêt de Chantilly: site of natural beauty (7 km)
- Potager des Princes: remarkable garden (8 km)
- Parc Asterix: theme park (8 km)
- Jardin et parc du château de Chantilly: remarkable garden (9 km)
- Chantilly: town of art and history (9 km)
- Abbaye de Chaalis (Fontaine-Chaalis): religious monument (10 km)
- Abbaye Saint-Jean-Baptiste du Moncel (Pontpoint): religious monument (11 km)
Market days in Senlis, France
Regular market(s) are held in Senlis each Tuesday & Friday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)
The French version of this page is at Senlis (Francais)