Things to see and do Senlis

Located outside the medieval enclosure, they date back to the th century after Jesus Christ, when the city called Augustomagus, that is, the «Augustus market». Under the Mérovingiens, they served as a quarry of stones, from dumping to excavations in the late th century. In Gallo-Roman, its stands could hold up to 12 000 people. They disappeared, their stones being reused in the construction of the city. On the other hand, the vomitoirs, corridors that led to the stands and their floors remained visible.

We see this building in the Royal Palace Park, between the tourist office and the Vénerie Museum. Founded by Saint-Louis between 1262 and 1264 in the center of the Royal Palace, the priory Saint-Maurice was intended to shelter the relics of Saint-Maurice and his martyrs of the Thébaine Legion. A community, composed of twelve canoines and a prior, served this place according to the rule of Saint Augustine. The cloister and church will be shaved shortly after 1789. From the monastic ensemble remains the eastern wing of the priory Saint-Maurice, redesigned until the nineteenth century, whose monks dormitory upstairs has been restored with a beautiful oak frame. On the lawn, on the right, there remains the remains of the chapel of the chapel, the entrance of which was near the logis of the prior.

Restoration work has now been completed on the massive square tower, 47 m tall, over a Renaissance style dome. The southern arrow has also been renovated, highlighting the flamboyant Gothic side of this part. It is this contrast between two styles that makes the charm of this rather unusual building that has recovered from its superb. The other characteristic is the trace of graffiti from German soldiers from the beginning of 1944, they are scattered in a few corners. Since its disaffection after the Revolution, the church has had unexpected vocations, becoming a fodder store, a chicory factory, a cavalry district, and then a covered market. The next episode was tragic. In 1974, a plane crashed a few kilometers from the city, in Ermenonville Forest. The church was then used as a burning chapel in tribute to the 346 people who lost their lives in this accident. Once this history has been tragic, the building has become a beautiful cultural place with pleasure for local event organizers.

Louis VII granted a communal charter to Senlis in 1173, and the city was awarded the same year of a new type of building: a city hotel. It has undergone many transformations over the following centuries. Rebuilt between 1495 and 1497, it was gradually enlarged in the th and th centuries. The clock at its summit dates back to 1608 and comes from the old belfry. When he crossed the city in 1825, Charles X made the main facade of a bust with the effigy of Henri IV. One can read the statement made by the latter in 1590 before the Parliament of Paris, during which he paid a glowing tribute to the inhabitants of Senlis, who, loyal to the king, welcomed him in their fortified precincts during the religious wars. Inside, face the beautiful side staircase that leads to the council room. An old-fashioned charm is emerging.

Without doubt, it is one of the largest and best-preserved cities in France. This medieval town has been preserved from th century urbanization with a few exceptions, such as the Rue de République, a large straight artery cutting the center into two. Half a day will not be superfluous to discover the fortifications of Philippe-Auguste and the small streets with irregular pavés, picturesque names and covered façades of ivy and roses. A stroll will allow you to admire some beautiful sights such as the Saint-Via church masked by pretty kitsch columns. And to guess sumptuous hotels peculiar to massive portals surmounted by stone vases such as Hotel Germain, in the rue du Haubergier or on the square of Mauconseil. You can "rest" with the eyes, saturated with so many architectural beauties, using the ramparts from the Porte gate. With one side of the Nonette flowing down and Gardens, and on the other, Saint Vincent Abbey. Counsel: Don't hesitate to walk in the city when you walk away. The evening light gives a yellow hue to the limestone stones of the houses.