The Cathedral of Saint Stephen of Sens

The Cathedral of Saint Stephen of Sens stands out from other monuments (in both a literal and figurative sense). As the first gothic cathedral, it testifies to the architectural changes that were taking place at the beginning of the 12th century.

Saint Stephen of Sens, the first Gothic cathedral

In the Middle Ages Sens had become an extremely powerful archdiocese. Its archbishop being second only to the Pope, with an influence over the dioceses of Chartres, Auxerre, Meaux, Paris, Orléans, Nevers and Troyes.

Cathédrale de Sens from LES FILMS D’EOLE on Vimeo

In 1130, Henri Sanglier, the archbishop of the time, decided to build a cathedral worthy of the power of his archdiocese and the importance of the medieval city of Sens!

He called on a pioneer architect who would propose a revolutionary design of ribbed vaulting. Hence an imposing cathedral came to be, with a simple and continuous shape comprising a central nave and two side aisles. It was at that time the only Gothic cathedral in France and in the world. It was consecrated in 1164 by Pope Alexander III, just as the construction of Notre-Dame de Paris was beginning…

7 things you should know about the cathedral

The Cathedral of Sens preserves a series of stained-glass windows that trace the history of stained glass from the 12th to the 19th century.
An entire stained glass window recounts the end of Thomas Becket’s life, from when he left Sens to his assassination by the King of England’s overzealous barons.
The Dauphin (heir to the throne), son of Louis XV and father of Louis XVI, Louis XVIII and Charles X, rests with his wife in Sens Cathedral, as were his wishes. A mausoleum in their memory was erected here.
The stained glass window depicting the Heavenly Chorus is one of the cathedral’s most beautiful masterpieces.
The head of Jean du Cognot is hidden between two pillars – it’s up to you to find it!
The marriage of Saint Louis to Marguerite de Provence was celebrated in the cathedral on 27 May 1234.
It is worth pausing to look at the exterior sculptures. As well as gargoyles, you will meet some strange mythological and exotic creatures.

Other cathedral treasures can be seen in the Museums of Sens.

Stained glass window of the Heavenly Chorus

3 ways to visit the cathedral

Would you like to visit the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Sens? It is open every day from 8am until 6pm and is freely accessible (except during church services).

A number of enhanced tour options are also available:

Tour leaflets (on sale at the Tourist Office)
Audio guides (for hire at the Tourist Office)
Tours of the cathedral and south tower accompanied by a guide (in June, July and August; by reservation at the Tourist Office)

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