Sens, or Agedincum, as it was once known
The oldest constructions in the city date back to the Gallo-Roman era. At the edge of the “amande” (French for “almond,” the name given to the historic center of Sens), remains of the wall that surrounded the city can still be seen. Built around 275 AD, the wall originally featured some thirty towers designed to protect the city from Germanic invasions. It was constructed using Gallo-Roman gravestones and other materials taken from public and private buildings. These stones were rediscovered in the 17th century when the wall was dismantled. Today, they are on display at the Sens Museum.
The Poterne, located in the southern section of the city center, reveals the size of the ancient wall! Today, it houses administrative offices and can be rented for events. Cross through the building through the small door which leads to a paved courtyard.
Each district has its own unique identity
The cafés in the shopping district
A walk down the Grande Rue, the pedestrian street which stretches from the Yonne river to the Rue de la République, to find the city’s shopping district. A number of shops are located in the ground floor of narrow timber framed houses. The main attraction in this district is the covered market.
A district brimming with arts and crafts
The artisan district features a beautiful building, the House of Abraham, built in 1540 by a tanner, with the Tree of Jesse, a common motif in the Middle Ages, sculpted into a corner pillar.
There are many artisans and artists in Sens and the surrounding region, making string instruments, restoring and framing paintings, and designing jewelry, clothing, hats, and leather goods.
Manor Houses
The next district features manors and beautiful private mansions. Next to the cathedral lies the former district of the canons and clergymen. A monastery once stood on the site of today’s town hall.
The Rue du Général Allix, Rue Abélard, and Rue de l’Épée form the ancient district of community leaders and magistrates, with the Palais Royal located at the end of the street at that time. Louis VII stayed here during his visit to Sens, and Louis IX and Margaret of Provence spent their wedding night here (in prayer!) after celebrating their marriage at the cathedral in 1234. Today, the building houses the Regional High Court.
While in Sens, we recomend visiting these monuments and remarkable viewpoints:
- Ile d’Yonne and Saint Maurice Church. At the bottom of the Grande Rue, Saint-Maurice Church, built in the 12th century for fishers and boatmen. This church on the Ile d’Yonne, a small island on the Yonne river, can be admired from the island, the river banks and from the river itself by boat or canoe, which can be rented locally!
- The Theatre of Sens on the city promenades was opened in 1882, shortly after the covered market. Behind its stone walls is an Italian-style theatre, with boxes, frescoes and balconies. The theatre programme is diverse, with concerts, theatre productions, entertainment for children, dance and more.
- Enjoy the many parks and gardens around the city!
How should I visit the historical centre of Sens?
- In a hurry? Use a discovery map (available at the Sens Intense welcome desk or at the bottom of the page under brochures). In one hour, you can see the main monuments with a brief explanation of the story behind them. For more information, read the heritage site information signs.
- Still curious? Follow the “Circuit de Brennus” with a guidebook, to visit the city in 56 steps (this will take roughly 2 hours), with historical facts and anecdotes. You will be guided by the arrows on the ground, showing the head of Brennus! The guidebook is on sale at the Sens Intense welcome desk.
- With children? Discover the history of Sens and have some fun with a treasure hunts! Either on paper or using a tablet, the treasure hunts are available year round and suitable for children from the age of 6.
- We also offer self-guided audio tours of the city centre and interactive tours on a tablet (lasting around 1hr15) and the cathedral (just under an hour). There’s no need to book in advance, just come by our welcome desk!
- Would you prefer to be able to ask questions, listen to stories and anecdotes? In the summer we offer guided tours with different themes! The choice is yours
