Senlis

About

Dating back to the Romans, Senlis is still partially surrounded by the defensive wall they built in the 3rd century. However, the town’s golden age came in the Middle Ages, when it was home to the monarchs of France, peaking in the 12th and 13th centuries. Today, the town is filled with reminders of its rich past, most prominently, the imposing Gothic cathedral. Built in the 12th Century, the soaring 78 m tower took another century to complete, and is considered one of the most beautiful in the country. Opposite the cathedral are the ruins of the 12th century castle, which are now a unique garden. Among the town’s many other historic monuments, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the ancient Roman walls, or head to the 12th century Raoul de Vermandois, which now houses the Museum of Art and Archaeology, to learn about the town’s rich history through art, religious objects, and ancient artefacts.