Hôtel de Sens, Paris - a large building with a clock on the top of it
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Hôtel de Sens Paris

4.5
·234 reviews·Paris, France

A discreet 16th-century Gothic mansion in the Marais, featuring stunning architecture, peaceful formal gardens, and the magnificent Forney Library spe...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Enjoy tranquility before crowds arrive

CrowdLow
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Hôtel de Sens, Paris - a large building with a clock on the top of it

Hôtel de Sens Paris

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Enjoy tranquility before crowds arrive

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A discreet 16th-century Gothic mansion in the Marais, featuring stunning architecture, peaceful formal gardens, and the magnificent Forney Library specializing in art books. A true Parisian hidden gem.

4.5
(234 reviews)

"This 'sens...ationnel' hidden gem offers a magnificent library and flowery garden, a true Parisian escape! Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Spot the Cannonball

Look above the main entrance for the embedded cannonball, a unique piece of history from 1830 .

📚 Explore the Forney Library

Don't miss the magnificent art book collection inside; check hours before your visit .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Forney Library

The Forney Library

Inside the Hôtel de Sens

Discover a magnificent collection of art books and decorative arts within this historic setting, a true haven for culture enthusiasts.Instagram

Gothic Architecture & Turrets

Gothic Architecture & Turrets

Exterior facade

Admire the stunning 16th-century Gothic-style villa, complete with charming gables, intricate turrets, and historical details that transport you back in time.

The Formal Gardens

The Formal Gardens

Behind the mansion

Wander through the beautifully maintained, flowery formal gardens, offering a peaceful retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.Instagram

Revolutionary Cannonball

Revolutionary Cannonball

Above the main entrance

Spot the embedded cannonball from the 1830 French Revolution, a unique historical marker visible above the main entrance with its engraved date.Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Discreet Charm

The Hôtel de Sens is a true Parisian hidden gem, often overlooked by the bustling crowds. Plan your visit knowing it's a tranquil escape, not a major tourist spectacle. Its discreet nature means you might walk past it if you're not looking closely, so keep an eye out for its unique Gothic architecture.Instagram

Know Before You Go: Library & Garden Access

While the exterior and gardens are generally accessible, the Forney Library, housed within, has specific operating hours. If you plan to explore its art book collection, verify opening times in advance. This ensures you can fully experience both the historical mansion and its cultural offerings during your visit to the Hôtel de Sens Paris.

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Enjoy tranquility before crowds arrive
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons (Tue-Fri)
Why
Golden hour light, fewer visitors
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring & Early Autumn
Why
Gardens are vibrant, pleasant weather
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Dreaming of Euro Summer ☁️ Hotel du Sentier is such a hidden gem #parishotel
@marissammae_
135.9K likes • 900K views

🎯 Spot the Cannonball

Look above the main entrance for the embedded cannonball, a unique piece of history from 1830.Reddit

📚 Explore the Forney Library

Don't miss the magnificent art book collection inside; check hours before your visit.Instagram

Replying to @Sydbabyyy watch the full video so you know how to book it correctly! 🥰 #parishotel #paristravel
@livimarie_
107.5K likes • 1.1M views
Dans le 4e arrondissement de Paris se cachent le discret hôtel de Sens, sa magnifique bibliothèque et son jardin fleuri ! 🤩 Si vous ne connaissez pas, allez-y : c'est sens...ationnel ! ! 💪 Merci à l'...
epicurieux
3.5K likes • 141.5K views

🌸 Wander the Flowery Garden

Take time to enjoy the peaceful, formal gardens, a beautiful escape in the Marais.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Marais Walk

The Hôtel de Sens is perfectly situated for a stroll through the historic Marais district. Reddit

Replying to @Dani 🧡 Where to stay in Paris #paris #wheretostay #paristips #traveltips #travel #parisneighbourhoods #tourism #bestlocation #paristraveltips #wheretostayinparis
@parisblogd
47.3K likes • 1.5M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Spot the Cannonball

Look above the main entrance for the embedded cannonball, a unique piece of history from 1830.Reddit

📚 Explore the Forney Library

Don't miss the magnificent art book collection inside; check hours before your visit.Instagram

🌸 Wander the Flowery Garden

Take time to enjoy the peaceful, formal gardens, a beautiful escape in the Marais.Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Combine with Marais Walk

The Hôtel de Sens is perfectly situated for a stroll through the historic Marais district. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(234 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Hôtel de Sens as a beautiful and discreet historical gem in the Marais, offering a peaceful escape. Its unique Gothic architecture, the charming formal gardens, and the fascinating Forney Library are frequently highlighted as standout features, making it a 'sens...ationnel' experience.Instagram

"An exquisite building with a cannonball still embedded over the doorway. It is now the Forney Library. There is a free bathroom in the corner of the courtyard."

G Mac

"Pleasant and rare civil medieval building in Paris. The architectural structure is from the 15th century. However, the sculptures and ornaments are from the 20th century, when Hotel de Sens was recreated by highly skilled « compagnons ». It is now a public library: you may enter the courtyard to take pictures. The inner building is a medieval pastiche. Nothing left from the original decor."

Bème

"Beautiful unique hotel and biblioteque with amazing building castle shape. Is open as a library and very beautiful place to visit!! 🇨🇵👍🏛️"

Davide Danti

What People Like

Peaceful, hidden gem
Stunning Gothic architecture
Beautiful formal gardens

What People Dislike

Can be easily missed
Library hours can be limited

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There & Location

The Hôtel de Sens is situated in the heart of the 4th arrondissement of Paris, specifically in the historic Marais district. Its address is 1 Rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris, France, making it a central and accessible spot for visitors exploring the area.Reddit

To visit the Hôtel de Sens Paris, the most convenient way is by Metro. The closest stations are Saint-Paul (Line 1) or Pont Marie (Line 7), both within a short walking distance. This makes it easy to integrate a visit to the hotel de sens marais into your Paris itinerary.

Yes, its central location in the Marais makes it ideal for a quick stop or as part of a longer walking tour. Many visitors appreciate its discreet charm and find it a refreshing break from more crowded attractions.Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, there is no admission fee to view the exterior of the Hôtel de Sens and to access its formal gardens. The Forney Library, housed within, is also typically free to enter, though specific exhibition or event access might vary. It's a great free activity in Paris.

While the exterior and gardens are often accessible during daylight hours, the Forney Library has specific opening times, usually from Tuesday to Saturday. It's highly recommended to check the official website for the most current hours before planning your hotel de sens paris visite, especially if you intend to explore the library's collections.

No, advance booking is not typically required for general entry to the Hôtel de Sens or the Forney Library. You can simply arrive during opening hours. However, for special events or guided tours, booking might be necessary, so always check ahead.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience & What to See

When you visit Hôtel de Sens Paris, be sure to admire its stunning 16th-century Gothic architecture, including the gables and turrets. Don't miss the peaceful formal gardens and, most importantly, locate the cannonball embedded in the facade above the main entrance, a unique historical relic.InstagramReddit

A typical visit to explore the exterior, gardens, and a quick look inside the Forney Library might take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. If you're a history buff or an art book enthusiast, you might want to spend more time browsing the library's collections.

Yes, it can be. Children might enjoy spotting the cannonball and exploring the gardens. While the library might be less engaging for very young children, the historical architecture and the open space of the garden offer a pleasant experience for families.

🎫 📜 History & Architecture

The Hôtel de Sens is a significant 16th-century private mansion, originally built for the Archbishops of Sens. It's a rare example of late medieval and early Renaissance architecture in Paris. Its most famous historical detail is the cannonball lodged in its facade from the 1830 French Revolution.Reddit

The Hôtel de Sens Paris showcases a beautiful Gothic-style architecture, characterized by its distinctive gables, turrets, and intricate stone carvings. It represents a transitional period, blending medieval elements with early Renaissance influences, making it a unique structure in the Marais.

The cannonball is a fascinating relic from the French Revolution of 1830. It struck the facade and remains embedded above the main entrance, with the date engraved beneath it. It serves as a tangible reminder of Paris's tumultuous past and is a popular point of interest for visitors.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Accessibility

Yes, photography is generally permitted in the exterior gardens and of the building's facade for personal use. Inside the Forney Library, it's usually allowed without flash, but it's always courteous to check for any specific restrictions, especially during exhibitions.

The gardens and ground floor areas are generally accessible. However, as a historic 16th-century building, some interior sections, particularly upper floors of the library, might have stairs and limited accessibility. It's advisable to contact the Forney Library directly for specific accessibility information.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📚 Art & Book Lovers

For those with a passion for art, design, and literature, the Hôtel de Sens is a true delight. The Forney Library is a treasure trove, specializing in decorative arts and art history, offering an extensive collection of books and documents.Instagram You can spend hours browsing its unique archives, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in visual culture. The historical setting only adds to the charm of this magnificent library.

🕰️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

History buffs will be captivated by the 16th-century Gothic architecture of the Hôtel de Sens, a rare example of its kind in Paris. The mansion's story, from its origins as an archbishop's residence to its role in the French Revolution, is fascinating. Don't miss the embedded cannonball from 1830, a tangible piece of history that sparks imagination and provides a unique talking point.Reddit It's a chance to step back in time and witness centuries of Parisian heritage.

🚶‍♀️ Day-Trippers & Marais Explorers

If you're exploring the vibrant Marais district, the Hôtel de Sens makes for a perfect stop. Its central location means it's easily integrated into a walking tour, offering a moment of peace and historical intrigue amidst the bustling streets. It's a discreet gem that provides a different flavor of Parisian charm, ideal for those looking to discover less-trodden paths and enjoy a unique hotel de sens paris visite.Instagram

📸 Photographers

The Hôtel de Sens offers fantastic photographic opportunities. Its Gothic facade, complete with gables and turrets, provides a dramatic backdrop, especially during golden hour. The formal gardens are equally picturesque, with their structured beauty and seasonal blooms.Instagram Capture the unique historical detail of the cannonball Reddit or the serene atmosphere of the library's interior (check for flash restrictions). It's a visually rich location for architectural and garden photography.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Parisian History: The Hôtel de Sens

The Hôtel de Sens stands as a remarkable testament to Paris's rich past, a 16th-century private mansion that once housed the Archbishops of Sens. Its construction, completed around 1519, predates many of the city's more famous landmarks, offering a rare glimpse into late medieval and early Renaissance architecture. Unlike the grand palaces, this hôtel particulier provides a more intimate sense of historical grandeur.

One of its most compelling features is the cannonball embedded in its facade, a direct consequence of the French Revolution of 1830. This unique scar, visible above the main entrance with the date engraved, serves as a powerful, tangible link to a pivotal moment in French history, making the building itself a historical artifact.Reddit Visitors often seek out this detail, adding an element of discovery to their visit to the Hôtel de Sens Paris.

Today, the mansion houses the Forney Library, specializing in decorative arts and art history. This transformation from a private residence to a public cultural institution ensures its preservation and continued relevance, inviting visitors to explore both its architectural beauty and its vast collections. It's a perfect blend of historical significance and ongoing cultural contribution.

The Forney Library: A Treasure Trove of Art & Design

Nestled within the historic walls of the Hôtel de Sens, the Forney Library is far more than just a quiet reading room; it's a magnificent cultural institution dedicated to the decorative arts, fine arts, and graphic design. Its extensive collection includes books, periodicals, exhibition catalogs, and rare documents, making it an invaluable resource for artists, designers, students, and enthusiasts alike.Instagram

The library's setting within the Gothic mansion creates a unique atmosphere, blending historical architecture with contemporary artistic knowledge. Visitors can browse through centuries of design evolution, from ancient crafts to modern aesthetics. It's a place where the past informs the present, offering inspiration and deep dives into specific artistic movements and techniques.

For those interested in the visual arts, a visit to the Forney Library is a must. It provides a tranquil and intellectually stimulating experience, allowing you to appreciate the beauty of the building while immersing yourself in a world of art and design. It truly enhances the hotel de sens paris visite, offering more than just a historical tour.

Serenity in the City: The Formal Gardens

Beyond the imposing facade of the Hôtel de Sens lies a delightful surprise: its formal gardens. These beautifully maintained, flowery spaces offer a serene escape from the urban bustle of the Marais. Designed with classic French garden principles, they provide a structured yet inviting environment for relaxation and contemplation.Instagram

The gardens are a perfect spot to take a moment, sit on a bench, and simply enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Surrounded by the historic architecture of the mansion, you can appreciate the intricate details of the building from a different perspective. The seasonal blooms add vibrant colors and fragrances, making it a particularly pleasant experience during spring and early autumn.

Many visitors find the gardens to be a highlight, a quiet oasis where they can unwind after exploring the lively streets of the 4th arrondissement. It's a testament to the Hôtel de Sens's ability to offer both historical intrigue and a tranquil natural setting, making it a well-rounded destination for those seeking both culture and calm.

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