Senlis
Senlis sits on the banks of the Nonette river in northern France. The town lies between the forests of Chantilly and d'Halatte. Its highest point reaches 140 meters within the forest Halatte. A vast limestone plateau of the Lutetian period covers most of the area. Silt deposits blanket much of this geological foundation. The lowest elevation occurs near the river west of the city center. This location places Senlis 40 kilometers north of Paris. It also sits 44 km from Beauvais and 79 km from Amiens.
Ancient Roman imperial times knew this settlement as Augustomagus. Later records called it Civitas Silvanectium or City of the Silvanectes. During the third century, builders erected a defensive wall seven meters high around the community. Frankish incursions prompted this massive construction effort. About half of that ancient wall still stands today. It remained in use until the thirteenth century. An amphitheatre once seated up to 10,000 people nearby. Remains of this structure lie about 500 meters west of the walled town. Gladiatorial combats and animal hunts took place there. Public meetings and theatre performances filled the space too.
Hugh Capet gained ownership of Senlis in 981. Barons elected him king in 987 before his coronation at Noyon. Under Capetian rule, the city became a royal seat for centuries. The reign of Charles X marked its end as such in 1830. A castle rose during this period with visible remains today. Trade in wool and leather drove prosperity through the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Vineyards began growing alongside these commercial activities. Population growth forced expansion beyond earlier boundaries. Phillip II ordered a second chamber built larger than Gallo-Roman ramparts. King Louis VII granted a municipal charter in 1173. Bishop of Senlis and Chancellor Guérin advised the monarch closely. In 1265, the Bailiwick of Senlis covered vast territory including Beauvais. Debt crippled the town by 1319 when royalty took control again.
Germans occupied the town in early September 1914. Mayor Eugène Odent faced execution along with six civilian hostages. The victims included a tanner, carter, cafe waiter, chauffeur, baker's helper, and stonecutter. German forces charged Odent with orchestrating terrorist resistance against their troops. They shuttered buildings to create sniper positions while failing to demand orderly submission. Train Station and Courthouse burned down during the conflict. Other structures suffered similar destruction that year. French Army liberated the city later in 1914. Six citizens died under firing squad orders for perceived obstruction. Main street received Odent's name in 1931 as tribute. Édouard Coeurdevey visited on the 6th of June 1915 describing German destruction. He wrote 'Senlis bonde d'Annamites' on June 8th that same year.
The Senlis Cathedral stands as a Roman Catholic Gothic church and national monument. Construction spanned from 1153 until 1519 across centuries of work. A spire reaching 256 feet tall dates back to the thirteenth century. This height makes it visible across the surrounding plain. Southern portal work by Martin Chambiges marked evolution of Gothic art in the sixteenth century. Fire destroyed transepts between 1530 and 1556 requiring rebuilding efforts. Side portals and shallow east chapels date from approximately the same period. The ancient seat of the Bishopric of Senlis ended with Concordat of 1801. Territory passed to Roman Catholic Diocese of Beauvais after abolition. The cathedral remains a central historical attraction today.
Historic cobbled alleys attracted filmmakers seeking authentic settings near Paris. D.W. Griffith shot Coeurs du monde in 1918 featuring Lillian Gish. André Berthomieu filmed Ces dames aux chapeaux verts in 1929. Jeanne Moreau appeared in Le Dialogue des carmélites released in 1960. Philippe de Broca directed Cartouche in 1961 starring Jean-Paul Belmondo. Michèle Mercier and Jean Rochefort starred in Angelique and the King during 1965. Catherine Deneuve, Jean Marais, and Jacques Perrin featured in Peau d'âne in 1970. Louis de Funès appeared in both L'aile ou la cuisse and L'Avare respectively. Isabelle Adjani and Daniel Auteuil headlined La Reine Margot in 1994. Gérard Depardieu starred in Le Comte de Montécristo and L'autre Dumas. Martin Provost directed Séraphine in 2008 with Yolande Moreau.
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Common questions
Where is Senlis located in relation to Paris and other cities?
Senlis sits 40 kilometers north of Paris, 44 km from Beauvais, and 79 km from Amiens. The town lies on the banks of the Nonette river between the forests of Chantilly and d'Halatte.
What was the ancient name of Senlis during Roman imperial times?
Ancient Roman imperial times knew this settlement as Augustomagus. Later records called it Civitas Silvanectium or City of the Silvanectes.
When did Hugh Capet gain ownership of Senlis and when did royal rule end?
Hugh Capet gained ownership of Senlis in 981. The reign of Charles X marked its end as a royal seat in 1830.
Who executed Mayor Eugène Odent and when did German forces occupy the town?
German forces occupied the town in early September 1914. They executed Mayor Eugène Odent along with six civilian hostages for perceived obstruction.
During what years did construction of the Senlis Cathedral take place?
Construction spanned from 1153 until 1519 across centuries of work. A spire reaching 256 feet tall dates back to the thirteenth century.