Hôtel de Sens

The Hôtel de Sens is a late Gothic townhouse in the 4th arrondissement of Paris with medieval stonework, a prominent corner tower, and fortified walls. Today the building houses the Forney Library, a specialized collection focused on decorative arts, technical documents, and historical materials related to crafts and design.

Built between 1475 and 1519 under Archbishop Tristan de Salazar, the residence replaced an earlier building that served religious and political leaders. The structure stands as a reflection of late medieval architecture and its evolution during that period.

The Forney Library inside preserves collections of decorative arts and handcrafts that reflect how people valued artistic skills across centuries. The exhibition spaces allow visitors to see documents and prints that show traditional design practices and techniques that shaped French material culture.

The Forney Library is located at rue du Figuier in the Marais district and offers access to collections of prints, postcards, and specialized books. Visitors should check opening times before coming, as the collection is designed for research and study rather than casual browsing.

A cannonball from the 1830 revolution remains lodged in the building's stone facade, telling the story of unrest that shook the city then. This silent mark of the uprising remains visible to visitors who look closely at the outer walls.