Château royal de Senlis, Royal castle and Saint-Maurice priory in Senlis, France.
Château royal de Senlis is a medieval castle standing next to the cathedral along the Gallo-Roman city wall. The complex contains towers and structures spanning several periods, creating a layered record of architectural forms across centuries.
In 987, Hugh Capet was elected King of France at this castle, establishing the start of Capetian rule. This event marked the foundation of a dynasty that would shape France for centuries afterward.
The hunting museum housed here displays collections about aristocratic traditions and local life. The exhibits show how hunting and courtly pursuits shaped the daily world of those who lived in this place.
The castle ruins and priory grounds form a public park open daily except Tuesdays, allowing visitors to walk freely through the site. You can move at your own pace and explore the different architectural elements from various periods.
King Louis integrated his personal apartments into a 300-year-old Roman tower and founded the adjacent priory in 1264. This combination of ancient structure with royal living space shows how rulers repurposed old buildings for their own needs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
