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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility before crowds arrive
Hôtel de Sens Paris
Best Time
Enjoy tranquility before crowds arrive

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.
"This 'sens...ationnel' hidden gem offers a magnificent library and flowery garden, a true Parisian escape!
"🎯 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 .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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

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.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Discreet Charm
Know Before You Go: Library & Garden Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🌸 Wander the Flowery Garden
Take time to enjoy the peaceful, formal gardens, a beautiful escape in the Marais.
🚶♀️ Combine with Marais Walk
The Hôtel de Sens is perfectly situated for a stroll through the historic Marais district.
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.
📚 Explore the Forney Library
Don't miss the magnificent art book collection inside; check hours before your visit.
🌸 Wander the Flowery Garden
Take time to enjoy the peaceful, formal gardens, a beautiful escape in the Marais.
🚶♀️ Combine with Marais Walk
The Hôtel de Sens is perfectly situated for a stroll through the historic Marais district.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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
🕰️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Day-Trippers & Marais Explorers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Parisian History: The Hôtel de Sens
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. 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
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
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit