Senlis

For other places with the same name, see Senlis (disambiguation).
Senlis

Cathedral

Flag
Senlis

Coordinates: 49°12′29″N 2°35′15″E / 49.2081°N 2.5875°E / 49.2081; 2.5875Coordinates: 49°12′29″N 2°35′15″E / 49.2081°N 2.5875°E / 49.2081; 2.5875
Country France
Region Hauts-de-France
Department Oise
Arrondissement Senlis
Canton Senlis
Intercommunality Trois Forêts
Government
 • Mayor (2011–2014) Pascale Loiseleur
Area1 24.05 km2 (9.29 sq mi)
Population (2012)2 15,789
 • Density 660/km2 (1,700/sq mi)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 • Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
INSEE/Postal code 60612 / 60300
Elevation 47–140 m (154–459 ft)
(avg. 76 m or 249 ft)

1 French Land Register data, which excludes lakes, ponds, glaciers > 1 km² (0.386 sq mi or 247 acres) and river estuaries.

2 Population without double counting: residents of multiple communes (e.g., students and military personnel) only counted once.

Senlis (French pronunciation: ​[sɑ̃lis]) is a commune in the Oise department in northern France.

It has a long and rich heritage, having traversed centuries of history. This medieval town has welcomed some of the most renowned figures in French history, including Hugh Capet, Louis IX, the Marshal of France, Anne of Kiev and Séraphine de Senlis. The monarchs of the early French dynasties lived here, attracted by the proximity of the Chantilly forest. It is renowned for the gothic Senlis Cathedral and its vast historical monuments. Its inhabitants are called "Senlisiens" and "Senlisiennes".[1]

Geography

Senlis is part of the province of l'Oise in the region of Hauts-de-France in the north of France. It is situated on the river Nonette, between the forests of Chantilly and d'Ermenonville in the South and d'Halatte on the North. It is located 40 kilometers from the north of Paris, 44 km from Beauvais and 79 km from Amiens. The highest point of the town (140m) lies at the heart of the forest Halatte and the lowest point is located on the banks of the Nonette, west of the city. Geologically, the area is occupied by a vast limestone plateau of the Lutetian covered mostly in silt.

History

Senlis was known in early Roman imperial times as Augustomagus and later as Civitas Silvanectium ("City of the Silvanectes").[2] During the 3rd century, a seven-meter high defensive wall, about half of which still exists, was erected around the settlement in response to Frankish incursions.[2] The wall remained in use into the 13th century. The town also featured a Roman amphitheatre, the remains of which are still visible, about 500 m west of the walled town. The amphitheatre seated as many as 10,000 people and was used for public meetings, theatre, gladiatorial combats, and animal hunts.[3] The monarchs of the early French dynasties lived here, attracted by the proximity of the Chantilly Forest and its venison, and built a castle on the foundations of the Roman settlement. In 987 Alberon, the archbishop of Reims, called together an assembly, and asked them to choose Hugh Capet as king of France. However, the monarchs of France soon abandoned the city, preferring Compiègne and Fontainebleau. New life was given to the city in the 12th century, and ramparts were built. The popularity of the city later fell, and it slipped into decline. Today it remains an attraction for tourists for its long history and its links to the French monarchy.

Royal city

Senlis fell under the ownership of Hugh Capet in 981. He was elected king by his barons in 987 before being crowned at Noyon. Under the Capetian rule, Senlis became a royal city and remained so until the reign of Charles X (1824-1830). A castle was built during this period whose remains are still visible today. The city reached its apogee in the 12th and 13th centuries as trade in wool and leather increased, while vineyards began to grow. With an increasing population, the city expanded and needed new ramparts: a second chamber was erected under Phillip II that was larger and higher than the ramparts of the Gallo-Romans. A municipal charter was granted to the town in 1173 by King Louis VII. The bishop of Senlis and the Chancellor Guérin became close advisors to the King, strengthening Senlis' ties to the French royalty. In 1265, the Bailiwick of Senlis was created with a vast territory covering the Beauvais and the French Vexin. In 1319, the town, crippled by debt, passed into the control of royalty. Senlis was devastated by the Hundred Years' War, but managed to escape destruction despite being besieged by the Armagnacs. Senlis' economy suffered heavily and would have to wait until the 15th century for another boom, during which many buildings were built or restored. In 1493, King Charles VII of France, son of Louis XI, signed the Treaty of Senlis with the Duke of Burgundy, Maximilian I of Austria.[4]

Sights

Culture

In 1972, the September meetings were created as cultural manifestation making Senlis a pedestrian town for a weekend in September. The event allows the public to discover the gardens and hotel particuliers hidden behind gateways. The last gathering took place in 2007.[5] The Garden Lounge takes place around April, along with the Christmas march that take place around the Church of Saint Peter.

In A Writer at War 14-18, Édouard Coeurdevey describes the German destruction that he witnesses when visiting Senlis on 6 June 1915.[6] On June 8 he wrote 'Senlis bonde d'Annamites'.

The historic look of Senlis, with its ancient cobbled alleys and its proximity to Paris, made it a major destination for cinema.[7] Among many are the following movies filmed in Senlis:

Personalities

International relations

Senlis is twinned with:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "habitants.fr".
  2. 1 2 Athena Review, Vol.4, No.2. "The Roman Wall of Senlis".
  3. ↑ Bruce Klee (December 1975). "Three Gallo-Roman Multi-Purpose Theatres". JSTOR. pp. 516–520. JSTOR 3206386.
  4. ↑ "Publication de la paix de Senlis". Manuscrits de l'Institut de France. 23 May 1493.
  5. ↑ "Polémique autour des Rendez-Vous de septembre". Le Parisien. 14 January 2009.
  6. ↑ Édouard Coeurdevey. Carnets de guerre. pp. 14–18.
  7. ↑ Michel Lalande (1997). "Liste de tournages sur le site". p. 125.
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