Hidden between two quiet lanes in Paris's Marais district, theHôtel de Sens looks like something out of a medieval fairy tale. With its turrets, gables and air of a miniature fortress, this 15th-century jewel has stood the test of time with panache. But behind its castle-like silhouette lies a story full of twists and turns, great characters and... even a cannonball!
Before the XVIIᵉ century, Paris did not yet have an archbishopric. The archbishops of Sens - on which the capital then depended - wanted a pied-à-terre worthy of their rank to stay in the city. And so, between 1475 and 1519, on the orders of Tristan de Salazar, this splendid mansion was built on the remains of an earlier residence.
From the moment it was built, the Hôtel de Sens has been impressive: corbelled turrets, Gothic arches, high dormer windows... everything about it exudes power and prestige. It is said that Queen Marguerite de Valois, the famous "Queen Margot", stayed here for some time after her annulment by Henri IV. Suffice it to say that the walls of the hotel have seen some fine clothes and great intrigues!
What makes the Hôtel de Sens so fascinating is its style: part castle, part mansion. Its watchtowers are reminiscent of medieval fortresses, while its finely decorated porch and Gothic windows herald the Renaissance. At the time, the aim was to assert both ecclesiastical prestige and the modernity of an enlightened clergy: mission accomplished.
And if you look closely at the façade on the street side, you'll see an astonishing detail: a cannonball embedded in the stone! It dates back to the July 1830 revolution, and the City of Paris chose to leave it in place as a silent witness to those turbulent times.
Did you know that? A cannonball is still stuck in the wall of a Parisian mansion
But what is a cannonball doing in the wall of the Hôtel de Sens, in the 4th arrondissement of Paris? Present since 1830, the artillery projectile has never been removed! Discover its history. [Read more]
Over the centuries, the hotel lost some of its lustre. After the creation of the Archdiocese of Paris in 1622, the prelates of Sens stopped coming here. The building was then rented out to craftsmen, transformed into a goods depot, then almost abandoned. The City of Paris purchased the site in 1911 and launched a meticulous restoration. In 1912, it was listed as a historic monument, saving this rare testimony to medieval Paris.
Today, the Hôtel de Sens is home to the Bibliothèque Forney, an institution dedicated to the decorative arts, crafts and graphic arts. Its collections are a treasure trove for lovers of design, vintage posters and period wallpapers.
Visitors can freely enter the inner courtyard and admire the Gothic facade, flamboyant porch and sculpted details. The building can also be visited during the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) or on guided tours offered by the City of Paris.
Nestled in the majestic Hôtel de Sens, the Bibliothèque Forney is a little-known treasure of the Marais district. From Art Nouveau posters to antique wallpapers and decorative arts, this magical place celebrates creativity in all its forms. Discover its history, astonishing collections and the secrets of this Parisian heritage gem. [Read more]
To the rear, don't miss the Hôtel de Sens garden, a French-style haven of peace: symmetrical paths, trimmed boxwood and quiet benches where you can relax for a moment out of time.
In Paris fourth arrondissement, not far from the Seine riverbanks and the Pont Marie lays a magnificent French formal garden where you can have a lovely break. Here is the Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens. [Read more]
Les Ateliers d'art des grands magasins: a free exhibition at the Bibliothèque Forney, Paris
Printemps' Primavera, Bon Marché's Pomone, Galeries Lafayette's La Maîtrise and Grands Magasins du Louvre's Studium Louvre showcase the best of Art Deco to mark the centenary of the 1925 Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes. Furniture, textiles, ceramics, catalogs, posters and photographs can all be discovered at the Bibliothèque Forney in a free exhibition running from November 4, 2025 to February 28, 2026. [Read more]
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Location
Hotel de Sens
7 Rue des Nonnains d'Hyères
75004 Paris 4
Access
Metro Pont Marie (line 7), Saint Paul (line 1)
Did you know that? A cannonball is still stuck in the wall of a Parisian mansion
An unusual library dedicated to the arts décos and métiers d'art hidden in a Paris mansion
Jardin de l’Hôtel de Sens, a French formal garden in Paris
