The castle of Senlis, in the Oise, is located in the historic center of the city.
A first building was erected in the Merovingian period, when Hugues Capet was elected in 987, then crowned King of the Franks.
The site was completely rebuilt around 1130 during the reign of Louis le Gros and remained a royal residence until the beginning of the 16th century.
Already in ruins before the Revolution, the main remaining buildings were razed in the 19th century.
In the immediate vicinity, the Saint-Maurice priory was founded by Saint-Louis around 1264. This was "closed" in 1768, and both the cloister and the chapel were demolished after the Revolution. On the other hand, there remains a conventual building remodeled in a neo-Gothic style in the 19th century (occupied today by the municipality) and above all the residence of the prior (18th century).
This last building now houses the Musée de la Vénerie.
All the remains of the castle (including a Romanesque tower, part of the keep, and the "remains" of what was once the dwelling), which rested on a Gallo-Roman wall from the 3rd century and the preserved elements of the priory are located on the same space whose exteriors have been laid out as a park. This allows you to walk in a green setting made up of lawns and dotted with remarkable vestiges (stones or sculpted elements, statue of Diana) and secular trees (such as a majestic purple beech). A visit to this park is like a journey through almost 2000 years of history.
The park is accessible free of charge all year round. Free visit or possibility of guided tours: inquire on +33 3 44 67 37 37.
The Musée de la Vénerie is open from Wednesday to Sunday. Admission: 3.50 and 6 euros (the ticket also gives access to the archeology museum housed in the former episcopal palace of Senlis).
Information on +33 3 44 29 49 93.
