Sens Travel Guide
Sens, in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, is a charming destination to explore. Read this comprehensive guide to learn about its history, culture, attractions, and more!
- Introduction to Sens
- List of Places to Visit in Sens
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Sens
- Best Things to Do in Sens: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Sens
- Food and Drink Scene of Sens
- Where to Stay in Sens: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Sens: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Sens
- Best Time to Visit Sens
- Do’s and Don’ts of Sens
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Sens: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Sens
- Where to Go Next from Sens: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Sens, a charming town in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, is a great destination for history buffs, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a relaxing getaway. From its rich history and architecture to its natural beauty and outdoor adventures, Sens offers something for everyone.
Here’s a comprehensive tour guide to Sens that covers everything you need to know to organize your itinerary and make the best of your trip.
Introduction to Sens
Located at the confluence of the Rivers Yonne and Vanne, Sens is one of the oldest towns in France, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. Over the centuries, Sens played an important role in French history, and many of its architectural and cultural landmarks reflect that rich heritage.
Sens is also famous for its beautiful countryside, charming parks, and gardens, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town boasts several hiking and biking routes, offering stunning views of the hills, forests, and vineyards that surround it.
List of Places to Visit in Sens
Here’s a list of the top attractions you must visit in Sens:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Sens Cathedral: A majestic Gothic cathedral dating back to the 12th century, with impressive stained-glass windows, intricate sculptures, and a rich history. It’s a must-visit for architecture and history lovers.
- Maison d’Abraham: A fascinating museum housed in a 14th-century building that showcases the Jewish heritage of Sens and its importance in French history.
- Musee de Sens: A museum that houses a vast collection of artifacts and artworks from the medieval times to the 19th century. It’s a great place to learn about Sens’s rich cultural heritage.
Natural Attractions of Sens: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Parc du Moulin a Tan: A charming park that offers picturesque walks along the river, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a petting zoo.
- Foret Domaniale de Pont-sur-Yonne: A vast forest that offers hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails, as well as fishing and hunting opportunities.
- Jardin du Moulin a Vent: A beautiful garden that features a wide variety of flora and fauna, picturesque ponds, and a charming windmill.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Sens
Sens offers several hiking and biking routes that offer stunning views of the town and the surrounding landscape. Here are some of the best:
- Sens to Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: A beautiful 22 km route that takes you along the River Yonne, through charming villages, and picturesque countryside.
- Parc du Moulin a Vent: A 3 km route that takes you through the beautiful Jardin du Moulin a Vent and offers stunning views of the town and the river.
- Foret Domaniale de Pont-sur-Yonne: Several trails of various lengths and difficulties that take you through the forest and its scenic surroundings.
Best Things to Do in Sens: Activities and Tours
Apart from its historical and natural attractions, Sens offers several activities and tours for visitors. Here are some of the best:
- Wine Tasting Tours: The region around Sens is famous for its delicious wines. Several tour operators offer wine tasting tours that take you to the region’s best wineries.
- Boat Tours: A great way to explore the rivers and canals around Sens, boat tours offer stunning views and a relaxing experience.
- Hot Air Balloon Rides: A unique way to see the town and the surrounding countryside from the sky. Several tour operators offer hot air balloon rides that offer breathtaking views.
Week-Long Itinerary for Sens
If you’re planning to spend a week in Sens, here’s a suggested itinerary that will help you make the most of your trip:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit Sens Cathedral and Maison d’Abraham |
| 2 | Explore Jardin du Moulin a Vent and Parc du Moulin a Tan |
| 3 | Discover Musee de Sens and take a wine tasting tour |
| 4 | Go hiking or biking in Foret Domaniale de Pont-sur-Yonne |
| 5 | Take a boat tour and explore the rivers and canals around Sens |
| 6 | Hot air balloon ride and visit nearby attractions like Fontainebleau |
| 7 | Shopping, Souvenir Hunting and Relaxation |
Food and Drink Scene of Sens
No trip to Sens is complete without savoring the local cuisine and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:
Must-Try Dishes
- Boeuf Bourguignon: A classic beef stew made with burgundy wine, bacon, and mushrooms.
- Gougère: A savory pastry made with cheese and choux pastry.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: Traditional Burgundy snails cooked with garlic butter.
Local Beverages
- Chablis: A crisp and refreshing white wine made in the Chablis region near Sens.
- Kir: A cocktail made with white wine and crème de cassis, a sweet blackcurrant liqueur.
- Marc de Bourgogne: A potent local brandy made from grape pomace.
Where to Stay in Sens: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Sens offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best:
- Hotel Archotel: A stylish and modern hotel located in the heart of Sens, close to all the major attractions.
- Chambres d’hôtes Sens: A charming guesthouse that offers cozy rooms and a delightful breakfast.
- Avenir Hotel: A budget-friendly hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a great location.
What to Buy in Sens: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Sens offers several local products and souvenirs that make great gifts and mementos. Here are some of the best:
- Burgundy Wines: One of the world’s most famous wine regions, Burgundy offers some of the best wines in the world.
- Dijon Mustard: Dijon, a nearby town, is famous for its delicious mustard, which is a great addition to any pantry.
- Artisanal Pottery and Crafts: Sens has a thriving artisanal scene, and several shops offer handmade pottery, jewelry, and other handicrafts.
Local Culture and Customs of Sens
Sens, like most of France, has a rich and vibrant culture that is worth exploring. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and a little effort to learn some basic French phrases will go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable.
Best Time to Visit Sens
The best time to visit Sens is between May and September when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, the town has its charm in all seasons and offers several winter activities like ice-skating and Christmas markets.
Do’s and Don’ts of Sens
Do:
- Learn some basic French phrases.
- Dress appropriately when visiting religious sites.
- Try the local cuisine and wine.
Don’t:
- Expect all locals to speak English.
- Be loud or disrespectful in public spaces.
- Leave valuables unattended in public places.
Safety and Health
Safety in Sens
Sens is a generally safe town, but visitors should take common sense precautions to avoid any issues. It’s always advisable to keep an eye on your valuables and watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.
Health in Sens
If you’re traveling from outside the EU, you will need health insurance to receive medical treatment in Sens. If you require medical attention during your trip, you can visit the Hospital of Sens or the several clinics and pharmacies in the town.
Getting to Sens: Transportation Options and Logistics
Sens is well-connected by road, rail, and air, making it easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. Here are the best transportation options:
Airports Near Sens
The nearest airports to Sens are:
- Paris-Orly Airport (ORY): 120 km from Sens
- Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG): 150 km from Sens
Bus Stations Near Sens
If you’re traveling by bus, Sens has several bus stations that connect it to other major French cities. Here are some of the best:
- Gare Routière de Sens: The central bus station of Sens.
- Gare de Auxerre: A nearby town with several bus routes to Sens.
Other Options
- Train: Sens has a well-connected train station that connects it to other major French cities like Paris, Dijon, and Lyon.
How to Get Around in Sens
Sens is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. However, if you want to explore the countryside or nearby towns, you can hire a car or a bike. Several rental services are available in the town.
Where to Go Next from Sens: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Sens is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby towns. Here are some of the best places to visit:
- Villeneuve-sur-Yonne: A charming medieval town located on the banks of the River Yonne, just a short drive from Sens.
- Fontainebleau: A historic town famous for its stunning royal palace and gardens, located just over an hour’s drive from Sens.
- Dijon: The capital of Burgundy, famous for its delicious mustard, charming historic center, and great wine. Located just over two hours’ drive from Sens.
Conclusion
Sens is a charming town that offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and relaxation. Its rich cultural heritage, picturesque countryside, and delicious food and wine make it a great destination for anyone looking for an authentic French experience. We hope this travel guide helps you plan your trip to Sens and makes your visit a memorable one!
