Cathedrale St-Etienne
Cathedrale St-Etienne
4.5
Historic SitesReligious Sites
7:00 AM - 7:15 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:15 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:15 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:15 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Regarded as the first of the great Gothic cathedrals, its construction began in 1130. At the same period, catholic buildings were still designed according to Norman architecture. The architect of Sens applied a revolutionary design for the vaulting: the ribbed vault. Then, the Saint-Stephen's Cathedral has known successive developments ("flamboyant" Gothic transept for instance) but has kept a beautiful unit. Our tips: don't miss the unique and popular lightshow "Lumieres de Sens" from mid-June to mid-September! This is an amazing introduction to a detailed visit of the st Gothic Cathedral.
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles383 reviews
Excellent
255
Very good
116
Average
12
Poor
0
Terrible
0

andreasgregro
Köln107 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Couples
Though Sens is one of the smallest cathedrals it is the oldest. Furthermore, they provide well written plates with information on details about the architecture and the stained windows. Exceptional are the windows that show the life of Thomas Becket; they date from the 13the century. As they hang lower than many others, e.g., in Chartres, you should take your time to appreciate its craftsmanship.
Written 28 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jules060617
Lausanne, Switzerland1,481 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
One of the major cathedrals of France, Sens dates back to the 12th century. Many of its treasures are now to be found in the excellent museum next door. The exterior of the cathedral is of significant interest with the earliest portal dated to 1170 circa. Inside, there are still some remaining stained-glass windows from the 13th century, as well as many that were added later, along with a selection of monuments and tombs.
Written 5 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ifyougo
California32 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2014 • Couples
Sens was an unexpected pleasure. We stopped for several hours on the way from the Chablis area to Paris. Beautiful cathedral with stunning stain glass windows. Easy to navigate the small city and parking was free a few blocks from the cathedral. We ate a nice lunch at a cafe behind les halles which were closed the day we visited. The city felt like a real town whose reason for being went beyond catering to tourists drawn to the cathedral. Anyone who took a medieval architecture class in college is familiar with Sens. Definitely worth a visit.
Written 29 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Philip_Coppens
North Berwick, UK58 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2012 • Couples
This is one of the oldest cathedrals in France. It might not be famous, it might not even be all THAT brilliant when you compare it with the likes of Chartres, but it is definitely worth a visit when you are in or near Sens.
Written 20 May 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

laoge
Subligny, France64 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2015 • Family
Very few people know this !
Take the time to come to Sens and have a guided tour of this beautiful cathedral and the historical center. This town has a heritage dating back to the romans, it's full of history.
The town is situated at the crossroads of Ile de France, Champagne, Gatinais and Burgundy. A meeting point for good food, wine and culture
Written 18 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ovo777
Yerevan, Armenia59 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Solo
One of the first gothic cathedrals in France inspiring and full with gorgeous masterpieces to admire !
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GCW56
Priziac, France252 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2018
The first gothic cathedral still with a heavy Romanesque influence. The remaining glass work is exceptional with a beautifully restored rose window. Do not miss the Becket windows, the oldest surviving stained glass.
Written 13 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Heathcote2014
Horsham, UK9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2017
Lovely gothic cathedral, good atmosphere in evening with the light display. Couldn't go in at the time as it was shut.
Written 11 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Victor Rodrigues
Portugal156 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2014 • Business
The Cathedral is yet another testament of great Gothic Architecture and one of the first of it´s kind in France.
I recommend the visit to the Cathedral and the Sens Museum along side.
Written 18 October 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Dion B
Benalmadena, Spain52 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
A beautiful cathedral inside and out. The first gothic cathedral in France. I would definitely recommend it as a quick stop over if you are in Sens
Written 30 September 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Cathedrale St-Etienne, Sens

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