History of Sens and its surroundings

Main point of interest of its district, located 100 km from Paris, Sens is part of the department of Yonne and is crossed by an eponymous river. Sens is a French commune that enters history in a shattering way. Its inhabitants are called the Senonais. It should be noted that the Senonais designates both the natural region representing a Gallic territory of the Senons and the Roman city of Agedincum. During the Roman period, the banks of the Yonne were occupied by a most elaborate installation of river traffic, which did not fail to attract the attention of the military strategists of Julius Caesar. Archaeological remains attest to the presence of an amphitheater, a forum and thermal baths in the second century. The baths, and especially the façade, were to present various sculptures. At that time, the local dwellings were decorated with mosaics. The commune counts 25,507 senones, but the urban area located in the vicinity of Sens is inhabited by twice as many people. The city takes its name from the Gallic people of the Senons. They inspired respect, even in the ranks of the Roman cohorts. The ‘senile’ and ‘senate’ terms are said to be coming from the name of this Gallic tribe established on the coasts of the Adriatic. At the arrival of Caesar, the Senonais had to choose between the republic and the traditional authorities. Sens has a strong Christian tradition. The diocese of Sens was founded around 240 by Saint Savinien. As early as the eighth century, this town became a strategic point in the circulation and communication of the Romanesque church. Indeed, at that time, the Muslim fleet was already packed on the borders of the Mediterranean, on its way to wars for the Islamization of territories, of which France was a part. The Counts of Sens come from very high lineages, related to the royal Merovingian family. During the ninth century, the diocese of Sens had a very important place in the Christian life. Concretely, this meant that the archbishopric of Paris depended on that of Sens, on the same basis as Auxerre, Meaux and Orleans. The city receives the Archbishops of Canterbury, Thomas Becket and Edmond, and grants asylum to Pope Alexander III. From a geographical point of view, Sens enjoys a temperate climate, moderated by oceanic influences. These climatic parameters have facilitated the installation of communication routes during the Industrial Revolution. Sens is served by the TER of Burgundy, which allows to rally Paris, Auxerre and Dijon. It also has a Grand Prix and four flowers on the 2007 prize list of the Flowery Towns and Villages contest.