Things To Do
in Sens
Sens is a historic town set along the Yonne River in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of France. It features a UNESCO-like cathedral, medieval streets, and a well-preserved old town that invites slow exploration. The town acts as a convenient gateway to Burgundy’s wine country, with easy access to nearby villages, châteaux, and countryside.
Visitors can enjoy a lively market scene, intimate cafés, and a compact, walkable center that feels like a slice of authentic Dying Burgundian life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sens and check into your charming local hotel. Take a leisurely stroll around the city to adapt to the rhythm of this historic town. Enjoy a relaxing breakfast with fresh pastries at a nearby café.
Visit the stunning Sens Cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture known for its intricate stained glass windows. Take some time to explore the beautiful gardens adjacent to the cathedral and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Stop by a local bistro for a taste of classic French cuisine for lunch.
Dine at a cozy restaurant in the heart of Sens, appreciating the local dishes and regional wines. After dinner, take an evening walk along the Yonne River, absorbing the peaceful ambiance. End your evening with a nightcap at a quaint bar or café.
Start your day with a guided tour of the ancient Roman ruins located just outside the city. After the tour, grab breakfast at a popular local patisserie known for its croissants. Plan your day ahead while enjoying a coffee in the town square.
Visit the Sens Museum to delve into the rich history of the region, featuring archaeological finds and art exhibitions. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the lush Parc du Moulin à Tan, surrounded by greenery and tranquility. Take plenty of photos of the beautiful park scenery.
Attend a local arts performance or theater show, immersing yourself in the vibrant culture of Sens. After the event, find a nearby wine bar to sample local vintages and chat with friendly locals. Wrap up your night with a sweet dessert from a nearby gelato shop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-5 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (1 night) | $90-140 |
| 🎟️Museum or site ticket | $8-15 |
| 🛒Grocery essentials (week) | $60-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable historic center with easy access to nearby Burgundy countryside
- Rich medieval architecture, cathedral, and market culture
- Access to wine regions and scenic river landscapes
- Smaller nightlife and limited nightlife options compared to bigger cities
- Winter weather can be chilly and some services may have shorter hours
- Limited direct international flight connections; typically requires a transfer via Paris
- "Bonjour" - Hello / Good day
- "Merci" - Thank you
- "S'il vous plaît" - Please
- "Parlez-vous anglais ?" - Do you speak English?
- "Où est... ?" - Where is...?
Places to Visit in Sens
Visit one of these nice places.
A towering Gothic cathedral with intricate façade details, stunning arches, and atmospheric interior lighting perfect for architecture and detail shots.
Historic square framed by timbered facades; ideal for wide-angle shots and capturing the town’s medieval charm.
Scenic river views with bridges and reflections; great for sunset photography and long exposures.
Colorful market stalls and baskets—vibrant candid and still-life opportunities amid local life.
Food in Sens
Sens Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A slow-cooked beef stew in red wine with onions and mushrooms, a Burgundian classic found in many local bistros.
Must-Try!
Chicken braised in wine with lardons, mushrooms, and aromatics; a quintessential Burgundy dish often featured on menus.
A famed pungent-soft cheese from the region; excellent with crusty bread and a glass of wine.
Garlic-butter snails prepared in the Burgundian style, widely available as a starter in traditional eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Covered market offering fresh produce, cheeses, charcuterie, and prepared foods; best visited in the morning.
Outdoor stalls with seasonal fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and regional specialties to sample on the go.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin conversations with 'Bonjour, s'il vous plaît' and address people as 'Monsieur' or 'Madame' in most settings.
Keep your hands visible, use bread to help with sauces, and avoid loud talking in quiet cafés.
Public places often restrict smoking; follow signage and respect indoor non-smoking rules.
Safety
Tipping in Sens
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is included in many bills, but if not, a tip of 5-10% for good service is common and appreciated. Cash tips are convenient even when paying by card.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with fresh greens and flowers starting to bloom; carry a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings.
Warm days with longer daylight; occasional thunderstorms. Stay hydrated and seek shade during peak sun hours; enjoy riverside strolls.
Crisp air and harvest flavors; beautiful fall colors along riverbanks and in surrounding vineyards.
Cool to cold with occasional frost; many outdoor sights are best enjoyed in daylight; cozy cafés and hearty meals are inviting.
Sens at Night
Hiking in Sens
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive forested area with varied loop hikes suitable for day trips from Sens.
Rolling landscapes nearby with scenic lookouts and relatively gentle hiking routes.
Accessible trails along the river offering easy-to-moderate hikes with river views.
Airports
How to reach Sens by plane.
Major international hub; train or road connections to Sens with typical travel times around 1.5-2 hours depending on transport.
Another major hub; convenient for domestic and European connections; accessible to Sens via rail or road in roughly 2 hours.
Smaller regional airport with fewer connections; often used for budget travel, still within a drivable distance to Sens.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of families, retirees, and professionals; strong sense of local culture and heritage.
Smaller student presence linked to nearby institutions and cultural centers.
Visitors drawn by medieval architecture, markets, and Burgundy’s wine heritage.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local clubs and community leagues are common; you’ll find matches and friendly play around town.
Popular throughout Burgundy; scenic routes and cycling infrastructure nearby appeal to both casual and experienced riders.
Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy calm river sections and scenic paddling opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sens.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Look for menus labeled with vegetarian options; many places can adapt dishes by omitting meat or using vegetables as the main component. Request dishes with local vegetables, cheese, and bread to ensure a satisfying meal.