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{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2023}}
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{{Infobox French commune
|name               = Senlis
|commune status     = [[Subprefectures in France|Subprefecture]] and [[Communes of France|commune]]
|image              = Senlis NDame1 tango7174.jpg
|caption            = Cathedral
|image flag         = Flag of Senlis.svg
|image coat of arms = Blason de Senlis.svg
|arrondissement     = Senlis
|canton             = Senlis
|INSEE              = 60612
|postal code        = 60300
|mayor              = Pascale Loiseleur<ref>{{cite web|title=Répertoire national des élus: les maires|url=https://www.data.gouv.fr/fr/datasets/r/2876a346-d50c-4911-934e-19ee07b0e503|publisher=data.gouv.fr, Plateforme ouverte des données publiques françaises|date=13 September 2022|language=fr}}</ref>
|term               = 2020&ndash;2026
|intercommunality   = Senlis Sud Oise
|coordinates        = {{coord|49.2081|2.5875|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
|elevation m        = 76
|elevation min m    = 47
|elevation max m    = 140
|area km2           = 24.05
|population         = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_total}}
|population date    = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_as_of}}
|population footnotes   = {{France metadata Wikidata|population_footnotes}}
}}
'''Senlis''' ({{IPA|fr|sɑ̃lis|-|Fr-Paris--Senlis.ogg}}) is a [[Communes of France|commune]] in the northern French [[Departments of France|department]] of [[Oise]], [[Hauts-de-France]].

The monarchs of the early French dynasties lived in Senlis, attracted by the proximity of the [[Chantilly, Oise|Chantilly]] forest. It is known for its Gothic [[Senlis Cathedral|cathedral]] and other historical monuments. Its inhabitants are called "Senlisiens" and "Senlisiennes".<ref>{{cite web|title=Le nom des habitants des communes de France|language=fr|website= Habitants.fr|publisher= Patagos|access-date= 2020-03-12|url=http://www.habitants.fr/result.php?page=0}}</ref>

== Geography==
Senlis is situated on the river [[Nonette River|Nonette]], between the forests of [[Chantilly, Oise|Chantilly]] and d'[[Ermenonville]] in the South and d'Halatte on the North. It is located 40 kilometers to the north of Paris, 44&nbsp;km from [[Beauvais]] and 79&nbsp;km from [[Amiens]].
The highest point of the town (140m) lies at the heart of the forest Halatte and the lowest point is located on the banks of the Nonette, west of the city. Geologically, the area is occupied by a vast limestone plateau of the [[Lutetian]] covered mostly in [[silt]].

== History==
Senlis was known in early Roman imperial times as Augustomagus and later as Civitas Silvanectium ("City of the Silvanectes").<ref name="athenapub">{{cite web|last=Athena Review, Vol.4, No.2|title=The Roman Wall of Senlis|url=http://www.athenapub.com/14senlis-wall.htm}}</ref> During the 3rd century, a seven-meter high defensive wall, about half of which still exists, was erected around the settlement in response to [[Franks|Frankish]] incursions.<ref name="athenapub" /> The wall remained in use into the 13th century. The town also featured a Roman amphitheatre, the remains of which are still visible, about 500 m west of the walled town. The amphitheatre seated as many as 10,000 people and was used for public meetings, theatre, gladiatorial combats, and animal hunts.<ref>{{cite journal|title=Three Gallo-Roman Multi-Purpose Theatres|publisher=JSTOR|author=Bruce Klee|journal=Educational Theatre Journal|pages=516–520|date=December 1975|volume=27|issue=4|doi=10.2307/3206386|jstor=3206386}}</ref> The monarchs of the early French dynasties lived here, attracted by the proximity of the [[Chantilly Forest]] and its venison, and built a castle on the foundations of the Roman settlement. In 987, Archbishop [[Adalbero of Reims]] called together an assembly, and asked them to choose [[Hugh Capet]] as king of France. However, the monarchs of France soon abandoned the city, preferring [[Compiègne]] and [[Fontainebleau]]. New life was given to the city in the 12th century, and ramparts were built. The popularity of the city later fell, and it slipped into decline. Today it remains an attraction for tourists for its long history and its links to the French monarchy.

The town saw fighting in [[World War I]], with the [[Germans]] occupying the town in early September 1914. The mayor, Eugène Odent was executed by the [[Germans]] along with six other civilian [[hostage]]s: a tanner, a carter, a cafe waiter, a chauffeur, a baker's helper and a stonecutter.<ref>Tuchman, Barbara. ''[[The Guns of August]]''; New York: Ballantine Books, 1994; p. 477</ref> In addition, the [[Train station|Train Station]] and [[Courthouse]] was burned down, along with other buildings. The town was later liberated that same year, by the [[French Army]].

==Royal city==

Senlis fell under the ownership of [[Hugh Capet]] in 981. He was elected king by his barons in 987 before being crowned at [[Noyon]]. Under the Capetian rule, Senlis became a royal city and remained so until the reign of [[Charles X of France|Charles X]] (1824-1830). A castle was built during this period whose remains are still visible today. The city reached its apogee in the 12th and 13th centuries as trade in wool and leather increased, while vineyards began to grow. With an increasing population, the city expanded and needed new ramparts: a second chamber was erected under [[Philip II of France|Phillip II]] that was larger and higher than the ramparts of the Gallo-Romans. A municipal charter was granted to the town in 1173 by [[King Louis VII]]. The bishop of Senlis and the Chancellor Guérin became close advisors to the King, strengthening Senlis' ties to the French royalty. In 1265, the [[Bailiwick]] of Senlis was created with a vast territory covering the [[Beauvais]] and the French [[Vexin]]. In 1319, the town, crippled by debt, passed into the control of royalty. Senlis was devastated by the [[Hundred Years' War]], but managed to escape destruction despite being besieged by the [[Armagnacs]]. Senlis' economy suffered heavily and would have to wait until the 15th century for another boom, during which many buildings were built or restored. In 1493, King [[Charles VIII of France]], son of [[Louis XI]], signed the [[Treaty of Senlis]] with the [[Duke of Burgundy]], [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor|Maximilian I]] of Austria.<ref>{{cite web|title=Publication de la paix de Senlis|url=http://www.calames.abes.fr/pub/#details?id=IF1D11136|publisher=Manuscrits de l'Institut de France|date=23 May 1493}}</ref>

==Population==
{{Historical populations
|source = INSEE<ref name=pophist>[https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/4515315?geo=COM-60612#ancre-POP_T1 Population en historique depuis 1968], INSEE</ref>
|percentages = pagr
|align = none
|graph-pos = right
|1968 |11169
|1975 |13639
|1982 |14514
|1990 |14439
|1999 |16327
|2007 |16310
|2012 |15789
|2017 |14277
}}

==Sights==
* The [[Senlis Cathedral]] is a Roman Catholic Gothic church and a French national monument. The Cathedral was the ancient seat of the [[Bishopric of Senlis]], abolished by the [[Concordat of 1801]], when its territory was passed to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Beauvais. The southern portal of the 16th century, the work of [[Martin Chambiges]], marked the evolution of Gothic art. The cathedral was built between 1153 and 1519; its 256-foot-tall (78 m) tall spire dates from the 13th century and is visible across the plain of {{ill|Valois (region)|lt=Valois|fr|Valois (région)}}. Its [[transept]]s were rebuilt between 1530 and 1556 after being destroyed by a fire, while the side portals and shallow east chapels date from about the same period.
* The Ancient Royal Castle- priory Saint Maurice. The site has been occupied since the Roman era. In the course of the 4th century, the site was visited by the [[Carolingian]] kings. The current castle dates to the 12th century and was built under [[Louis VII of France]].
* Hôtel de Ville Senlis has a plaque attached to honor the loyalty of [[Henry IV of France]].
* The former [[St. Vincent Abbey, Senlis|St. Vincent Abbey]] was founded in 1065 by Queen [[Anne of Kiev]] and entrusted to the [[canons regular]] of the [[Abbey of St Genevieve]] in Paris, known as ''Génovéfains''. The complex was transformed into a boys' boarding school by the [[Marist Fathers]] in the 19th century.
* The Museum of Art and Archeology contains notably rings found in a [[Gallo-Roman culture|Gallo-Roman]] temple in the forest of Halatte.
* The Museum of the Hunts
* The Museum of the Spahis

== Culture==
In 1972, Senlis was made into a pedestrian town for a weekend in September, and this became a regular event, allowing the public to discover the gardens and [[hotels particuliers]] hidden behind gateways. The last gathering took place in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|title=Polémique autour des Rendez-Vous de septembre|url=http://www.leparisien.fr/senlis-60300/polemique-autour-des-rendez-vous-de-septembre-14-01-2009-372317.php |publisher=Le Parisien|date=14 January 2009}}</ref> The Garden Lounge takes place around April, and there is a Christmas march around the Church of Saint Peter.

The town was briefly captured by the Germans at the beginning of World War I. Several citizens were executed by firing squad in early September, including the mayor, Eugène Odent, who was charged with orchestrating “terrorist” civilian resistance — shuttering buildings for the convenience of snipers, failing to demand orderly submission from his neighbours and generally inconveniencing German troops.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Headsman |title=1914: Eugène Odent, the mayor of Senlis |url=http://www.executedtoday.com/2015/09/02/1914-eugene-odent-the-mayor-of-senlis/ |website=www.executedtoday.com |access-date=2 February 2019}}</ref> In 1931 the main street of Senlis was named after Odent.<ref>{{cite web |title=Eugene Odent, the martyr of Senlis |url=https://canope.ac-amiens.fr/cddpoise/oise14_18/eugene_odent.php |website=canope.ac-amiens.fr |access-date=2 February 2019}}</ref>

In ''A Writer at War 14-18'' Édouard Coeurdevey describes the German destruction that he witnesses when visiting Senlis on 6 June 1915.<ref>{{cite book|title=Carnets de guerre|author=Édouard Coeurdevey|pages=14–18}}</ref> On 8 June he wrote 'Senlis bonde d'Annamites'.

The historic look of Senlis, with its ancient cobbled alleys and its proximity to Paris, made it a major destination for cinema.<ref>{{cite web|title=Liste de tournages sur le site |url=http://www.l2tc.com/cherche.php?exact=oui&pays=fr&reget=Picardie&dept=Oise&nodept=60&ville=Senlis|author=Michel Lalande|author-link=Claps sur Senlis:l'histoire deu cinema a Senlis|page=125|year=1997}}</ref> Among the films shot in Senlis:

* ''[[Hearts of the World|Coeurs du monde]]'' (1918) by [[D.W. Griffith]], with [[Lillian Gish]]
* ''[[The Ladies in the Green Hats (1929 film)|Ces dames aux chapeaux verts]]'' (1929) by [[André Berthomieu]]
* ''[[Dialogue of the Carmelites|Le Dialogue des carmélites]]'' (1960) with [[Jeanne Moreau]]
* ''[[Cartouche (film)|Cartouche]]'' (1961) by [[Philippe de Broca]], with [[Jean-Paul Belmondo]] and [[Claudia Cardinale]]
* ''[[Angelique and the King]]'' (1965) with [[Michèle Mercier]] and [[Jean Rochefort]]
* ''[[King of Hearts (1966 film)|Le Roi de Coeur]]'' (1966) by Philippe de Broca
* ''[[Donkey Skin (film)|Peau d'âne]]'' (1970) with [[Catherine Deneuve]], [[Jean Marais]] and [[Jacques Perrin]]
* ''[[Raphael, or The Debauched One|Raphaël ou le Débauché]]'' (1971) by [[Michel Deville]]
* ''{{Interlanguage link|Les Stances à Sophie|fr}}'' (1971) by [[Moshé Mizrahi]]
* ''[[Les malheurs d'Alfred]]'' (1972) by [[Pierre Richard]]
* ''{{Interlanguage link|R.A.S|fr}} (Nothing to Report)'' (1973) by [[Yves Boisset]]
* ''[[The Wing or the Thigh|L'aile ou la cuisse]]'' (1976) with [[Louis de Funès]] and [[Coluche]]
* ''[[L'Avare (film)|L'Avare]]'' (1980) with Louis de Funès and [[Michel Galabru]]
* ''[[That Night in Varennes|La Nuit de Varennes]]'' (1982) by [[Ettore Scola]], with [[Jean-Louis Barrault]], [[Marcello Mastroianni]] and [[Hanna Schygulla]]
* ''[[Gramps Is in the Resistance|Papy Fait de la Résistance]]'' (1983) with [[Christian Clavier]] and [[Michel Blanc]]
* ''[[The Little Thief|La Petite Voleuse]]'' (1988) by [[Claude Miller]], with [[Charlotte Gainsbourg]]
* ''[[La Reine Margot (1994 film)|La Reine Margot]]'' (1994) with [[Isabelle Adjani]] and [[Daniel Auteuil]]
* ''[[The Count of Monte Cristo (1998 miniseries)|Le Comte de Montécristo]]'' (1997) with [[Gérard Depardieu]]
* ''[[Arsène Lupin (2004 film)|Arsène Lupin]]'' (2004)  by [[Jean-Paul Salomé]], with [[Kristin Scott-Thomas]]
* ''[[Séraphine (film)|Séraphine]]'' (2008) by [[Martin Provost]] with [[Yolande Moreau]]
* ''[[Dumas (film)|L'autre Dumas]]'' (2010) with Gérard Depardieu and [[Benoît Poelvoorde]]
* ''Crainquebille'' (2010) television movie
* ''Soeur-Thérèse.com'' (2011) TV series

== Personalities==
<!---♦♦♦ Only add a person to this list if they already have their own article on the English Wikipedia ♦♦♦---> 
<!---♦♦♦ Please keep the list in alphabetical order by LAST NAME ♦♦♦---> 
{{cmn|
* [[Antoine Baumé]], pharmacist
* [[Grégoire Boissenot]], French composer, author and singer
* [[Louis Bromfield]], American author
* [[Jean-Christophe Canter]], French politician, former mayor of Senlis
* [[Bernard Cazeneuve]], politician and Prime Minister
* [[Pierre Chastellain]], Jesuit
* Bruno Cohen, MOF (meilleur ouvrier de France) photographer
* [[Thomas Couture]], history painter and teacher
* [[Georges Cziffra]], Hungarian pianist
* [[David de Freitas (French footballer)|David De Freitas]], footballer<!-- seq. de xxxxx -->
* [[Gerard de Nerval]], 19th-century writer
* [[Jean Baptiste Lefebvre de Villebrune]], physician, philologist and translator<!-- seq. de xxxxx -->
* [[Jean-Eudes Demaret]], cyclist
* [[Bill Deraime]], singer
* [[Armand Durantin]], French playwright and novelist
* [[Kevin Gameiro]], French footballer
* [[Evan Giltaire]], racing driver
* [[Céline Goberville]], shooter
* [[Benjamin Gueret]], businessman
* [[Claire Keim]], actress and singer
* [[Séraphine Louis]], French naïve painter
* [[William Malherbe]], Post Impressionist painter
* [[Anne Marivin]], actress
* [[Sébastien Minard]], cyclist
* [[Jules Moigniez]], animalier sculptor
* [[Pierre Montazel]], cinematographer
* [[Anne Pérard]], 18th-century history writer
* [[Karim Souchu]], basketball player
* [[Sting (musician)|Sting]], Rock musician and singer
* [[Jérôme Thion]], rugby union footballer
* [[Elvis Vermeulen]], rugby union footballer
}}

== International relations==
Senlis is twinned with:
*{{flagicon|GER}} [[Langenfeld, Rhineland|Langenfeld]], Germany
*{{flagicon|ITA}} [[Montale, Tuscany|Montale]], Italy
*{{flagicon|UKR}} [[Pecherskyi District|Pechersk (Kyiv)]], Ukraine

==See also==
* [[Communes of the Oise department]]
* [[Ramparts of Senlis]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Senlis (Oise)}}
* [http://www.ville-senlis.fr Website of the town of Senlis]
* [http://archeologie-senlis.org History and Archeology Society of Senlis]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CRgfDZY9pzc Senlis video]
* [https://www.theguardian.com/film/video/2009/nov/27/reel-review-seraphine Seraphine de Senlis Video]

{{Oise communes}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Communes of Oise]]
[[Category:Subprefectures in France]]