Sens, south of Paris, is home to one of the earliest gothic cathedrals (around 1135), and its importance is reflected in the archbishop's owning the Hôtel De Sens in Paris.

The magnificent flamboyant transepts are by Martin Chambiges, who did similar work at Troyes and Beauvais.
St. Thomas Becket, who was once exiled from Canterbury to Sens, is commemorated by a statue and a window telling his life. In the other direction went William Of Sens, who designed the earlier parts of Canterbury Cathedral.
Sens holds a relic consisting of several thorns taken from the crown of thorns, held in Paris.