Why Is There a Cannonball Stuck in The Wall of Hotel de Sens, Paris ? (The Fascinating Story)
Walking through the streets of the Marais district in Paris, you might stumble upon a curious sight on the facade of the Hôtel de Sens: a cannonball embedded in its stone wall, just above an inscription that reads 28 Juillet 1830.
This intriguing detail is not just a random piece of debris but a historical relic tied to one of the most pivotal moments in French history: the July Revolution of 1830.
The Hôtel de Sens: A Building with Centuries of History
The Hôtel de Sens itself is a fascinating piece of architecture. Built between 1475 and 1519, it was originally the residence of the Archbishop of Sens, a city southeast of Paris.
At the time, Paris was under the jurisdiction of the Archbishopric of Sens, which means this building was both politically and religiously significant.
This medieval structure is one of only a handful of surviving private mansions from the Middle Ages in Paris. Its thick stone walls, turreted corners, and Gothic details give it the look of a fortress.
By the 18th century, the building had fallen out of ecclesiastical use and served various purposes, including as a private residence and even a jam factory.
The July Revolution of 1830: Three Glorious Days
The cannonball lodged in the Hôtel de Sens’s wall is tied to the July Revolution of 1830, which marked the end of King Charles X’s reign.
Tensions had been building in France for years. Charles X, a staunch supporter of the monarchy’s absolute power, issued a series of repressive ordinances on July 25, 1830, known as the July Ordinances.
These measures suspended freedom of the press, dissolved the elected Chamber of Deputies, and limited voting rights to the wealthiest citizens.
Outraged, Parisians took to the streets on July 27, erecting barricades in narrow streets and fighting against royal troops.
Over the course of three days, known as Les Trois Glorieuses, the uprising grew in intensity, with citizens from all walks of life - students, workers, and even some members of the National Guard - joining the fight.
Cannon fire and musket shots echoed through the city as battles broke out in areas like the Place de la Bastille, Rue Saint-Antoine, and near the Hôtel de Ville.
On July 29, 1830, the revolutionaries succeeded in forcing Charles X to abdicate. By early August, a constitutional monarchy was established under King Louis-Philippe, marking the start of the July Monarchy.
This moment was a turning point in French history, showcasing the power of the people against oppressive rule.
The Cannonball’s Journey to the Hôtel de Sens Wall
The cannonball now visible at the Hôtel de Sens likely struck the building during the chaos of the July Revolution.
The exact details of its impact are unknown, but it's now a symbol of the violence and upheaval that gripped the city.
Rather than removing it, the cannonball was intentionally left in place, with the date 28 Juillet 1830 inscribed below it as a tribute to the revolutionaries and their struggle.
This isn’t the only instance of cannonballs being preserved in Paris. Similar relics can be found at other locations tied to the city’s revolutionary history, but the one at Hôtel de Sens is particularly striking because of its highly visible placement, and the building’s medieval decor.
How to See the Cannonball
If you’d like to see this fascinating piece of history, head to the Hôtel de Sens in the Marais district at 1 Rue du Figuier, 75004 Paris.
The cannonball is on the building’s facade, above the arched entrance on the left-hand side. Look for the engraved date, 28 Juillet 1830, just beneath it.
The Hôtel de Sens now houses the Forney Library, which specializes in art and design books. While you’re there, you can also explore the beautiful courtyard and admire the building’s medieval architecture, which includes a grand arched doorway, pointed Gothic windows, and beautifully maintained turrets.
The site is free to visit from the outside - an easy stop during a walk through the historic Marais neighborhood. Nearby, you can also visit the Place des Vosges or the Musée Carnavalet for more insights into Paris’s history.