Musée des Spahis de Senlis

About the museum

Senlis is one of the towns most closely linked to the memory of the Spahis, cavalrymen recruited in North Africa to serve the French army since the Algiers expedition of 1830; a law of 1831 formalized their existence. Two regiments were garrisoned in the town: the 4th Moroccan Spahi Regiment from 1928 to 1939, then the 7th Algerian Spahi Regiment from 1948 to 1962.

The museum was first set up in 1978 at the Hôtel de Vermandois, then from 1983 in the chapel of Chancellor Guérin in the episcopal palace. Since 1991, it has occupied a house acquired by the city at the entrance to the royal château.

In 1993, the association Le Burnous, founded in 1895 and open to former Spahis, goumiers, camel corps soldiers and Saharan soldiers, signed an agreement with the city to give the museum objects, documents and uniforms that needed to be saved from oblivion. These donations form the core of the collection, which has since been enriched by further gifts and acquisitions. The association Les Amis du musée des Spahis manages the collections, from inventory to display.

Highlights

• Spahi uniforms, pennants and harness fittings
• Tougs (horsehair standards) and weapons of the North African cavalry
• Personal souvenirs, documents and photographs
• Engravings, drawings and paintings on the history of the Spahis
• Collection built from donations by the Le Burnous association

Permanent exhibition

• Collection permanente sur l’histoire des Spahis – Uniforms, pennants, harness fittings and weapons on the first floor; costumes, personal souvenirs, documents, photographs and graphic works upstairs.

Founded

1978

Operated by

Ville de Senlis

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the Musée des Spahis is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The visit involves climbing stairs. Benches are placed along the route. Accessible parking spaces are located on the Place du Parvis Notre-Dame, near the museum. Guide dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

By car from Paris (45 km) or Lille (175 km): A1 motorway, exit 8 Senlis. Bus timetables are available on Oise mobilité.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit