The Basilica of Saint-Denis is one of the finest heritage treasures in the Paris region. Listed as a Monument Historique, this medieval Gothic cathedral is a must-see in the Paris region.
Located in Saint-Denis in Seine-Saint-Denis, this basilica is an exceptional place that plunges curious young and old into the heart of French history. Its location is no coincidence: it stands on an ancient Gallo-Roman cemetery where Saint-Denis, the first bishop of Paris, is buried.
Legend has it that he was beheaded on the Butte Montmartre and, carrying his head in his hands, headed north. Stopping in front of Catulla, a pious woman, he entrusted her with his head before collapsing on the very spot where the basilica that now bears his name stands.
Inside, the stained glass windows offer a veritable whirlwind of colors. The site is also symbolic in French history for another reason: nicknamed the Necropolis of the Kings of France, it features the final resting place of many of the sovereigns who ruled the country, from Dagobert 1st to Louis XVIII.
Opening hours:
April to September
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 6:15pm (last admission at 5:45pm)
Sunday: 12pm - 6:15pm (last admission at 5:45pm)
October to March
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm)
Sunday: 12pm - 5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm)
Closed during religious services and on January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Prices:
9.50€ Full price
Free admission for under-18s, 18-25s from the European Union, disabled persons, jobseekers, holders of the Education pass.
Free admission on Heritage Day weekends, and on the first Sunday of each month from November to March.
Access:
Metro line 13, Basilique de Saint-Denis station (no elevator), 100 m from the monument.
RER D, Saint-Denis stop, then Tramway T1 (5 minutes) or 15 minutes on foot.
RER B (then Bus 153 or 253)
By car: 9 km from the center of Paris: access via Porte de La Chapelle, then A1, exit Saint-Denis - downtown. At Porte de Paris, Saint-Denis, follow the green "Saint-Denis Centre" sign on the right. Then head for the "Basilique" Indigo parking lot, 100 m from the monument. Downtown Saint-Denis is pedestrian-only.
By bike: From Porte de la Villette, along the Canal Saint-Denis (20 minutes). There are no bicycle garages near the Basilica.
La Voie Royale 2024: half-marathon, 10km and walk in Saint-Denis, finish at the Stade de France
The Voie Royale is a chance to be applauded for your achievement right inside the Stade de France, after a half-marathon, a 10-kilometer or a stroll through historic Saint-Denis! See you on October 27, 2024. [Read more]
I've tested it for you: become a dancer in an immersive show for a night!
At Maisons-Laffitte castle, Rambouillet or Saint-Denis Basilica, immersive shows are all the rage, and you can take part in the adventure by volunteering for a few evenings. [Read more]
La Nuit des Reines, the new immersive show on the history of the Basilica at Saint-Denis
From April 19, 2024, to coincide with the launch of reconstruction work on the spire of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the historic monument known as the tomb of the Kings and Queens of France will be hosting the Night of the Queens, an immersive show to (re)discover the history of those who have left their mark on the Basilica over the centuries. [Read more]
La Trêve, the exceptional exhibition at the Basilique Saint-Denis dedicated to Jeux Antiques
La Trêve is the name of the exhibition-installation awaiting us at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis from April 5 to September 15, 2024, offering a unique journey through inhabited portraits, photographic frescoes and costumes loosely inspired by the ancient Olympic Games. We take you on a journey of discovery... [Read more]
Saint-Denis 2024 Festival: Souad Massi, Blick Bassy... here's the line-up
Join us from May 29 to June 27, 2024 at the Basilica of Saint-Denis for the new edition of the Festival de Saint-Denis. On the program? Renaud Capuçon, Thomas Dunford, Souad Massi, Blick Bassy and Florentin Ginot, Zahia Ziouani and Amandine Beyer. [Read more]
Crescendo, the monumental installation at Saint-Denis Basilica
Discover "Crescendo", a majestic installation by Stephen Dean, presented by the Centre des monuments nationaux, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis until September 29, 2024. [Read more]
Location
Saint-Denis Basilica
1, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
93200 Saint Denis
Official website
www.saint-denis-basilique.fr
