We are all crazy about Paris, you know that. But did you know the rest of the Île-de-France region enjoys a magnificent heritage, often little-known, and yet worth the trip? This is why today, we have decided to left the capital city behind for a bit and conquer the treasures of the Île-de-France region. Next stop? Seine-Saint-Denis.
Set North-East of Paris, the 93 department is one of the smallest in France, covering 236 square kilometers. And yet, it is the most inhabited one in the region, after the capital city. Seine-Saint-Denis unveils a beautiful heritage and one of these gems is the Saint Denis Basilica, within metro reach and housing the royal necropolis. You get it, this is where the Kings of France rest.
So, are you ready to explore the treasures of Seine-Saint-Denis? Here are major places to visit and great locations, as well as the current entertainments. Treat yourselves to an Île-de-France getaway likely to be packed in great discoveries!
For more discoveries, stay tuned: this guide is updated accordingly. To make sure you miss nothing to do in Seine-Saint-Denis, think about saving the link and check it out again regularly.
Heritage, cultural outings & strolls
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 Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France, Saint-Denis (93)
How about (re)discovering the Basilique Saint-Denis? Classified as a historical monument, this religious edifice in Saint-Denis (93) is home to the necropolis of the Kings of France, and is a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the region's heritage. [Read more]
The Cherqui Foundation: visit the private collection of 5,000 works of kinetic art!
The Cherqui Foundation is a veritable museum, housing a private collection of 5,000 works of optical and kinetic art that is open to the general public. The grandson of collector Jean Cherqui organizes guided tours of his grandfather's immense collection. Find out about upcoming dates! [Read more]
Île-de-France: the Memorial at the former Bobigny deportation station opens its doors
The former deportation station at Bobigny is transformed into a "Memorial". A place of remembrance of the deportation of the Jews of France, this site steeped in history and located in Seine-Saint-Denis opens to the general public this Wednesday, January 18. It will then be officially inaugurated on July 18, 2023. [Read more]
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget, for starry-eyed visitors
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget is a nugget for those who dream of traveling, while the world's eyes are riveted on Mars, the Moon and the ISS. Here, you can rediscover the planes of the conquest of air and space for free, and even climb aboard a number of mythical aircraft! [Read more]
Why is there a giant flying saucer in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (93)?
In the inner suburbs of Paris, a strange object stands in the heart of the Dauphine market, at the Puces de Saint-Ouen. What is this huge flying saucer that seems to have come straight from another universe? [Read more]
The Great Gallery at the Air and Space Museum renovated
The Air and Space Museum opened its Grand Gallery on Saturday, December 14, 2019 after five years of renovation. Come and admire the gondola of the airship La France, the Antoinette type VII aeroplane or the aviation grand prix cup dating from 1910! [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]
Rosny-Rail, the railway and train museum at Rosny-sous-Bois station (93)
The Rosny-sous-Bois railway station in Seine-Saint-Denis is home to a museum that is, to say the least... unusual. Run by volunteers with a passion for railroads, the Musée du Rosny-Rail is a must for all train enthusiasts. [Read more]
Militant figures in popular sport, a committed exhibition at Campus Condorcet
Discover the lives and stories of sports activists who helped democratize sport in the last century, thanks to a free exhibition on display from November 2023 at the Condorcet Campus, as part of the Cultural Olympiad. [Read more]
Indulging spots
La Communale: the festive gourmet spot in Saint-Ouen, the largest food court in the Paris region
An extraordinary spot has arrived in Saint-Ouen! La Communale is a huge festive and gourmet hall dedicated to gastronomy and culture, the largest food court in the region, to be discovered without delay! [Read more]
Jardin21: a green, festive and family-friendly wasteland along the Canal de l'Ourcq
Along the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq, between Pantin and de la Villette, Jardin21 is the spot not to be missed this summer. DJ sets on Wednesdays, dance parties on Thursdays, children's workshops on Saturdays and Sundays... there's no doubt that everyone is welcome at Jardin 21: families with strollers, party-goers looking for a good bass, teenagers... Scheduled to reopen on April 5, 2024 for the new summer season! [Read more]
Anbassa, the coffee-shop with specialty coffees under a 1930s dome in Pantin
Anbassa is the perfect address for coffee aficionados in Pantin, just outside Paris. Here, you'll discover a coffee roaster in a luminous, historic setting, with a sublime 1930s cupola that lets in the daylight. A great spot for a coffee break or for coworking! [Read more]
Villa9Trois, Montreuil's star-spangled new institution
Montreuil institution Villa9Trois is getting a new lease on life under the impetus of young chef Camille Saint-M'Leux, who has decided to wipe the slate clean. [Read more]
Storyboard, the bookshop-café a stone's throw from the Puces de Saint-Ouen
A concept store, a coffeeshop and a beautiful hybrid bookshop with a whole collection of graphic novels, comics, mangas and children's books: that's the idea Bess and Julien had when they opened Storyboard in October 2021. Since then, the bookshop has become a place where you can pop in for a coffee, spend hours leafing through the books, or just drop in for a snack. [Read more]
L'Auberge des Saints Pères, the excellent restaurant and gourmet hangout in Aulnay-sous-bois (93)
In the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, near Aulnay-sous-Bois, the Auberge des Saints-Pères is a well-known gourmet restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star for almost 20 years. Although the restaurant decided to relinquish its Michelin star, its refined cuisine is still well worth the detour, with a menu devised by chef Jean-Claude Cahagnet. [Read more]
Metà e Metà, the Italian pizzeria and grocery in Montreuil
At Metà e Metà, you can enjoy original Neapolitan pizzas and fresh homemade pastas while sipping organic wines from Italy. And before you leave, take a trip to the grocery store, well-stocked with good Italian products. [Read more]
Discover CinqSens Café's gourmet brunch by Nicolas Paciello
Discover the gourmet Sunday brunch at CinqSens Café, launched by Nicolas Paciello in Pantin. Available every Sunday, with options for the whole family and services dedicated to parents. [Read more]
Muse, Commune Image's creative restaurant in Saint-Ouen
At the gateway to Paris, Commune Image is an artistic venue, a new-generation cinema factory, now labeled Patrimoine d'Intérêt Régional. Between screenings, creations and previews, this is the place to come for lunch or dinner at Muse, the venue's new address. [Read more]
Le Bloom Café, a family restaurant in Saint-Ouen's Docks district
Just a stone's throw from Saint-Ouen's largest park, Les Docks, Bloom Café is the perfect address for any occasion of the day: breakfast, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea... Family-friendly, affordable and generous, it's a neighborhood restaurant just the way we like them: with an extra soul, good food and a welcome just like home. [Read more]
Feuille de Chou, the organic and modern broth of MOB House, in Saint-Ouen
Located next to the famous Saint-Ouen flea market, the Mob House is the latest (large) Parisian hotel from Cyril Aouizerate, the co-founder of Mama Shelter: in this welcoming place, which is reminiscent of the comfort of a house (hence the "house"), the design is by Philippe Starck. [Read more]
La Grande bouffe, the Sunday lunch of the MOB House in Saint-Ouen
As we all know, Sundays are a time for family lunches, to get together, share the latest news and, above all, to enjoy generous home cooking. At Feuille de Chou, the MOB House's organic brasserie, we now offer you the Grande Bouffe in the same spirit: a no-frills lunch to share. [Read more]
La Source, Cité Fertile's eco-responsible café-canteen
Apprentice chefs delight gourmets at the café-cantine La Source, located in Pantin's Cité Fertile. The menu features ethical, local and responsible cuisine. [Read more]
Suzanne et Lucien, star chef Jacky Ribault's bakery and butcher shop in Noisy-le-Grand
Michelin-starred chef Jacky Ribault opens a bakery-butchery in Noisy-le-Grand: Suzanne et Lucien. Long-fermented natural sourdough breads, matured meats from small farmers' cooperatives, pastries made with raw butter, home-made grocery products... Only the best! [Read more]
Current entertainments
Earth Day 2024: nature activities at the MOB Hôtel in Saint-Ouen
On April 22, we celebrate Mother Earth on Earth Day! For the occasion, head to the MOB Hôtel in Saint-Ouen, for a weekend of fun and ecological events, from April 27 to 28, 2024, featuring workshops, markets and engaged debates. [Read more]
Le Canal Barboteur: the barge that changes the quays of Paris into a free open-air venue, next dates
The Canal Barboteur, the roving barge that transforms Parisian quaysides into giant free open air events, is back! On the program? DJ sets, shows and fun activities, all free of charge! Discover the next dates. [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]
27 Pantin: an open-air museum dedicated to street art
Fans of street art are invited to the north-east of Paris to discover 27 Pantin. Behind this open-air museum lies a wonderful artistic, cultural and participatory initiative. Supported by the Maison du projet, 27 Pantin unveils over forty works of art, giving the Îlot 27 district a colorful new face! Shall we take you on a tour? [Read more]
Royal Kids, indoor playground for children, Montreuil (93)
If you're looking for a place to jump, run, climb, slide... with the family for an afternoon, you've probably already heard of indoor playgrounds. In Montreuil, the city's Royal Kids is the place to be for an hour of fun in a truly playful space. [Read more]
The Grand Parc des Docks de Saint-Ouen, a green oasis in the heart of the new Docks district
Right in the middle of the Docks eco-neighborhood in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (93), the Grand Parc offers a genuine natural setting for jogging, family walks and picnics... [Read more]
La ferme ouverte de Saint-Denis, for a family nature getaway in Seine Saint-Denis
The open farm in Saint-Denis is like an oasis in the middle of the city: just a few minutes' walk from metro line 13, it's a place where nature seems to have reclaimed its rights, with fields full of vegetables, large greenhouses and, above all, animals. [Read more]
C'est Carnaval à la Communale de St-Ouen: free, festive events this spring
From March 23 to May 4, 2024, it's carnival time at La Communale! Saint-Ouen's freshly inaugurated gourmet hall kicks off its first cultural season by exploring these colorful festivities around the world, with a host of events on the program. [Read more]
Eden, the new festive summer garden at the gateway to Paris
Eden is the name of the new festive summer terrace that opens its doors on the weekend of April 20 and 21, 2024, in Aubervilliers, in a plant farm at the gateway to the capital, accessible by metro. Both a lively garden and a place to live, this spot is sure to seduce. [Read more]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Paris Express with a free tour of the Fabrique du Métro.
In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, among the various warehouses of the Docks industrial zone, you'll find the Fabrique du Métro. The Fabrique du Métro is a genuine laboratory for experimenting and testing the future metro lines of the Grand Paris Express, and offers free tours of what our future public transport systems will look like. [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 Ménagerie Saint-Baudile, a bucolic educational farm in Neuilly-sur-Marne (93)
Near Neuilly-sur-Marne, in the Seine-Saint-Denis département, the Saint-Baudile menagerie invites you to take a stroll in the countryside and discover its residents. [Read more]
The Murs à Pêches swimming pool in Montreuil: an ecological facility with waterslides
The Murs à Pêches swimming pool in Montreuil is a must-see for swimmers in search of good swimming spots. Located on the outskirts of Paris, it features a large indoor pool, an outdoor pool for sunny days and, as an added bonus, family-friendly slides! [Read more]
Plaine forme, Seine-Saint-Denis's only tree-climbing park, in the Bondy forest (93)
Located in the heart of the Forêt Régionale de Bondy, in a forest environment just 25 minutes from Paris, Plaine forme is an outdoor sports facility. What's on the programme? Tree courses, urban stilts, stepper bikes... To be discovered when the site reopens on March 30, 2024. [Read more]
Filou Planet 2, the playground for children to take you to the land of a thousand and one nights
It's raining, it's cold and you're looking for a family outing? Go to the indoor playground between Rosny and Noisy-le-Sec, Filou Planet 2 and its attractions for children from 0 to 12 years old on the theme of the Thousand and One Nights. [Read more]
A free manga fair opens in Epinay-sur-Seine (93)
This Saturday, April 27, 2024, the town of Épinay-sur-Seine will be decked out in the colors of Japan, with a manga fair and events accessible free of charge, featuring book signings, artistic workshops, tastings and cosplay competitions! [Read more]
Parc de la Sapinière, an island of greenery in Romainville (93)
In Romainville, just east of Paris, nestles a green space ideal for city walks, jogging or picnicking in the open air in fine weather. [Read more]
L'Île Robinson, an indoor playground for castaways in Montreuil
Rain or shine, you don't know where to go to let off steam with the family? If you're in the mood for adventure, Robinson's Island welcomes young and old alike to its immersive play area in Montreuil, just outside Paris. [Read more]
Le Sample, a third-party cultural and party venue in Bagnolet (93)
East of Paris, on the outskirts of Paris, Sample sets the pace for Bagnolet's cultural life, with numerous festive events and family activities throughout the year. [Read more]
Montreuil: discover the Parc des Beaumonts and its breathtaking view over Paris
East of Paris, the town of Montreuil boasts a number of green spaces, perfect for a stroll, a picnic in the sun or a jog: discover the largest of them all, the Parc des Beaumonts. [Read more]
Parc Montreau, one of the oldest landscaped parks in the Paris region, in Montreuil (93)
During a walk in Montreuil, discover the Parc Montreau, a huge 15-hectare park where you can enjoy a stroll all year round, as well as an outdoor picnic in fine weather. [Read more]
Climb Up opens Europe's largest indoor climbing gym in Aubervilliers
The Climb Up network of climbing gyms has just opened Europe's largest indoor climbing gym, with an extraordinary 5,000 m2 complex dedicated to climbing and climbing leisure activities, in Aubervilliers. [Read more]
Parc Jean Moulin les Guilands, the large green space between Bagnolet and Montreuil
To the east of Paris, in the towns of Montreuil and Bagnolet, the Parc Jean Moulin les Guilands brings together two originally separate green spaces: the Parc Communal des Guilands in Montreuil and the Parc Départemental Jean Moulin in Bagnolet, for a lovely green stroll in this part of the region. [Read more]
L'Avant Poste: a committed, cultural third-location center in Seine-Saint-Denis
A new "tiers-lieu" in the Paris region! Called L'Avant Poste, this solidarity spot has taken over a postal building in Seine-Saint-Denis that has been vacant since 2014. To be discovered in Raincy, L'Avant Poste aims to facilitate interaction and collective initiatives in the department. [Read more]
Parc de la Butte Pinson, the green spot to feel like you're in the forest, in Villetaneuse (93)
Just north of Saint-Denis, in the town of Villetaneuse, lies a lovely wooded park that makes you feel like you're strolling through a forest. Welcome to the Parc de la Butte Pinson, a favorite haunt of Impressionists and city dwellers in search of greenery. [Read more]
Parc de la Poudrerie, a listed green nugget in Sevran (93)
Fifteen kilometers from the Bassin de la Villette, along the Canal de l'Ourcq, lies a lovely 137-hectare forest park in the Seine-Saint-Denis municipalities of Livry-Gargan, Villepinte, Sevran and Vaujours. Combining remnants of the area's industrial past with immense tree-lined avenues, it's one of the green spaces not to be missed for a bike ride, family outing or jogging session... in the 93. [Read more]
Kingooroo, the leisure park for children in Aubervilliers
During the school vacations, on Wednesdays or on weekends, are you looking for a place where your children can let off steam? Go to the region's indoor playgrounds where children and adults from 0 to 12 years old can play, let off steam, but above all have fun for family adventure moments. [Read more]
Josette and Maurice Audin Park, the public garden of a 19th-century manor house in Bagnolet (93)
Originally the private garden of a 19th-century manor house, the Josette et Maurice Audin park is now one of Bagnolet's public parks, and the manor house, still visible, is proof of this. [Read more]
Maison Mauka, the cocoon of holistic well-being just outside Paris
Maison Mauka is a veritable temple to well-being, where you'll feel right at home. Arranged like a Parisian apartment, here you'll find numerous types of ultra-targeted treatments to recharge your batteries from head to toe, with a holistic dimension. [Read more]
La Coloc' de l'Ourcq, a coworking space in Bobigny
At the Coloc de l'Ourcq, people come for a yoga class, to share a piece of the coworking space for a day, to attend a massage class for babies, a friendly running session... But above all, we go there to share moments like in a real roommate, with people from the neighborhood, entrepreneurs or amateur athletes who come for their jogging session of the day. [Read more]
Block'Out 2 in Saint-Ouen
Do you know the bouldering halls? You know, these climbing gyms without harness, nor ropes where you climb and train? Let's go to Block'Out 2, in Saint-Ouen, the biggest bouldering gym in Ile de France (or even in France) for an overview of the possibilities. [Read more]
Parc de la Haute-Île, a magnificent wild green space in Neuilly-sur-Marne (93)
Just a few kilometers from Paris, take the RER A towards Marne-la-Vallée and discover the Parc Départemental de la Haute-Île in Neuilly-sur-Marne: with its beautiful playground, wide paths for jogging and observatories, it's one of the most beautiful parks in the area! [Read more]
La Ferme Caillard: festive venue, vegetable garden and educational farm in Bondy (93)
In Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis, Ferme Caillard welcomes you all year round to its semi-urban setting, between town and nature. [Read more]
Le cube à roulettes, the toy store that offers creative workshops for children, in St-Ouen
In Saint-Ouen, just outside the 18th arrondissement, Le cube à roulettes offers great gift ideas for children but not only: there is also a whole program of creative workshops for children [Read more]
Guided tours of the Citroën & DS Conservatory, for classic car enthusiasts
Did you know? Aulnay-sous-Bois, in the Seine-Saint-Denis département, is home to the Conservatoire de Citroën, the famous French car manufacturer: a number of guided tours are organized here throughout the year, so it's a good time to discover this magnificent collection of vintage cars! [Read more]
A free immersive investigation game to discover the Grand Paris Express at the Fabrique du Métro
In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, the Fabrique du Métro is offering a brand new activity for the February vacation period, taking you right to the heart of the Grand Paris Express project. Welcome to an immersive investigative game (accessible to all), to find out everything there is to know about France's biggest public transport project. [Read more]
Parc départemental de la Bergère, Bobigny's (93) green lung on the water's edge
On the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq in Bobigny, Seine-Saint-Denis, Parc de la Bergère is the city's largest green space, perfect for a stroll or picnic in fine weather. [Read more]
The municipal ice rink in Neuilly-sur-Marne, the must-see skating spot in Seine-Saint-Denis
If you're looking for an ice-skating spot in Ile-de-France, and more specifically in Seine-Saint-Denis, head for Neuilly-sur-Marne, on avenue Léon Blum, to discover the town's municipal ice rink. [Read more]
Sand Fabrik, the indoor beach for beach volleyball fans, in Pantin
Head to Pantin to get your feet in the sand and try your hand at beach volleyball at Sand Fabrik, the indoor beach that also has a bar and restaurant, for a great sporting experience! [Read more]
Karlito's kid-friendly Sunday lunch, the Italian canteen of the MOB Hotel, in Saint-Ouen
At the MOB Hotel, it's the same thing every Sunday: the lunches are XXl with gargantuan dishes, certified organic and adapted to the whole family to enjoy at will. So, shall we go? [Read more]
Parc Georges-Valbon in La Courneuve, 3rd largest green space in the Paris region
The Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes aren't the only places in the capital to escape to an immense patch of greenery. The third largest green space in the Ile-de-France region, after the two woods, is located in Seine-Saint-Denis. The 417-hectare Parc Départemental Georges-Valbon, also known as Parc de La Courneuve, is ideal for a bike ride, a picnic or an outing with the dog. [Read more]
