Monument Jeu d'Enfant 2025: meet the knights of the Basilica of Saint-Denis

Published by Cécile de Sortiraparis · Photos by Lucas de Sortiraparis · Updated on October 15, 2025 at 07:15 p.m. · Published on October 10, 2018 at 11:12 a.m.
Would you like to visit the Basilique Saint-Denis with your family? The monument opens its doors to visitors of all ages for the new Monument Jeu d'Enfant event, on October 18 and 19, 2025.

Does the history of the kings of France fascinate your children? Head to the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis, on Saturday October 18 and Sunday October 19, 2025, to learn more about the great sovereigns of French history! Pepin the Short, François I, Marie-Antoinette... 70 monarchs of France are buried in this basilica, in monumental tombs with funerary statues, the famous and impressive gisants. On the occasion of the Monument Jeu d'Enfant event, the Basilique Saint-Denis welcomes curious young and old alike, with original tours and workshops.

Through these recumbent figures, children are introduced not only to the tales and legends associated with the ancient abbey of Saint-Denis, but also to French history and the richness of France's cultural heritage. The basilica has stood the test of time, welcoming France's most famous crowned heads, from Dagobert to Louis XVIII, and has been decorated and rebuilt according to the fashions of the times.

Reserve your places now for the tours organized by the Basilique de Saint-Denis on Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19. The program for this special weekend includes handicraft workshops and great family fun:

Stubborn knights at the Cathedral Basilica

  • October 18 and 19 at 2pm
    VISIT-ATELIER: LES CHEVALIERS DE LA BASILIQUE
    Families will observe the tombstones in the basilica, particularly those of knights and knight-kings. You'll discover the knight's dress and weapons, as well as his training and the ceremony of knighthood. In a workshop, children will create a coat of arms, using medieval color codes, which they will then affix to a tabard (a garment worn over armor).
    One tour departure is planned for 4-7 year-olds (parents will be asked to help younger children in the workshop), and another for 8-12 year-olds.

  • October 18 and 19 at 4:15pm
    SPECTACLE : LES CHEVALIERS S'ENTÊTENT À LA BASILIQUE CATHÉDRALE SAINT-DENIS
    As chivalry in the kingdoms of Europe was dying out, a tournament was organized by the king in Saint-Denis. Some daring squires want to take part. But will they have enough time? Who will dare to challenge the knight without coat of arms and shadow who is the talk of the town?
    Booking essential
    Places limited

Then head to the Basilique Saint-Denis to take part in the national event Monument Jeu d'Enfant 2025, which opens the doors of numerous monuments in Paris, the Île-de-France region and the rest of France to youngsters!

Practical information

Dates and Opening Time
From October 18, 2025 to October 19, 2025

× Approximate opening times: to confirm opening times, please contact the establishment.

    Location

    1, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
    93200 Saint Denis

    Route planner

    Accessibility info

    Prices
    Moins de 26 ans: Free

    Official website
    www.saint-denis-basilique.fr

    Booking
    Book your tickets with Paris je t'aime here

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