Contes et Histoires 2025: festive and magical events at the Basilica of Saint-Denis

This year, during the Christmas holidays, children and their parents are invited to discover the Basilica of Saint-Denis during the Tales and Stories event, from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026.

National monumentsare opening their doors to families for the national eventContes et Histoires 2025.During theChristmas holidays, children will be in the spotlight at the various participating monuments in France, with a range ofactivities for the whole family. A great fun and cultural event in thesehistoric places, allowingus to discover thejewels of our heritage.

TheBasilica of Saint-Denisis participating in this event again this year, unveiling a wonderfulprogramthat allows us to rediscover the necropolis of kings in a new light! FromDecember 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, come and discoverunusual activitiesthat will fascinate young and old alike.

Not familiar with the Basilique Saint-Denis? This Gothic-style religious edifice has a long and fascinating history, dating back to Gallo-Roman times. The site has been a burial ground for many centuries, and has been the scene of many stories over the years. Today, the basilica is best known for housing the tombstones of the kings and queens of France.

For this year's event, the Basilica invites you to get into the Christmas spirit with a series of original handicraft workshops:

Saint-Denis: pranks and magic!
This year, as part of the Contes et Histoires event, bring the whole family to discover the basilica, its royal recumbent statues, and its colorful stained-glass windows. Several activities are available for families: tours and workshops, storytelling shows, and galettes des rois (king cakes).
Activities are free for children, with an admission fee for accompanying adults.
Reservations only at www.saint-denis-basilique.fr

Monday, December 29, and Tuesday, December 30, at 4:15 p.m.
STORYTELLING SHOW: SAINT-DENIS: FARCES AND MAGIC!
During the holidays, discover little-known stories from the Middle Ages with your family! You will attend two theatrical tales inspired by fables, stories set and rooted in the distant past of Saint-Denis. A two-voice show, accompanied by a cloud of musical evocations, in the magnificent Gothic chevet of the basilica.
A story created by the La Petite Main theater company.
For ages 4 and up
Duration: 30 min
Reservations required
Mondays December 22 and 29, Tuesdays December 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.
VISIT-WORKSHOPS: DECORATIONS GALORE: GIANT CHRISTMAS BALLS AND TREES
Following a storytelling tour of the Basilica and its royal tombs, children will decorate a giant Christmas ball or a cardboard tree.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes for ages 4-7; 2 hours for ages 8-10
By reservation
Sunday, January 4 at 2:30 p.m.
VISIT-WORKSHOPS: TIRER LES ROIS AT THE BASILICA
Families discover the Basilica, make a scratch-off crown, and participate in the galette des rois.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes for ages 4-7; 2 hours for ages 8-10
By reservation