The Journées du Patrimoine return for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026 in Paris and Île-de-France. This European cultural event invites visitors each year to enjoy often free tours and a host of new activities at the heart of the museums, monuments, castles but also in places usually closed to the public that are normally closed. A rare opportunity to uncover the secrets of the region’s heritage around Paris!
This time, we're taking you to Seine-Saint-Denis, to the town of Saint-Denis, home to one ofFrance' s most historic monuments: the Basilica of Saint-Denis , where the kings of France are laid to rest. Known as the necropolis of the kings, this basilica is a treasure trove ofGothic architecture.
Heritage Days 2026: discover the finest churches in Paris and Île-de-France
Thanks to Heritage Days 2026, the churches, chapels and cathedrals of Paris and Île-de-France are unveiling their secrets this weekend of September 19–20, 2026. [Read more]
Heritage Days in Paris fall on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. We invite you to set off to discover the few remaining medieval monuments still visible in the capital, a chance to glimpse medieval Paris. [Read more]
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. He then walked north, carrying his head, before stopping in front of a pious woman named Catulla. He gave her his head and collapsed. He was buried where the cathedral now stands, giving his name to the city of Saint-Denis.
Special opening of the medieval garden
Usually visible only from the outside, the medieval garden of Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral unusually opens its doors for European Heritage Days. Wander freely along the garden paths, discover its plants and flowers, and enjoy an exceptional view of the monument's Gothic apse.
If you want to go further: free guided tours of the garden are also available (sign up on arrival directly on site).
Participation conditions: Access to the garden may be canceled due to inclement weather. - Free | No reservation
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–17:45 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00–17:45
Thematic guided tours
Join us for free guided tours with expert commentary and thematic focus of the royal necropolis at Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral, led by heritage staff. Lasting about thirty minutes, these visits explore various topics related to the royal necropolis, the architecture, and the history.
The tour schedule can be consulted on site or online (https://www.saint-denis-basilique.fr). Registration for the tours is done directly on site upon your arrival.
Participation requirements: On-site registration — Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.
Self-guided tour of the exhibition “Voix des Lumières” by Anne Slacik
As part of European Heritage Days, visitors can explore this exceptional exhibition free of charge.
The Centre des monuments nationaux, in partnership with the Festival de Saint-Denis, invites the Saint-Denis–based artist Anne Slacik to exhibit her works in the crypt of the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis starting May 28, 2026.
The exhibition will feature twelve previously unseen paintings, distributed across the crypt’s six chapels. The works will resonate with the site’s architecture and the light of the stained glass, adapt to each chapel’s dimensions, and offer visitors an immersive, poetic journey. The twelve paintings will echo the twelve months of the year, inviting a contemplative stroll on the theme of time.
If you’d like to go further: guided tours of the exhibition by the artist herself are also offered free of charge (registration upon arrival directly on site).
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM ⤏ 5:45 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM ⤏ 5:45 PM
Guided tours of the 'Voix des Lumières' exhibition by artist Anne Slacik
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, discover free of charge the exhibition by Anne Slacik "Voix des lumières" in the crypt of the Saint-Denis Basilica-Cathedral. Twelve previously unseen paintings converse with the place’s architecture, the light from the stained glass, and the passage of time. Crafted as a poetic, contemplative walk, this exhibition invites visitors to view this extraordinary monument with fresh eyes.
To extend the experience, let Anne Slacik herself guide you through her show. Along the crypt’s chapels, the artist will reveal the sources of her inspiration, her relationship with color, light, and time, as well as the links she has woven between her works and this historic site. A privileged opportunity to meet the artist, to discover her work from a new perspective, and to enter the heart of her artistic universe.
The visit schedule is available on-site or online (https://www.saint-denis-basilique.fr). Registration for the visits takes place directly on-site, upon your arrival.
Participation terms: On-site registration is free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 to 17:45 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 to 17:45
Guided tours of the medieval garden
Normally only visible from its surroundings, the medieval garden of Saint-Denis Basilica will open its gates for European Heritage Days.
On the occasion, French-language guided tours will also be offered: accompanied by your guide, you’ll stroll through this intimate space tucked beneath the monument, with a striking view of the exterior of the Gothic chevet.
On this unique discovery, let the guide lead you through a green haven laid out according to medieval garden principles. You’ll wander among medicinal plants, symbolic flowers and rare essences, as your guide reveals the uses, symbols and secrets of this exceptional garden.
The visit schedule is available on site or online (https://www.saint-denis-basilique.fr). Registration for the tours is done directly on-site upon arrival.
Participation conditions: Access to the garden may be canceled in the event of bad weather. On-site registration — free.
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM
Discovery Trail for Children
On the occasion of Europe’s Heritage Days, children aged 7 to 11 are invited to discover the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis in a playful, interactive way, thanks to a free activity booklet available at the ticket desk on arrival.
Young visitors will wander through the monument in search of clues, taking on a series of challenges. Through games, puzzles and observations, they will explore the different spaces of the royal necropolis and uncover the secrets of its history.
A fresh way to stroll through the entire monument, to better understand its architecture and to meet the figures who left their mark on its history.
Eligibility criteria: Free of charge
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00–17:45 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00–17:45
A multisensory kit to explore the basilica with all five senses
On the occasion of European Heritage Days, a multisensory art-wheeled case will be freely accessible to allow everyone to discover the treasures of the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis in a new light.
This kit offers an innovative mediation setup focused on medieval sculpture and royal tombs. It traces the evolution of royal funerary sculpture from the 12th to the 16th century.
This tool invites all visitors to explore the works through touch, smell, hearing and sight, providing a humane and immersive approach to heritage.
Eligibility criteria: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 ⤏ 17:45 | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 ⤏ 17:45
Organ concert by Frédéric Muñoz
As part of European Heritage Days, the Centre des monuments nationaux invites you to an organ recital on the Grandes-Orgues Cavaillé-Coll by Frédéric Muñoz, the abbey’s titular organist at Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert.
Participation requirements: Free and open access to the concert - Free | No reservations
Schedule: Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 5:30 PM to 6:15 PM
Le programme est mis à jour en fonction des annonces officielles.
Interested? Happy Heritage Days in Seine-Saint-Denis!
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Saint-Denis Basilica
1, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
93200 Saint Denis
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Official website
www.saint-denis-basilique.fr
Heritage Days 2026: discover the finest churches in Paris and Île-de-France
Heritage Days 2026: Medieval monuments in Paris and Île-de-France
