Fabrique de la Flèche: immersive cinema, workshops, and a tour of the construction site at the Basilica of Saint-Denis

Long awaited, the spire of the Basilica of Saint-Denis is set to make its final return in 2029, with the rooster being installed at its summit during Heritage Days. But in the meantime, restoration of the base of the tower has already begun in 2024, and on March 14, the first stone was officially laid.

To enable as many people as possible to follow the progress of this extraordinary work, which requires exceptional expertise,the Suivez la flèche association welcomes you from October 17, 2025, to the heart of the construction site, behind the Basilica.

Following in the footsteps of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, which has been restored to its former splendor, the Basilique Saint-Denis, a royal necropolis, is due to be restored in the next few years to its structure of the last few centuries, when a superb 90m-high spire could be seen on the north tower, from 1180-1200, right up to the 19th century! In 1846, the decision was taken to dismantle the spire, causing this landmark of French history to lose its symmetry and typical Gothic silhouette.

A little history

Fortunately, when architect François Debret first dismantled the spire in 1837 to restore it after it had been struck by lightning, he had carried out precise surveys and sketches. But the spire threatened the stability of the building, despite its status as a symbol of the city. In 1992, the first plans for reconstruction were put forward, before the project was approved in 2018.

In 2021, it was decided to step up the pace of work to support Saint-Denis's bid to become European Capital of Culture in 2028. Consolidation work was launched in 2023, along with preventive excavations that unearthed more than 200 Carolingian and Merovingian tombs.

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What can you find at the Fabrique de la Flèche?

The Arrow Factory will give young and old alike the chance to go behind the scenes of the construction site with cultural activities and fun workshops:

• A virtual reality room, available by reservation only 
• An immersive cube with 360° sound and light projections
• discovering trades such as carpenter, stonemason, blacksmith, and stained glass artist by meeting artisans and learning about their craft
• a restaurant open to the city for a gourmet break
• A museum space with an exhibition and fun interactive displays
• a shop selling local products
• Live broadcast of the construction site at the top of the tower
• a medieval garden
• an area reserved for children

You can explore this reconstruction and the history of the monument through four themed areas, added to the paid tour of the Basilica, except on Mondays, for €17 forthe whole tourand free for those under 26. You can also enjoy a 3D experience on the association's website to see what the spire will look like,sponsor a stone to help with the reconstruction, and get involved!

From our point of view, this is the type of experience that should be offered during all construction projects involving historic monuments, as this proximity to the builders is truly appreciable and allows for more emotional contact with the project! La Fabrique de la Flèche will appeal as much to history and heritage enthusiasts as it will to those who are curious about major construction projects and ancient crafts, thanks to fun features that allow everyone to find something to enjoy.

Families will also enjoy the participatory workshops, children's activities, and immersive experiences. However, if you are looking for a quick or purely contemplative visit, without context or educational content, the experience may seem a little long or too technical.