Laying of the foundation stone for the spire at the Basilique Saint-Denis, entertainment, show and concert

Don't miss the very beginning of this titanic project, which aims to raise the spire of the Basilique Saint-Denis, after 180 years of absence! The town invites you to join its residents in celebrating the laying of the foundation stone on March 14, 2025! Stéphane Bern, godfather of the reconstruction project, is expected to be on hand to accompany this momentous occasion on a construction site that will last several years.

From 2:00 pm to 6:30 pm, the public can learn about the techniques used by cathedral builders, with activities organized around the basilica and free admission to the craftsmen's village. Demonstrations of stone cutting, forging, stained glass, stone engraving and wood carving await you, as does an augmented reality experience to visualize the rebuilt spire.

Throughout the day, a work of art will be created on the forecourt, representing the spire on a scale of 1, like a projected shadow of the rebuilt spire. From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., history buffs will be able to attend a round-table discussion on the second floor of Le Khédive restaurant, with participants from the construction site, historians (Anne-Marie Helvétius and Philippe Plagnieux) and heritage specialists (Jacques Moulin).

At the end of the day, a freeshow (but don't forget to reserve your place!) takes place in the heart of the Basilica, with a poetry reading by actress Aure Atika, an aerial circus performance by the Académie Fratellini under the Gothic vaults, a classical music concert by Concert de la loge and a performance by rapper MC Solaar!

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The day's program

• 11 a.m.: ceremony to lay the foundation stone for the spire - live broadcast from City Hall
• 2pm - 6:30pm: artisans' and partners' village, immersive experience, creation of a work of art on the forecourt floor
• 5pm: round-table discussion on the history of the spire
• 7pm: show in the basilica - free with reservation

Fabrique de la Flèche: immersive cinema, workshops, and a tour of the construction site at the Basilica of Saint-Denis
By 2029, the Basilica of Saint-Denis will have regained its spire on the north tower, which disappeared centuries ago. But while waiting for the work to be completed, you can visit the site and discover the expertise required for this restoration, starting October 17, 2025, with stone cutting, a forge workshop, and sound and light shows! [Read more]