We are all crazy about Paris, you know that. But did you know the rest of the Île-de-France region enjoys a magnificent heritage, often little-known, and yet worth the trip? This is why today, we have decided to left the capital city behind for a bit and conquer the treasures of the Île-de-France region. Next stop? Seine-Saint-Denis.
Set North-East of Paris, the 93 department is one of the smallest in France, covering 236 square kilometers. And yet, it is the most inhabited one in the region, after the capital city. Seine-Saint-Denis unveils a beautiful heritage and one of these gems is the Saint Denis Basilica, within metro reach and housing the royal necropolis. You get it, this is where the Kings of France rest.
So, are you ready to explore the treasures of Seine-Saint-Denis? Here are major places to visit and great locations, as well as the current entertainments. Treat yourselves to an Île-de-France getaway likely to be packed in great discoveries!
For more discoveries, stay tuned: this guide is updated accordingly. To make sure you miss nothing to do in Seine-Saint-Denis, think about saving the link and check it out again regularly.
Heritage, cultural outings & strolls
The Cherqui Foundation: the kinetic art museum just outside Paris!
Sponsored - Do you like optical and kinetic art? Head for the Fondation Cherqui, a few kilometers from Paris. This art gallery, similar in size to a museum, houses a collection of over 5,000 works assembled by Jean Cherqui. Book your visit now! [Read more]
Saint-Denis Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France in Saint-Denis (93), discover its history
How about (re)discovering the Basilique Saint-Denis? Classified as a historical monument, this religious edifice in Saint-Denis (93) is home to the necropolis of the Kings of France, and is a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the region's heritage. We tell you all about it! [Read more]
Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget, a unique place that puts stars in your eyes
The Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at Le Bourget is a nugget for those who dream of traveling, while the world's eyes are riveted on Mars, the Moon and the ISS. Here, you can rediscover the planes of the conquest of air and space for free, and even climb aboard a number of mythical aircraft! [Read more]
Saint-Exupéry, fragments of history: the exhibition on the pilot at the Musée de l'air et de l'espace
While Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is best known for writing "Le Petit Prince", he was also a famous pilot, whom the Musée de l'air et de l'espace will be honoring on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his death at sea, from May 29, 2024. [Read more]
Rosny-Rail, the railway and train museum at Rosny-sous-Bois station (93)
The Rosny-sous-Bois railway station in Seine-Saint-Denis is home to a museum that is, to say the least... unusual. Run by volunteers with a passion for railroads, the Musée du Rosny-Rail is a must for all train enthusiasts. [Read more]
La Trêve, the exceptional exhibition at the Basilique Saint-Denis dedicated to Jeux Antiques
La Trêve is the name of the exhibition-installation awaiting us at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis from April 5 to September 15, 2024, offering a unique journey through inhabited portraits, photographic frescoes and costumes loosely inspired by the ancient Olympic Games. We take you on a journey of discovery... [Read more]
Crescendo, the monumental installation at Saint-Denis Basilica
Discover "Crescendo", a majestic installation by Stephen Dean, presented by the Centre des monuments nationaux, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis until September 29, 2024. [Read more]
Why is there a giant flying saucer in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (93)?
In the inner suburbs of Paris, a strange object stands in the heart of the Dauphine market, at the Puces de Saint-Ouen. What is this huge flying saucer that seems to have come straight from another universe? [Read more]
Île-de-France: the Memorial at the former Bobigny deportation station opens its doors
The former deportation station at Bobigny is transformed into a "Memorial". A place of remembrance of the deportation of the Jews of France, this site steeped in history and located in Seine-Saint-Denis opens to the general public this Wednesday, January 18. It will then be officially inaugurated on July 18, 2023. [Read more]
Indulging spots
Jardin21: a green, festive and family-friendly wasteland along the Canal de l'Ourcq
Along the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq, between Pantin and de la Villette, Jardin21 is the spot not to be missed this summer. DJ sets on Wednesdays, dance parties on Thursdays, children's workshops on Saturdays and Sundays... there's no doubt that everyone is welcome at Jardin 21: families with baby carriages, party-goers looking for a good bass, teenagers! [Read more]
La Communale: the festive gourmet spot in Saint-Ouen, the largest food court in the Paris region
An extraordinary spot has arrived in Saint-Ouen! La Communale is a huge festive and gourmet hall dedicated to gastronomy and culture, the largest food court in the region, to be discovered without delay! [Read more]
Le Bouillon du Coq, Thierry Marx's new affordable bouillon in Saint-Ouen
Good plan alert: Thierry Marx, the famous Michelin-starred chef, is signing the menu of a new establishment in Saint-Ouen from this July 11, 2024. Called Le Bouillon du Coq, the restaurant promises to combine good French food with an affordable price tag. Eating Thierry Marx for less than €20, that's something to get excited about. [Read more]
Le Bloom Café, a family restaurant in Saint-Ouen's Docks district
Just a stone's throw from Saint-Ouen's largest park, Les Docks, Bloom Café is the perfect address for any occasion of the day: breakfast, lunch, brunch, afternoon tea... Family-friendly, affordable and generous, it's a neighborhood restaurant just the way we like them: with an extra soul, good food and a welcome just like home. [Read more]
Discover CinqSens Café's gourmet brunch by Nicolas Paciello
Discover the gourmet Sunday brunch at CinqSens Café, launched by Nicolas Paciello in Pantin. Available every Sunday, with options for the whole family and services dedicated to parents. [Read more]
Storyboard, the bookshop-café a stone's throw from the Puces de Saint-Ouen
A concept store, a coffeeshop and a beautiful hybrid bookshop with a whole collection of graphic novels, comics, mangas and children's books: that's the idea Bess and Julien had when they opened Storyboard in October 2021. Since then, the bookshop has become a place where you can pop in for a coffee, spend hours leafing through the books, or just drop in for a snack. [Read more]
Chez Miam, an affordable gourmet burger joint in Saint-Ouen (93)
On Boulevard Gabriel Péri, in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, Farid and his chef delight young and old alike with their homemade burgers, and above all, at mini prices. [Read more]
Villa9Trois, Montreuil's star-spangled new institution
Montreuil institution Villa9Trois is getting a new lease on life under the impetus of young chef Camille Saint-M'Leux, who has decided to wipe the slate clean. [Read more]
Suzanne et Lucien, star chef Jacky Ribault's bakery and butcher shop in Noisy-le-Grand
Michelin-starred chef Jacky Ribault opens a bakery-butchery in Noisy-le-Grand: Suzanne et Lucien. Long-fermented natural sourdough breads, matured meats from small farmers' cooperatives, pastries made with raw butter, home-made grocery products... Only the best! [Read more]
Anbassa, the coffee-shop with specialty coffees under a 1930s dome in Pantin
Anbassa is the perfect address for coffee aficionados in Pantin, just outside Paris. Here, you'll discover a coffee roaster in a luminous, historic setting, with a sublime 1930s cupola that lets in the daylight. A great spot for a coffee break or for coworking! [Read more]
Metà e Metà, the Italian pizzeria and grocery in Montreuil
At Metà e Metà, you can enjoy original Neapolitan pizzas and fresh homemade pastas while sipping organic wines from Italy. And before you leave, take a trip to the grocery store, well-stocked with good Italian products. [Read more]
Feuille de Chou, the modern organic broth from MOB House, Saint-Ouen
Located next to the famous Saint-Ouen flea market, the Mob House is the latest (large) Parisian hotel from Cyril Aouizerate, the co-founder of Mama Shelter: in this welcoming place, which is reminiscent of the comfort of a house (hence the "house"), the design is by Philippe Starck. [Read more]
Muse, Commune Image's creative restaurant in Saint-Ouen
At the gateway to Paris, Commune Image is an artistic venue, a new-generation cinema factory, now labeled Patrimoine d'Intérêt Régional. Between screenings, creations and previews, this is the place to come for lunch or dinner at Muse, the venue's new address. [Read more]
La Source, Cité Fertile's eco-responsible café-canteen
Apprentice chefs delight gourmets at the café-cantine La Source, located in Pantin's Cité Fertile. The menu features ethical, local and responsible cuisine. [Read more]
L'Auberge des Saints Pères, the excellent restaurant and gourmet hangout in Aulnay-sous-bois (93)
In the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis, near Aulnay-sous-Bois, the Auberge des Saints-Pères is a well-known gourmet restaurant that was awarded a Michelin star for almost 20 years. Although the restaurant decided to relinquish its Michelin star, its refined cuisine is still well worth the detour, with a menu devised by chef Jean-Claude Cahagnet. [Read more]
La Grande bouffe, the Sunday lunch of the MOB House in Saint-Ouen
As we all know, Sundays are family lunchtime, a time for getting together, catching up on the latest news and, above all, enjoying generous, home-cooked meals. At Feuille de Chou, the MOB House's organic brasserie, this same spirit is behind the new Grande Bouffe: a no-frills lunch, à la bonne franquette, to share. [Read more]
Current entertainments
LAST MARK SOLD: Up to 70% off at Tissus Lolie Shop - for Sewing and Fabric Enthusiasts
Sponsored - Right now, the LAST DEAL sales at Tissus Lolie Shop are offering incredible discounts of up to -70% on thousands of fabrics, available online at www.tissuslolieshop.fr and in their depot store located at 105 rue de Paris, 93000 Bobigny. Hurry, there are only a few days left before the sales end on Wednesday, July 24, 2024. Take advantage of this opportunity to stock up on fabrics at mini prices! [Read more]
Bobigny Plage 2024: the Club 2024 93 fan zone, entertainment programme
What's on offer this summer in Bobigny? From July 20 to August 4, 2024, a host of events await you in the Parc de la Bergère. And this year is unlike any other, as the venue hosts the Club 2024 Fan Zone. Passage of the flame, rebroadcasts and a host of events await you all summer long. [Read more]
The Olympic Aquatic Centre (93), an Olympic legacy opposite the Stade de France
After many months of work, the Olympic Aquatic Center rose from the ground in 2024. One of the only venues specially built for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, it will enable residents of the département to enjoy facilities dedicated to swimming. [Read more]
The Stade de France, the venue for concerts and sporting events in Saint-Denis (93)
Although many people think that the Stade de France is located in Paris, it's actually not far from the capital, in the inner suburbs of Saint-Denis (93). With its immense capacity and monumental stature, it is currently the largest stadium in France. [Read more]
Parc Georges-Valbon, one of the largest green spaces in Ile-de-France, at La Courneuve (93)
It's the third largest green space in Île-de-France, after the Bois de Vincennes and the Bois de Boulogne in the inner suburbs: the Parc Georges-Valbon, also known as the Parc de la Courneuve, is located in the northern suburbs of Paris and is a real gem for walks, bike rides and family outings... [Read more]
La Courneuve Plage 2024: Parc de la Liberté transformed into a swimming area this summer
This summer, La Courneuve's Parc de la Liberté becomes a swimming area for La Courneuve Plage. For almost a month, young and old alike can take advantage of the pools, entertainment and sporting and cultural activities in a vacation atmosphere! [Read more]
Clichy Plage 2024: the aqualudic spot returns this summer to Clichy-sous-Bois (93)
Clichy Plage returns this summer from July 13 to August 4, 2024 on the lawn of the Mairie de Clichy-sous-Bois. For the occasion, young and old alike can enjoy swimming, inflatable games, sports activities and other summer entertainment! [Read more]
Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, a green lung a stone's throw from the Stade de France, Saint-Denis (93)
Just a few minutes' walk from the famous Stade de France or the historic Basilica of Saint-Denis, the Parc de la Légion d'Honneur is a little-known green space, yet it offers a truly exotic stroll around Saint-Denis. [Read more]
The Grand Parc des Docks de Saint-Ouen, a green oasis in the heart of the new Docks district
Right in the middle of the Docks eco-neighborhood in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine (93), the Grand Parc offers a genuine natural setting for jogging, family walks and picnics... [Read more]
Eden, the new festive summer garden at the gateway to Paris
Eden is the name of the new festive summer terrace that opens its doors on the weekend of April 20 and 21, 2024, in Aubervilliers, in a plant farm at the gateway to the capital, accessible by metro. Both a lively garden and a place to live, this spot is sure to seduce. [Read more]
27 Pantin: an open-air museum dedicated to street art
Fans of street art are invited to the north-east of Paris to discover 27 Pantin. Behind this open-air museum lies a wonderful artistic, cultural and participatory initiative. Supported by the Maison du projet, 27 Pantin unveils over forty works of art, giving the Îlot 27 district a colorful new face! Shall we take you on a tour? [Read more]
Montreuil: discover the Parc des Beaumonts and its breathtaking view over Paris
East of Paris, the town of Montreuil boasts a number of green spaces, perfect for a stroll, a picnic in the sun or a jog: discover the largest of them all, the Parc des Beaumonts. [Read more]
The Murs à Pêches swimming pool in Montreuil: an ecological facility with waterslides
The Murs à Pêches swimming pool in Montreuil is a must-see for swimmers in search of good swimming spots. Located on the outskirts of Paris, it features a large indoor pool, an outdoor pool for sunny days and, as an added bonus, family-friendly slides! [Read more]
La Cité Fert'CHILL: a free leisure center for the whole family at La Cité Fertile this summer
Adventure park, children's beach, treasure hunt and sports fields - there's plenty to keep the whole family busy this summer! La Cité Fertile transforms itself into a leisure park from June 8, and the best part is, it's free! [Read more]
Kingooroo, the leisure park for children in Aubervilliers
During the school vacations, on Wednesdays or on weekends, are you looking for a place where your children can let off steam? Go to the region's indoor playgrounds where children and adults from 0 to 12 years old can play, let off steam, but above all have fun for family adventure moments. [Read more]
Royal Kids, indoor playground for children, Montreuil (93)
If you're looking for a place to jump, run, climb, slide... with the family for an afternoon, you've probably already heard of indoor playgrounds. In Montreuil, the city's Royal Kids is the place to be for an hour of fun in a truly playful space. [Read more]
Filou Planet 2, the playground for children to take you to the land of a thousand and one nights
It's raining, it's cold and you're looking for a family outing? Go to the indoor playground between Rosny and Noisy-le-Sec, Filou Planet 2 and its attractions for children from 0 to 12 years old on the theme of the Thousand and One Nights. [Read more]
Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Paris Express with a free tour of the Fabrique du Métro.
In Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, among the various warehouses of the Docks industrial zone, you'll find the Fabrique du Métro. The Fabrique du Métro is a genuine laboratory for experimenting and testing the future metro lines of the Grand Paris Express, and offers free tours of what our future public transport systems will look like. [Read more]
La ferme ouverte de Saint-Denis, for a family nature getaway in Seine Saint-Denis
The open farm in Saint-Denis is like an oasis in the middle of the city: just a few minutes' walk from metro line 13, it's a place where nature seems to have reclaimed its rights, with fields full of vegetables, large greenhouses and, above all, animals. [Read more]
Karlito's kid-friendly Sunday lunch, the Italian canteen of the MOB Hotel, in Saint-Ouen
At the MOB Hotel, it's the same thing every Sunday: the lunches are XXl with gargantuan dishes, certified organic and adapted to the whole family to enjoy at will. So, shall we go? [Read more]
La Ferme Caillard: festive venue, vegetable garden and educational farm in Bondy (93)
In Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis, Ferme Caillard welcomes you all year round to its semi-urban setting, between town and nature. [Read more]
Guided tours of the Citroën & DS Conservatory, for classic car enthusiasts
Did you know? Aulnay-sous-Bois, in the Seine-Saint-Denis département, is home to the Conservatoire de Citroën, the famous French car manufacturer: a number of guided tours are organized here throughout the year, so it's a good time to discover this magnificent collection of vintage cars! [Read more]
Parc départemental de la Bergère, Bobigny's (93) green lung on the water's edge
On the banks of the Canal de l'Ourcq in Bobigny, Seine-Saint-Denis, Parc de la Bergère is the city's largest green space, perfect for a stroll or picnic in fine weather. [Read more]
Parc de la Butte Pinson, the green spot to feel like you're in the forest, in Villetaneuse (93)
Just north of Saint-Denis, in the town of Villetaneuse, lies a lovely wooded park that makes you feel like you're strolling through a forest. Welcome to the Parc de la Butte Pinson, a favorite haunt of Impressionists and city dwellers in search of greenery. [Read more]
La Ménagerie Saint-Baudile, a bucolic educational farm in Neuilly-sur-Marne (93)
Near Neuilly-sur-Marne, in the Seine-Saint-Denis département, the Saint-Baudile menagerie invites you to take a stroll in the countryside and discover its residents. [Read more]
Parc de la Sapinière, an island of greenery in Romainville (93)
In Romainville, just east of Paris, nestles a green space ideal for city walks, jogging or picnicking in the open air in fine weather. [Read more]
L'Île Robinson, an indoor playground for castaways in Montreuil
Rain or shine, you don't know where to go to let off steam with the family? If you're in the mood for adventure, Robinson's Island welcomes young and old alike to its immersive play area in Montreuil, just outside Paris. [Read more]
Plaine forme, Seine-Saint-Denis's only tree-climbing park, in the Bondy forest (93)
Located in the heart of the Forêt Régionale de Bondy, in a forest environment just 25 minutes from Paris, Plaine forme is an outdoor sports facility. What's on the programme? Tree courses, urban stilts, stepper bikes... To be discovered when the site reopens on March 30, 2024. [Read more]
Parc Jean Moulin les Guilands, the large green space between Bagnolet and Montreuil
To the east of Paris, in the towns of Montreuil and Bagnolet, the Parc Jean Moulin les Guilands brings together two originally separate green spaces: the Parc Communal des Guilands in Montreuil and the Parc Départemental Jean Moulin in Bagnolet, for a lovely green stroll in this part of the region. [Read more]
Maison Mauka, the cocoon of holistic well-being just outside Paris
Maison Mauka is a veritable temple to well-being, where you'll feel right at home. Arranged like a Parisian apartment, here you'll find numerous types of ultra-targeted treatments to recharge your batteries from head to toe, with a holistic dimension. [Read more]
Block'Out 2 in Saint-Ouen
Do you know the bouldering halls? You know, these climbing gyms without harness, nor ropes where you climb and train? Let's go to Block'Out 2, in Saint-Ouen, the biggest bouldering gym in Ile de France (or even in France) for an overview of the possibilities. [Read more]
Parc de la Poudrerie, a listed green nugget in Sevran (93)
Fifteen kilometers from the Bassin de la Villette, along the Canal de l'Ourcq, lies a lovely 137-hectare forest park in the Seine-Saint-Denis municipalities of Livry-Gargan, Villepinte, Sevran and Vaujours. Combining remnants of the area's industrial past with immense tree-lined avenues, it's one of the green spaces not to be missed for a bike ride, family outing or jogging session... in the 93. [Read more]
The municipal ice rink in Neuilly-sur-Marne, the must-see skating spot in Seine-Saint-Denis
If you're looking for an ice-skating spot in Ile-de-France, and more specifically in Seine-Saint-Denis, head for Neuilly-sur-Marne, on avenue Léon Blum, to discover the town's municipal ice rink. [Read more]
Sand Fabrik, the indoor beach for beach volleyball fans, in Pantin
Head to Pantin to get your feet in the sand and try your hand at beach volleyball at Sand Fabrik, the indoor beach that also has a bar and restaurant, for a great sporting experience! [Read more]
Le cube à roulettes, the toy store that offers creative workshops for children, in St-Ouen
In Saint-Ouen, just outside the 18th arrondissement, Le cube à roulettes offers great gift ideas for children but not only: there is also a whole program of creative workshops for children [Read more]
Spa de la Lune: a private spa with jacuzzi, sauna and exceptional views in the Paris region
Sponsored - A magnificent, totally private, romantic spa suite with an exceptional view just 30 minutes from Paris, the Spa de la Lune, with its terraces and garden, is the best-kept secret in the Paris region... The perfect cocooning place to escape from time, for a few hours during the day or a whole night, the Spa de la Lune and its double indoor/outdoor spa welcomes you in a cosy and sexy space, zen and enchanting to perfection... [Read more]
The Corniche des Forts leisure park, a leisure island in Seine-Saint-Denis
The Corniche des Forts leisure park in Seine-Saint-Denis offers a wide range of activities all year round. A beautiful 30-hectare green space to relax and take a breath of fresh air, for a successful day out with family or friends. [Read more]
Embark from Paris to the Parc de la Poudrerie on a bucolic cruise on the Canal de l'Ourcq
For the Ete du Canal 2024, the Seine-Saint-Denis tourist office invites you to take part in a river escapade on the Canal de l'Ourcq, where you'll feel almost like you're in the countryside for a day. [Read more]
La Coloc' de l'Ourcq, a coworking space in Bobigny
At the Coloc de l'Ourcq, people come for a yoga class, to share a piece of the coworking space for a day, to attend a massage class for babies, a friendly running session... But above all, we go there to share moments like in a real roommate, with people from the neighborhood, entrepreneurs or amateur athletes who come for their jogging session of the day. [Read more]
Parc départemental de la Fosse Maussoin, 14 hectares of greenery in the heart of Seine-Saint-Denis
Nestled in the heart of the Seine-Saint-Denis département, Parc de la Fosse Maussoin is Clichy-sous-Bois' largest green lung. [Read more]
Josette and Maurice Audin Park, the public garden of a 19th-century manor house in Bagnolet (93)
Originally the private garden of a 19th-century manor house, the Josette et Maurice Audin park is now one of Bagnolet's public parks, and the manor house, still visible, is proof of this. [Read more]
Le Sample, a third-party cultural and party venue in Bagnolet (93)
East of Paris, on the outskirts of Paris, Sample sets the pace for Bagnolet's cultural life, with numerous festive events and family activities throughout the year. [Read more]
Parc de la Haute-Île, a magnificent wild green space in Neuilly-sur-Marne (93)
Just a few kilometers from Paris, take the RER A towards Marne-la-Vallée and discover the Parc Départemental de la Haute-Île in Neuilly-sur-Marne: with its beautiful playground, wide paths for jogging and observatories, it's one of the most beautiful parks in the area! [Read more]
Parc Montreau, one of the oldest landscaped parks in the Paris region, in Montreuil (93)
During a walk in Montreuil, discover the Parc Montreau, a huge 15-hectare park where you can enjoy a stroll all year round, as well as an outdoor picnic in fine weather. [Read more]
L'Avant Poste: a committed, cultural third-location center in Seine-Saint-Denis
A new "tiers-lieu" in the Paris region! Called L'Avant Poste, this solidarity spot has taken over a postal building in Seine-Saint-Denis that has been vacant since 2014. To be discovered in Raincy, L'Avant Poste aims to facilitate interaction and collective initiatives in the department. [Read more]
