Contes et Histoires 2024: fairy tales and legends at the Basilique de Saint-Denis

This year, for the Christmas vacations, children are invited to discover the Basilica of Saint-Denis during the Contes et Histoires event, from December 26, 2024 to January 4, 2025.

National monuments open their doors to families for the national event Contes et Histoires 2024. During the Christmas vacations, children are in the spotlight at participating monuments across France, with a variety of activities for the whole family. It's a great opportunity to discover the jewels in the crown of France's cultural heritage .

The Basilique Saint-Denis is taking part in the event again this year, unveiling an exciting program that allows us to rediscover the necropolis of kings in a whole new light! From December 26 to January 4, 2025, the Basilique Saint-Denis is the place to discover unusual events that 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:

Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis
Fairy tales and legends, activities for the whole family!
Online booking required
- December 26, 27 and 28 at 4:30pm
  LE SECRET DU SAPHIR
  In the year of our Lord 1122, a young monk gets lost one winter's evening on his way to Abruzzo. The monk's name is Suger. Little does he know that he is about to have an encounter that will change his destiny... A frivolous pact, a mother's ancient challenge, a color never before seen in this world: these are the ingredients of a long-bidden story that will reveal the true origin of the sapphire blue that can still be admired in the stained glass windows of the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Or how the blue of Heaven can hide an infernal secret...
  Musical and theatrical show. Created by La Petite Main.
- December 26, 27 and 28 and January 2 and 3, 2:30 pm
  VISIT-WORKshop: TALES AND LEGENDS OF THE QUEENS AND QUEENS OF THE BASILICA
  Families will discover the former abbey of Saint-Denis, its tombstones of queens and kings of France, and its history through stories, tales and legends. In a workshop, children will create snow globe-style hangings.
  Tours start for 4-7 year-olds and 8-10 year-olds
- January 4, 3:30 pm
  VISIT-WORKSHOP: SHOOTING KINGS AND QUEENS AT THE BASILICA
  Families will discover the former abbey of Saint-Denis and its royal necropolis. In a workshop, children will decorate a scratch crown and taste the galette des rois.
  Tours start for 4-7 year-olds and 8-10 year-olds.