Saint-Denis Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France in Saint-Denis (93), discover its history

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is one of the finest heritage treasures in the Île-de-France region. Listed as a Monument Historique, this medieval Gothic cathedral is a must-see in the Paris region.

Located in Saint-Denis in the Seine-Saint-Denis region, this basilica is an exceptional place that plunges curious young and old into the heart of French history. Its location is no coincidence: 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 Montmartre hill and, carrying his head in his hands, headed north. Stopping in front of Catulla, a pious woman, he entrusted her with his head before collapsing on the very spot where the basilica that now bears his name stands.

Inside, the stained glass windows offer a veritable whirlwind of color. The site is also symbolic of French history for another reason: dubbed the Necropolis of the Kings of France, it is the final resting place of many of the sovereigns who ruled the country, from Dagobert 1st to Louis XVIII.

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Practical information :

Opening hours:
April to September
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 6:15pm (last entry at 5:45pm)
Sunday: 12pm - 6:15pm (last entry at 5:45pm)

October to March
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 5:15pm (last entry at 4:45pm)
Sunday: 12pm - 5:15pm (last entry at 4:45pm)

Closed during religious services and on January 1, May 1 and December 25.

Prices:
9.50€ Full price
Free for under-18s, 18-25s from the European Union, disabled people, jobseekers and holders of the Education pass.

Free admission on Heritage Day weekends, and on the first Sunday of each month from November to March.

Access:
Metro line 13, Basilique de Saint-Denis station (no elevator), 100 m from the monument.
RER D, Saint-Denis stop, then Tramway T1 (5 minutes) or 15 minutes on foot.
RER B (then Bus 153 or 253)

By car: 9 km from central Paris: access via Porte de La Chapelle, then A1, exit Saint-Denis - center ville. At Porte de Paris, Saint-Denis, follow the green "Saint-Denis Centre" sign on the right. Then head for the "Basilique" Indigo parking lot, 100 m from the monument. Downtown Saint-Denis is pedestrianized.

By bike: From Porte de la Villette, along the Canal Saint-Denis (20 minutes). No bicycle parking available near the basilica.

News from the Basilique Saint-Denis :

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]