The Basilica of Saint-Denis is one of the finest heritage treasures in the Paris region. Listed as a Monument Historique, this medieval Gothic cathedral is a must-see in the Paris region.
Located in Saint-Denis in Seine-Saint-Denis, 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 Butte Montmartre 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 colors. The site is also symbolic in French history for another reason: nicknamed the Necropolis of the Kings of France, it features the final resting place of many of the sovereigns who ruled the country, from Dagobert 1st to Louis XVIII.
Opening hours:
April to September
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 6:15pm (last admission at 5:45pm)
Sunday: 12pm - 6:15pm (last admission at 5:45pm)
October to March
Monday to Saturday: 10am - 5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm)
Sunday: 12pm - 5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm)
Closed during religious services and on January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Prices:
9.50€ Full price
Free admission for under-18s, 18-25s from the European Union, disabled persons, jobseekers, 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 the center of Paris: access via Porte de La Chapelle, then A1, exit Saint-Denis - downtown. 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 pedestrian-only.
By bike: From Porte de la Villette, along the Canal Saint-Denis (20 minutes). There are no bicycle garages near the Basilica.
Fête de Saint-Denis 2024: a weekend of free entertainment and street shows in St-Denis (93)
Usually held on the occasion of the Fête des Denis, October 9 each year, the Fête de Saint-Denis is taking place a little ahead of schedule at the start of the new school year, bringing the summer season to a close with a weekend of celebrations. [Read more]
Monument Jeu d'Enfant 2024: manual and artistic activities at the Saint-Denis Basilica
Would you like to visit the Basilique Saint-Denis with your family? The monument is opening its doors to visitors of all ages for the Monument Jeu d'Enfant event, on October 19 and 20, 2024. [Read more]
Heritage Days 2024 at the Basilica of Saint-Denis (93): a family visit
The Journées du Patrimoine 2024 (Heritage Days 2024) invite you to the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis on the weekend of September 21 and 22, 2024, to discover the necropolis of the kings of France. Click here for the program! [Read more]
La Voie Royale 2024: half-marathon, 10km and walk in Saint-Denis, finish at the Stade de France
The Voie Royale is a chance to be applauded for your achievement right inside the Stade de France, after a half-marathon, a 10-kilometer or a stroll through historic Saint-Denis! See you on October 27, 2024. [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]
Monument Jeu d'enfant 2024: date and schedule for national monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region
Monument Jeu d'Enfant, this attractive weekend of free events at national monuments, returns on October 19 and 20, 2024 to 59 monuments across France. For two days, families can enjoy a wide range of visits, activities and fun discoveries. In Paris and the Île-de-France region, more than a dozen monuments are opening their doors to us! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts September 8, 2024
Location
Saint-Denis Basilica
1, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
93200 Saint Denis
Official website
www.saint-denis-basilique.fr
