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.
Nouvelles Reines: Sandra Reinflet's photographic exhibition at the Basilica of Saint-Denis (93)
The Basilica of Saint-Denis is once again adorned with symbolic portraits, this time in honor of women and in particular the city's inhabitants, in a place that is home to 32 queens of France. Discover Sandra Reinflet's work until April 27, 2025. [Read more]
Contes et Histoires 2024: events at national monuments in Paris and the Île-de-France region
For the Christmas vacations and on the occasion of the national event Contes et Histoires 2024, the national monuments of Paris and the Île-de-France region await you, from December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025, with a host of activities for young and old. An original idea for getting out and having fun, while rediscovering France's historic heritage. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
Starts November 17, 2024
Location
Saint-Denis Basilica
1, Rue de la Légion d'Honneur
93200 Saint Denis
Official website
www.saint-denis-basilique.fr
