The Basilica of Saint-Denis (French: Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, now formally known as the Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis) is a large former medieval abbey church and present cathedral in the city of Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. The building is of singular importance historically and architecturally as its choir, completed in 1144, is widely considered the first structure to employ all of the elements of Gothic architecture.
The basilica became a place of pilgrimage and a necropolis containing the tombs of the French Kings, including nearly every king from the 10th century to Louis XVIII in the 19th century. Henry IV of France came to Saint-Denis to formally renounce his Protestant faith and become a Catholic. The Queens of France were crowned at Saint-Denis, and the royal regalia, including the sword used for crowning the kings and the royal sceptre, were kept at Saint-Denis between coronations.
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:15 PM |
Sunday | 12:00 – 6:15 PM |
Alan Pembshaw | Mar 27, 2018
One of the unsung places most of the millions of tourists to Paris never visit. Burial place of most of France's kings and Queens and easily accessible on the Metro 13 line. Reminds you of all your vague memories of French history - Marie Antoinette, Catherine de Medici, countless Louis etc. amongst beautiful stained glass and statuary. Well worth the visit
Louis Tentindo | Apr 12, 2018
Necropolis of the French Kings. Gorgeous Gothic Cathedral. Easy to reach by Metro. Worth the trip into history.
Anastasia Katopodis | Feb 20, 2018
This Basilica was one of the most profoundly beautiful and meaningful places I have visited. No where else in the world, I believe can someone be in the presence of nearly every monarch of a nation. The tombs are as beautiful as any famous sculpture found in museums. Despite anyone's legitimate feelings about monarchs, it is still a remarkable thing to be so close to the last vestiges of people who have influenced history (i.e., the lives of all of us). I am thrilled I got to see this gorgeous church. WARNING: in winter, you must dress warmly because it is freezing in the Basilica. There is no heat, relatively thin walls, and lots of windows.
Cesar Miguel | Jan 2, 2018
A surprising building, from the outside you wouldn't expect such a huge and beautiful building inside. I understand why all the French Kings are buried there, it is an imposing cathedral. The neighborhood and everything around was quite degraded... Maybe it will be improved for the Olympics in 2024, I hope so.
Maja Jesionek | Jan 31, 2018
It’s a nice place, but I don’t like the fact that I have to pay 9€ to see the whole cathedral:( but if you happen to go on the first Sunday of the month (it’s free) it is a very beautiful cathedral with lots of history.
Chateau Versailles | May 21, 2018
Breathtaking basilica where a lot of the kings and queens are buried. If you are interested in French Royal history I highly recommend you take up on the knowledgeable tour guide. Inside the Basilica are gorgeous statues that represent the kings and queens who are huried there. Unfortunately, history has it that during the revolution, most coffins were opened and the kings and queens were robbed of there gold and clothings. Their bodies wrre all disposed in a common holw which many years later were put inside the Saint-Denis. But there is so much more to this magnificent, historical Cathedral. You won't regret it.
Manuela Barilari | Jul 15, 2018
Impossible to enter at 14h because of the match at 17h. Ok that you agreed to have a huge tv screen in front of the basilic, but at least say it clear on the website...they update way to late (not before 14h) and badly, no indication of the time...I spent more than 1h on the metro, to arrive on a dangerous part of paris, to find a huge market still on going , no police, a big tv screen, and the personel of the basilic blocking many turist, imposing not to enter 3 hours before the match...maybe I will go back again, but I will call before...hoping they don't change the timetable at the last moment...possible...
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.
Cheap travel packages from Emporia
Cheap travel packages from Mc Connell Air Force Base (IAB)
Cheap travel packages from Salina Municipal (SLN)
Cheap travel packages from Marshall Army Air Field (FRI)
Get compensated for late flights
The Ultimate Long Haul Flight Guide
Winter Wonderland: Top Destinations for Winter 2018
The Ultimate Travel Checklist!
What is it about Inspirational Travel Quotes?
Top Destinations for a Romantic Getaway