La Fabrique de la flèche: the new must-see venue in Saint-Denis

Dive into the heart of France's most fascinating construction site

What if, during a visit, you could experience a historic building site from the inside? In Saint-Denis, La Fabrique de la Flèche turns an architect’s dream into a human-scale experience. Here, the famous spire of the Basilica – gone since 1846 – is being reborn before your very eyes, and you’re invited to join in. With craftsmen at work, virtual reality, 360° cinema and interactive spaces to explore, this new venue promises to be a must-see.

A unique experience

In 1837, lightning struck the north spire of the Basilica. Weakened, it was dismantled in 1846, leaving the building without one of its spires. Nearly two centuries later, work has begun on restoring the spire, and the Fabrique de la Flèche, an immersive project on the worksite, will be arriving in autumn. Located at the foot of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the necropolis of the kings and queens of France, the Fabrique de la flèche is a museum unlike any other: It’s an immersive and unique experience, at the heart of the fascinating history of the spire of the Basilica of Saint-Denis and the exceptional skills that bring it back to life.. Designed as a real journey through time, this lively, interactive tour takes young and old to the heart of the construction site, to meet the men and women who are bringing back to life a masterpiece that has been missing for almost two centuries.

An immersive 360° journey

What makes the Arrow Factory so irresistible is its ability to blend emotion, discovery and innovation. Get ready for a real journey back in time: start your visit in the craftsmen’s village, the beating heart of the project. Here, there are no showcases or cords: you can see the stones being cut before your very eyes, feel the metal being heated, and talk to the builders of the spire, passionate stonemasons and blacksmiths. Continue the adventure in the permanent exhibition, where you can discover how the basilica and its spire have survived the centuries. Models, tools, stories of medieval building sites… there’s everything here to understand, touch and marvel at. Then, the highlight of the show: the 360° immersive cinema. Sit back, look up – and let the magic happen. In just a few seconds, you’ll be transported from the XIIIᵉ century to the present day, on a journey full of sound and light. And for younger children (or older children), head for the mini construction site! A fun area where you can learn by building, hammer in hand and a smile on your face. Because here, discovery is a family affair.

A place for culture and exhibitions

The Basilica is not only a place of remembrance, it is also a place of life. Throughout the year, it hosts exhibitions and shows such as La Nuit des Reines and the Festival Saint-Denis, combining history, culture and contemporary creation.

DISCOVER THE PROGRAMME

©Basilica of Saint-Denis, chevet and north transept crossing|Patrick Cadet / Centre des monuments nationaux

Concerts, exhibitions, events: the basilica is on the move!

Total visit

Before your visit to the Fabrique, you’ll push open the doors of the Basilique Saint-Denis, a Gothic jewel and a veritable treasure trove of history. This is where France’s sovereigns, from Dagobert to Louis XVI , are laid to rest . Combine a visit to the basilica with a tour of the spire factory, and you’ll be immersed in nine centuries of history. And admission is easy: a single ticket allows you to visit both the necropolis and the spire factory.

I'M TAKING MY TICKETS

Where is it? I really want to go!

The Fabrique de la Flèche is located at 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur in Saint-Denis and opening times may vary: April to September:

Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6.15pm (last admission at 5.45pm)
Sunday: 12pm to 6.15pm (last admission at 5.45pm)

From October to March:

Monday to Saturday: 10am to 5.15pm (last admission at 4.45pm)
Sundays: 12pm to 5.15pm (last admission at 4.45pm)

How to get there

By metro: Line 13 – Basilique Saint-Denis station

I CHECK THAT THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURES

Price list

Admission: Individual: €17 Reduced admission: Bring your PASS’POP DÉCOUVERTE 2025 to the ticket office for a reduced rate! Free admission: Discover the conditions for free admission.