Aerial view Basilique Saint Denis Centre Des Monuments Nationaux 1Much more than a religious edifice, it’s an emblematic monument that has left its mark on French history. Located in Saint-Denis, this basilica is considered the cradle of Gothic art, as its construction, initiated in the 12th century at the instigation of Abbot Suger, revolutionized medieval architecture and laid the foundations for an architectural style that spread throughout Europe.
Its impressive facade, magnificent stained glass windows and flying buttresses bear witness to the architectural innovation of the period. The stained glass windows, particularly those in the rose window, diffuse a colorful light that magnifies the interior of the building, creating an atmosphere both serene and majestic. The basilica is a perfect example of Gothic art at its apogee, combining architectural finesse with artistic beauty.
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2. Facade Basilique Saint Denis Office De Tourisme Plaine Commune Grand Paris 1It is famous for being the burial place of numerous kings and queens of France. From Dagobert I, the first king to be buried here, to Louis XVIII, the basilica houses the tombs of 43 kings, 32 queens and a dozen royal servants. These sculpted tombs, often adorned with recumbent statues, tell the story of the French monarchy and make the basilica an open-air museum of funerary art.
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3. Tombeau Louis Xii Anne De Bretagne Office De Tourisme Plaine Commune Grand Paris 1
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Louis De Sancerre RecumbentThe Basilique de Saint-Denis is not just a historic site, it’s a living heritage that welcomes visitors from all over the world. It offers a rich cultural program, with concerts, exhibitions and guided tours that reveal the fascinating history of this place. To visit it is to plunge into the heart of French history.
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Img 2823Immerse yourself in a captivating and engaging immersive experience that invites you to take part in the reconstruction of the Saint-Denis Basilica’s spire. Spearheaded by the association Suivez la flèche (Follow the Spire), the main objective of the project is to reassemble the north tower of the basilica, topped by its spire, as planned by architect François Debret in 1837-1838.
The project will enable visitors to follow the builders’ work in real time. In the Pierre de Montreuil garden, the workshops of carpenters, stonemasons, blacksmiths and masons will be visible to the general public near the Rotonde des Valois, allowing visitors to watch the painstaking work in progress.
Montage La Fleche
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Img 8064April 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 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.
Looking for other interesting places to visit around the Basilica? Here’s a selection of things to do to discover the city’s hidden treasures
Feeling peckish? Here are our favourite restaurants just a stone’s throw from the Basilica to tempt your taste buds.
