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Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis

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BASILICA CATHEDRAL OF SAINT-DENIS


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Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis
4.5

AboutThe areaReviews
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1,476 reviews
#1 of 39 things to do in Saint-Denis
Historic SitesArchitectural BuildingsReligious Sites
Closed now
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Sunday
12:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Write a review
About
The earliest masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, a royal abbey and major
pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages, the Basilica Cathedral assumed its principal
role as the burial place for the kings of France as early as the 6th century.
Despite being ransacked during the Revolution, the basilica houses over seventy
royal tombs including those of Dagobert, François I, Catherine de Medicis and
Louis XVI. Open: > 1st April to 30th September: Monday to Saturday: from 10 a.m.
to 6.15 p.m. ; Sunday: from noon to 6.15 p.m. > 1st October to 31st March:
Monday to Saturday: from 10 a.m. to 5.15 p.m. ; Sunday: from noon to 5.15 p.m.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May
and 25th December. > During some masses. Admission fees: Adults : 7,5€;
Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free
admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or
are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Read more

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The area
Address
1 rue de la Legion D Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis France
How to get there
 * Basilique de Saint-Denis • 5 min walk

Reach out directly
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Best nearby
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847 within 3 miles
O'Grand Breton
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160
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2,863 within 6 miles
Maison d'Éducation de La Légion d'Honneur
2
33 ftHistoric Sites • Universities & Schools
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24
410 ftVisitor Centers
Stèle
2
370 ftMonuments & Statues
60 AdaDa
0.1 miArt Galleries
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Saint-Denis
19
0.2 miSpeciality Museums • Art Museums
Parc de la Légion d'Honneur
56
0.4 miParks
Stade de France
1,254
0.6 miArenas & Stadiums
Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre
39,370
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See what travelers are saying
Learn more
 * h_schamhardt
   The Netherlands208 contributions
   
   
   All of French royalty in one place, the birthplace of Gothic cathedrals
   1.5 century of French history in one place: Birthplace of gothic cathedrals
   and nearly all French kings and queens buried here, starting with King
   Dagobert in 645! Church is quite nice, whilst all the burial monuments are
   amazing. Including the crypt with many coffins of many others. Just outside
   Paris, with also a parking right next to the cathedral. Although already been
   in Paris many times, missed this one before. Now strongly recommend the
   visit!
   Read more
   
   Visited December 2022
   Traveled as a couple
   Written January 1, 2023
   
 * JRM
   Penetanguishene, Canada102 contributions
   
   
   A Sketchy Neighborhood !!!
   Obviously an interesting even captivating attraction. A magnificent 1000 year
   old church steeped in history and housing the earthly remains of countless
   kings of France and assorted royalty. It is easy enough to reach: a few steps
   from the next to last metro stop on line 13. The immediate area surrounding
   this important historical site is deplorable. To the left as you enter this
   beautiful architectural treasure there is a derelict housing complex. There
   is a multitude of homeless, drunks and pushers about. Sadly, the cafes and
   bars which might serve to offer a peaceful, lingering view of one of the
   great architectural gems of France are populated by ruffians and staffed by
   the most unwelcoming waiters imaginable. Not sure what happened here but my
   recommendation is this: by a ticket in advance; proceed directly from the
   metro to the church and enjoy its wonderous interior and attractions; once
   you leave the church, take a quick photo in front and proceed back to the
   metro. Don't stop for a drink, a snack or a thought. Get back on the metro
   and back into central Paris. There is nothing else worth seeing in that
   frightful neighborhood. France at its best; France at its worst.
   Read more
   
   Visited August 2023
   Traveled with family
   Written September 20, 2023
   
 * light122376
   Albuquerque, New Mexico207 contributions
   
   
   The Cathedral that started it all!!
   This place has been lovingly restored and is very well done. The architecture
   and stained glass is worth the visit. The crypt is also very cool. It is
   about 200 meters from the metro, and a long ride from downtown, but it should
   not be missed.
   Read more
   
   Visited October 2023
   Traveled as a couple
   Written October 15, 2023
   
 * Elisa M
   3 contributions
   
   
   Way of the beaten path, but worth it.
   We were very glad we took the long metro ride out to Saint Denis to see this
   important cathedral. We went on the the English Language Tour which we highly
   recommend to get the most understanding from what you are seeing there. The
   church is incredibly historically signifant on many levels - religiously, as
   it is reputed to contain the remains of St. Denis who is credited with
   bringing Catholicism to Paris, secularly, as it serves as the tomb for all of
   the French Kings dating back to the 7th century, including Louis XIV, Louis
   XV, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, and architecturally, as its
   reconstruction in the 12th century is considered the first Gothic structure
   in Europe. The church also contains preserved sections we were able to see,
   dating back to its original construction in the 5th-6th centuries and also
   from its second reconstruction during the time of Charlemagne. The cathedral
   contains many striking memorial sculptures and gorgeous stained windows.
   Since the Basilica is in a bordering suburb and not many people know about
   it, it was quiet, and we were able to take everything in with the sense of
   reverence and awe that it deserved. We read that Saint Denis is populated by
   a lot of immigrants, and has had an unfavorable reputation among Parisians
   over the last century, but as New Yorkers we were undaunted and unfazed at
   the notion of going to a possibly sketchy area. As it turned out, the metro
   brings you withing several hundred yards of the Basilica. You come up in a
   perfectly safe area that seemed to be part of a public college or university.
   If you are going to be in Paris for a week, or have already been there and
   seen the usual sights, this is a very worthwhile destination that takes you
   beyond the typical touristy fare. Highly recommend.
   Read more
   
   Visited October 2023
   Traveled with family
   Written October 19, 2023
   
 * Traveler O
   Washington DC, District of Columbia1,024 contributions
   
   
   Basilica of Kings and Queens
   An excellent structure to visit with nearly 1000+ years of history. The tour
   of the tombs and crypt is worth coming for. Open year round now after a
   lengthy refurbishment just now coming to an end, it's a a magnificent sight
   to see in the interior of the basilica. Many of the most famous French royals
   are entombed here. Be respectful as it remains an active basilica with
   services, including funerals, weddings, and baptisms taking place. The museum
   portion is closed during services, so be mindful of this. Entry is free for
   minors. Highly recommend getting the audio guide (3 Euros each) for an
   excellent breakdown of all there is to see here. There are also guided tours
   (in French) at certain times. It can get quite cold inside as the stone
   remains quite cool, so dress accordingly. Bathrooms on site as well.
   Read more
   
   Visited October 2023
   Traveled with family
   Written October 25, 2023
   


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4.5
1,476 reviews
Excellent
1,034
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--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Traveler O
Washington DC, DC1,024 contributions
0


Basilica of Kings and Queens
Oct 2023 • Family
An excellent structure to visit with nearly 1000+ years of history. The tour of
the tombs and crypt is worth coming for. Open year round now after a lengthy
refurbishment just now coming to an end, it's a a magnificent sight to see in
the interior of the basilica. Many of the most famous French royals are entombed
here. Be respectful as it remains an active basilica with services, including
funerals, weddings, and baptisms taking place. The museum portion is closed
during services, so be mindful of this. Entry is free for minors. Highly
recommend getting the audio guide (3 Euros each) for an excellent breakdown of
all there is to see here. There are also guided tours (in French) at certain
times. It can get quite cold inside as the stone remains quite cool, so dress
accordingly. Bathrooms on site as well.
Read more


Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Elisa M
3 contributions
0


Way of the beaten path, but worth it.
Oct 2023 • Family
We were very glad we took the long metro ride out to Saint Denis to see this
important cathedral. We went on the the English Language Tour which we highly
recommend to get the most understanding from what you are seeing there. The
church is incredibly historically signifant on many levels - religiously, as it
is reputed to contain the remains of St. Denis who is credited with bringing
Catholicism to Paris, secularly, as it serves as the tomb for all of the French
Kings dating back to the 7th century, including Louis XIV, Louis XV, Louis XVI
and Marie Antoinette, and architecturally, as its reconstruction in the 12th
century is considered the first Gothic structure in Europe. The church also
contains preserved sections we were able to see, dating back to its original
construction in the 5th-6th centuries and also from its second reconstruction
during the time of Charlemagne. The cathedral contains many striking memorial
sculptures and gorgeous stained windows.

Since the Basilica is in a bordering suburb and not many people know about it,
it was quiet, and we were able to take everything in with the sense of reverence
and awe that it deserved. We read that Saint Denis is populated by a lot of
immigrants, and has had an unfavorable reputation among Parisians over the last
century, but as New Yorkers we were undaunted and unfazed at the notion of going
to a possibly sketchy area. As it turned out, the metro brings you withing
several hundred yards of the Basilica. You come up in a perfectly safe area that
seemed to be part of a public college or university.

If you are going to be in Paris for a week, or have already been there and seen
the usual sights, this is a very worthwhile destination that takes you beyond
the typical touristy fare. Highly recommend.
Read more


Written October 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

light122376
Albuquerque, NM207 contributions
0


The Cathedral that started it all!!
Oct 2023 • Couples
This place has been lovingly restored and is very well done. The architecture
and stained glass is worth the visit. The crypt is also very cool. It is about
200 meters from the metro, and a long ride from downtown, but it should not be
missed.
Read more


Written October 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

JRM
Penetanguishene, Canada102 contributions
0


A Sketchy Neighborhood !!!
Aug 2023 • Family
Obviously an interesting even captivating attraction. A magnificent 1000 year
old church steeped in history and housing the earthly remains of countless kings
of France and assorted royalty. It is easy enough to reach: a few steps from the
next to last metro stop on line 13. The immediate area surrounding this
important historical site is deplorable. To the left as you enter this beautiful
architectural treasure there is a derelict housing complex. There is a multitude
of homeless, drunks and pushers about. Sadly, the cafes and bars which might
serve to offer a peaceful, lingering view of one of the great architectural gems
of France are populated by ruffians and staffed by the most unwelcoming waiters
imaginable. Not sure what happened here but my recommendation is this: by a
ticket in advance; proceed directly from the metro to the church and enjoy its
wonderous interior and attractions; once you leave the church, take a quick
photo in front and proceed back to the metro. Don't stop for a drink, a snack or
a thought. Get back on the metro and back into central Paris. There is nothing
else worth seeing in that frightful neighborhood. France at its best; France at
its worst.
Read more


Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
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Love2travel21_8
Dallas, TX12 contributions
0


Beautiful cathedral
Sep 2023 • Couples
Beautiful. Easy, quick trip from Paris. No crowds. Great audio guide. Sit in the
square in front of cathedral and enjoy a glass of wine. Well worth a visit.
Read more


Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

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AMY S
Washington DC, DC3 contributions
0


Magnificent
Jun 2023
Easily accessible by metro, this grand basilica was once the burial place for
kings of France. It’s very impressive, guided tours including crypts.
Read more


Written June 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

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Kirk E
Santa Fe, NM1,053 contributions
1


magnificenteven under scaffolding
Dec 2022
The birthplace of Gothic is presently undergoing an extensive (and long overdue)
restoration that renders certain areas inaccessible -- most notably and
regrettably Abbe Suget's entire high altar space. But this magnificent basilica
is still breathtaking for its collection of recumbent royal tombs and intricate
stained glass windows, which, caught at the right time of day, bathe the entire
edifice is kaleidoscopic light.
Read more


Written February 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

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Renee M
Monterey, California, Usa192 contributions
2


Historically significant and interesting
Jan 2023 • Friends
I recommend the audio tour to help make sense of the history even though it’s
not super well done. The statues of the kings are beautiful and the history is
interesting if sad because the Revolution destroyed so much religious history in
France.
Read more



Written January 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

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h_schamhardt
The Netherlands208 contributions
0


All of French royalty in one place, the birthplace of Gothic cathedrals
Dec 2022 • Couples
1.5 century of French history in one place:
Birthplace of gothic cathedrals and nearly all French kings and queens buried
here, starting with King Dagobert in 645!
Church is quite nice, whilst all the burial monuments are amazing.
Including the crypt with many coffins of many others.
Just outside Paris, with also a parking right next to the cathedral.
Although already been in Paris many times, missed this one before. Now strongly
recommend the visit!
Read more


Written January 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

StanduMan
Hastings on Hudson, NY214 contributions
4


Magnificent Birthplace of the Gothic Style
Sep 2022
Having taught the history of western Europe for decades, I regularly mentioned
Abbe Suger and the creation of the Gothic style. Although I had visited several
Gothic cathedrals throughout Europe, I had never visited the birthplace of that
style of architecture. I finally did last month. The basilica reveals the first
unified large scale use of pointed arches, vaulted ceilings, stained glass
windows, and flying buttresses. Obviously, the building is not as grand as later
Gothic cathedrals, but this first Gothic structure exhibits the form and beauty
of all later recreations. As importantly, the church houses the tombs of scores
of French monarchs in interesting and beautifully sculpted tombs and vaults. The
basilica offers two history lessons - architecture and monarchy.
Read more


Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of
Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our
industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn
more.

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Showing results 1-10 of 458
Scenic318805
Porto Alegre, RS
Tem concertos dia 04.06.2020, musique Brasiliense?
Add a reply

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Pe28
Ascoli Piceno, Italy143 contributions
Generalmente c’é fila?
mo_ma
Italy7,724 contributions
Quando siamo andati noi non c'era nessuno, siamo entrati subito.
Read all replies

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ladsterl
denver,pa.100 contributions
Is there anything else to see in area as we are coming from Novotel hotel cdg at
airport . Should we take metro line 13? Thanks Charlie
Luthe T
Alexandria, VA20 contributions
Yes, take line 13 to the Basilica stop. There is a museum about the history of
Saint-Denis and a large park near the Basilica.
Read all replies

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Maria B
Mississauga, Canada304 contributions
How far is it from CDG as I have only 7 hours in Paris and is it possible to see
this basilica and get back to the airport in time for my onward flight? Thanks
for your responses.
Dennis P
Melbourne, Australia2,104 contributions
Previous answers are probably the best with taxis being quicker. However the
Metro is also available and a one one trip would take about an hour. The
Basilica is quite stunning and well worth the visit. I am not sure if you have 7
FULL hours available to you. Timing could depend on local or international
flight requirements and how long it takes to get through Immigration and
ticketing.
Read all replies

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Peter B
2 contributions
Is there a dress code to enter?
Lisa L
Paris, France14 contributions
no, just normal clothes covering your body ;:) no hot pants or swim suits and
men must take their hat off (in every church, I think)
Read all replies

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John S
California425 contributions
The Saint Denis website seems to suggest reservations are required. Does anybody
feel this is necessary? We would like to visit the Church then later decide
whether we want to see the crypt or not. Furthermore, we plan to park at the
place listed below. Does anyone believe there will be a safety concern if we
park there and walk to Saint Denis? Thanks for your help. Indigo Park Basilique
4, place du Caquet 93200 Saint-Denis
Elisabeth V
Washington DC, DC399 contributions
Additionally, the crypt is part of the church, so you just walk down into it.
There is no need to make an extra trip. I would recommend not driving, but
taking the metro to the church. Take Line 13 in the direction of
Saint-Denis-Universite. Get off at "Basilique de St-Denis". Signs will easily
guide you and it is literally less than a five minute walk from the station to
the church.
Read all replies

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margherita D

Si puo' fotografare all'interno della basilica ?
lafavoladifrancesca
Venice, Italy149 contributions
Si a noi nessuno ha detto nulla...
Read all replies

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Zoë T
Austin, TX
Is there a dress code to enter?
Nualabs
Faversham, Kent31 contributions
We were dressed casually on the way to rugby so bot formal, however as said
respectful as it is a place of worship. The entrance is free but you have to pay
to enter the area where the royalty is buried.
Read all replies

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Edith R
Rochester, New York
Is it in a safe neighborhood for a woman traveling alone
sydneysider48
Sydney, Australia1,098 contributions
Judging by the shop signs St Denis seems to have many Turkish shops and there
are certainly many more "foreigners" evident here than in the more touristed
areas of Paris, but the Cathedral is only about 150 metres from the Metro across
an open square and adjacent to the Town Hall so I would feel very confident
about going there as a single woman. If you want to venture further away from
the Metro, the main shopping streets were very crowded so once again there would
seem little problem - at least during the day.
Read all replies

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Cathy R
Sydney, Australia148 contributions
Someone mentioned in an earlier post that you could buy a pass to three places
(one of which was the basilique de St Denis. Would anyone know which are the
other monuments that are included and how to buy this pass.? Thanks
MargiSu
Holmfirth, UK923 contributions
Sorry I don't know, but try searching online as Maddie suggests.
Read all replies
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BASILICA CATHEDRAL OF SAINT-DENIS - ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO (WITH
PHOTOS)

Frequently Asked Questions about Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis

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What hotels are near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis?
Hotels near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis:
 * (0.03 mi) Hotel de la Table Ronde
 * (0.34 mi) Novotel Paris Saint Denis Stade Basilique
 * (0.80 mi) Novotel Suites Paris Stade De France
 * (0.33 mi) Hotel de Paris
 * (0.38 mi) Maison Hôtel des 5 Silences

View all hotels near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis on Tripadvisor

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What restaurants are near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis?
Restaurants near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis:
 * (0.02 mi) Au Soleil d'Or
 * (0.02 mi) La Table Ronde
 * (0.03 mi) Les Arts
 * (0.07 mi) O'Grand Breton
 * (0.05 mi) Mets du Roy

View all restaurants near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis on Tripadvisor

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What attractions are near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis?
Attractions near Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis:
 * (0.01 mi) Maison d'Éducation de La Légion d'Honneur
 * (0.08 mi) Office de Tourisme de Plaine Commune Grand Paris
 * (0.07 mi) Stèle
 * (0.11 mi) 60 AdaDa
 * (0.40 mi) Paris Walks

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