Basilica of Saint-Denis
What to expect
Did you know that the northern suburbs of Paris contain one of the most beautiful of France's historical treasures? The Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis houses the tombs of every French king since Dagobert, and is the most incredible royal necropolis in the world. Within the basilica, you will discover more than 1,500 years of history, featuring the tombs of no less than 43 kings and 32 queens. Their monumental tombs are arranged underneath both the Gothic vaults of the cathedral and the Romanesque vaults of the crypt.
Largely unknown to the general public, the Basilica of Saint-Denis truly deserves to be visited in the same way as the Cathedral of Notre-Dame. Often overlooked, it is the finest monumental masterpieces of Gothic art.
Opening Hours of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
To plan your visit to the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis, please note the specific opening hours throughout the year. Access to the monument is subject to these schedules, as well as exceptional closures during religious services and certain public holidays.
From April 1st to September 30th:
- Monday to Saturday: Open from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. (please note that the last entry is at 5:45 p.m.).
- Sunday: Open from noon to 6:15 p.m. (last entry also at 5:45 p.m.).
From October 1st to March 31st:
- Monday to Saturday: Open from 10 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. (the last entry is allowed until 4:45 p.m.).
- Sunday: Open from noon to 5:15 p.m. (last entry at 4:45 p.m.).
Exceptional Closures:
- The basilica is closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th.
- Closures may also occur during religious services.
It is important to highlight that the last entry is made 30 minutes before the indicated closing time. We recommend visitors to allow sufficient time for their visit, to fully explore the historical and cultural richness offered by the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis.
Complimentary Admission
- Under 18s (with family and outside school groups)
- 18-25 year olds (nationals from the European Union and regular non-European residents on EU territory)
- Person with a disability and their companion
- Job seekers, upon presentation of a certificate less than 6 months old
- Culture Card - ICOM Card
- Teachers holding an Education Pass
- For everyone, the first Sunday of each month, from November 1st to March 31st, as well as during Heritage Days (the third weekend of September).
Enhanced Accessibility for Everyone at the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis
The Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis strives to be a monument accessible to all, including visitors with disabilities. Entry is graciously provided to these visitors and their companion, upon presentation of valid proof (such as the Mobility and Inclusion card issued by the CDAPH for French residents, or an equivalent document for international visitors). It is important to note that certain cards, such as the mobility inclusion card indicating only "priority" and parking cards, are not eligible for this complimentary access.
To ensure an enriching and comfortable experience, the Basilica offers tour routes specially designed to meet individual needs. Whether visitors come alone or in a group, and whether they opt for a self-guided tour or a guided tour, personalized services can be arranged to accommodate various types of disabilities.
Additionally, the cathedral is equipped with several devices designed to enhance the quality of the tour. These tools aim to deepen understanding and appreciation of the monument, integrating visitors into the history and architectural splendor of this historic site. Thus, each tour becomes a unique experience, allowing all visitors to fully immerse themselves in the majesty of the Basilique Cathédrale de Saint-Denis.
A Brief Overview of the Basilique Cathédrale Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis is first and foremost the story of Denis, a Christian martyr beheaded in the third century. According to legend, he walked with his head in his hands from Paris to Saint-Denis, where his tomb is located. The basilica was built around it. Four centuries later, the famous King Dagobert established the tradition for kings and queens to be buried next to the Saint. The idea was to be buried as close as possible to Saint-Denis' tomb, ad sanctos, to guarantee eternal life and the choice of paradise.
Over the centuries, idealized statues of the recumbent figures gave way to more realistic portraits. Actual death masks, and during the Renaissance, the tombs showed the naked bodies of the kings, captured in death. At the end of the 18th century, revolutionaries would remove the remains from the tombs to place them in a common grave. They rest together today in the basilica, including those attributed, rightly or wrongly, to Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette, and the Dauphin Louis XVII.
This monument traces more than 1,000 years of French monarchy and certainly deserves to be better known.
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Basilique de Saint-Denis
Basilique de Saint-Denis
