Basilica of Saint-Denis Basilica of Saint-Denis

Basilica of Saint-Denis

€9.50

Tickets to the Basilica of Saint-Denis

E-tickets with priority entry

  • Free access to the cathedral
  • Access to the crypt with 70 recumbent figures
  • Free brochures in French, English, German, Dutch, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese, Russian, Polish, Czech
€9.50

Combined Tickets

Basilica of Saint-Denis + Bateaux-Mouches

Save €7
  • Priority access to the Basilica of Saint-Denis
  • Cruise on the Seine (departure Pont de l'Alma, duration 1h15)

Note: The tickets are dissociated, you can use them on different days.

€17.50 €24.50
Reservation

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 Basilica of Saint-Denis

2 January- 31 March : Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5:15 pm - Sunday, from 12 pm to 5:15 pm
1 April - 30 September : Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6:15 pm - Sunday, from 12 pm to 6:15 pm
1 October - December 31 : Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 5:15 pm - Sunday, from 12 pm to 5:15 pm

Warning:

  • Last access to the Basilica is 30 minutes before closing time
  • The Basilica is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December
  • Closures may take place during some religious services

Entrance is free for:

  • Those under 18 years old (family and school groups)
  • 18-25 years olds (EU nationals and non-European regular residents in the European Union)
  • Handicapped individuals and an accompanying person
  • Everyone can enter free of charge on the first Sunday of each month, from November 1st to March 31st

The Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis : Background Information

The history of Saint-Denis begins with the story of Denis, a Christian martyr who was decapitated in the third century. According to legend, he then walked with his head in his hands to Saint-Denis, where his tomb was located. Later on, the basilica was built around it to preserve Denis' memory. Four centuries after that, King Dagobert established the tradition for kings and queens to be buried beside Saint Denis. The thinking went that to be buried near the tomb of Saint-Denis would guarantee eternal life and entrance to paradise.

Over the centuries, idealised statues of kings and queens gave way to more realistic portraits. Real mortuary masks appeared and, in the Renaissance, tombs showing the bodies of the dead kings at the moment of their death. At the end of the eighteenth century, the revolutionaries removed the royal remains from the tombs and put them in a common grave. However, they now rest together in the basilica, including remains attributed, rightly or wrongly, as those of Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and the dauphin Louis XVII.

The basilica traces more than 1,000 years of French monarchy and certainly deserves to be better known.

Customer Reviews

5/56 reviews

David F.
5/5
June 16th 2023
I have been to Paris many times and it never disappoints.

Map

Map
Address
1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur
93200 Saint-Denis
Public transportation
(M)
13Basilique de Saint-Denis
(T)
12Basilique de Saint-Denis

Common questions

Where is the basilica of Saint Denis?

The St Denis basilica is located in the city center of Saint-Denis located in the northern suburbs of Paris in Île-de-France. The exact address of the Basilica-Cathedral of Saint-Denis is 1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Saint-Denis (93200).

How to get to the Saint-Denis Basilica?

The Saint-Denis basilica is easily accessible from Paris with metro line 13 (which serves in particular Saint-Lazare station). From Gare du Nord station, take RER D or Train H line. By bus, lines 11, 153, 239, 253 and 274 stop there. The T1 tram line also passes near the basilica.

Why visit the Basilica of Saint-Denis?

The church hosts the graves of all the kings and queens of France in the royal necropolis. From Clovis to Louis XVI via Pépin le Bref, Isabelle of Aragon, Philippe le Bel or Louis XIV, the tombs and recumbent figures immerse you in the history of France in the times of kings. We also go there for its magnificent architecture, it is a jewel of Gothic art.

What is the price to visit the Saint-Denis Basilica?

The entrance fee to the royal necropolis of the cathedral basilica of St-Denis is 9.5 euros for adults. Admission is free for children, 18.25 year olds (EU and regular residents), people with reduced mobility and their guide.

Can we visit Saint-Denis Basilica for free?

Access to the royal necropolis of St-Denis Cathedral is free for everyone every first Sunday of the month from November 01 to March 31.

What are the visiting hours of the Saint-Denis Basilica?

The cathedral is open all year round excluding annual closing days which are January 01, May 01, November 1 and 11, December 25. Some religious services force the closure of the monument. Opening hours vary. In general, access to the royal necropolis is possible from Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. and at least until 5 p.m.

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