Basilica of Saint-Denis

Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Fabian Charaffi
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Fabian Charaffi
Photo provided by © ATOUT FRANCE/Fabian Charaffi


One of the city’s lesser visited gems features awe-inspiring stained-glass windows and one of the biggest collections of funerary art in Europe.

Marvel at the tombs of nearly all of France’s monarchs and the stunning carved sculptures that lie atop them at Saint Denis Basilica. See exquisite statues along with some of the very earliest examples of Gothic architecture.

Away from the crowds of Notre Dame and Sainte Chappelle, see this magnificent medieval church, rich in history and filled with a wealth of precious artifacts. It was built on the tomb of Saint Denis and an earlier ancient Roman cemetery. Construction began around 1136 and was completed toward the end of the 13th century.

Stand in front of the west façade and view the tower that stands near the centre. As you approach the curved main entrance, look up to a figure of Christ showing the wounds of his crucifixion.

Step inside and find yourself in a long, high nave illuminated by rays of sunlight that shine through the vast stained-glass windows. Enjoy the rich purple and blue of the central rose window while all around you are vivid depictions of Biblical tales.

Wander through the open, sprawling interior. Then head downstairs to the crypt. Set across the cold stone floor are more than 70 tombs in the dimly lit room that has come to be known as the royal necropolis. Peruse the sleeping, lifelike figures that represent more than 70 kings and queens along with many more princes and princesses. Look for the features of renowned leader Louis VIII as well as Marie Antoinette. In spite of the breathtaking appearance of these works of art, many of the bodies were stolen and thrown into mass graves during the French Revolution.

Saint Denis Basilica is in the suburb of Saint Denis in northern Paris. Pay a small entry fee, which includes audio tours offered in English. Stroll through the green spaces in the neighboring Parc de la Legion d’Honneur and stop for a coffee or lunch in one of the cafés surrounding the basilica.

Popular places to visit


Top Basilica of Saint-Denis Hotel Deals

The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Maison Montmartre Paris Les Puces
The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Maison Montmartre Paris Les Puces
4 out of 5
32 avenue de la Porte de Montmartre, Paris
The Originals Boutique, Hôtel Maison Montmartre Paris Les Puces
ibis budget Paris Porte de Montmartre
ibis budget Paris Porte de Montmartre
2 out of 5
Rue Du Docteur Babinski, 45 - 75018, Paris, Paris
ibis budget Paris Porte de Montmartre
Le ReMIX Hotel
Le ReMIX Hotel
4 out of 5
28 ter Avenue Corentin Coriou, Paris, Paris
Le ReMIX Hotel
Residhome Paris Rosa Parks
Residhome Paris Rosa Parks
3 out of 5
3/13 rue Gaston Tessier, Paris
Residhome Paris Rosa Parks
Simon's Boutique Hotel
Simon's Boutique Hotel
3 out of 5
69 Rue Riquet, Paris, Arrondissement de Paris
Simon's Boutique Hotel
Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection
Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection
4 out of 5
16 Rue Tholoze, Paris, Paris
Hôtel Littéraire Marcel Aymé, BW Premier Collection
Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal de la Villette, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal de la Villette, an IHG Hotel
3 out of 5
68 Quai de la Seine, Paris, Paris
Holiday Inn Express Paris-Canal de la Villette, an IHG Hotel
ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles
ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles
3 out of 5
10 Rue Bernard Buffet, Paris, Paris
ibis Paris 17 Clichy-Batignolles
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.