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Basilica of Saint-Denis

1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, Saint-Denis, Île-de-France

Description

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is located in the city of Saint Denis, a northern suburb of Paris. It was built in the 12th century in Gothic style on the site of a Carolingian church itself erected were a shrine-mausoleum for Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris, was created in 313AD. It is mainly known for its necropolis which contains the tombs of almost all Kings of France; all but four were buried there (Charlemagne, Louis XI, Charles X and Louis Philippe I) - so that is 36 in Saint Denis as well as other royalty and nobility. It also served as the crowning place for Queens of France. For details about the architecture and various ornamentation the Wikipedia entry is very extensive and we would suggest referring to it: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilica_of_Saint-Denis Trivia: the sword and royal sceptre used during the crowning ceremonies were kept there

Access & Transport

Address: 1, rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis The metro station Basilique de Saint-Denis (#13) is 150m away and the Saint-Denis station or RER D is 10-15mins away (1.0km).

Instructions & Recommendations

Audioguides are available for 3,00 €

Meta review

This monument is surprisingly little known but gets almost only positive reviews. Visitors mostly point to the beautiful interior, to the high quality of the stonework on the marble tombs and to the load of information with regards to French royal lines. For many it was too much to take in one pass and there is a recurring advice to take the audio-guide and, even better, a guided tour if possible.

Environmental & Social

The running environmental footprint is low. Socially, it helps preserve the country's cultural, architectural and historical heritages

Conclusion

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is a real gem for those curious to learn more about French history, gothic art and architecture. We would recommend a visit to this monument to anybody with a curious mind but not to those with zero background about French history between the 6th and 18th centuries.

Key positive

So much to see and learn inside

Easily accessible by public transport from downtown Paris

Key negative

None

Suitability

Suitable for all ages but expect younger children not to be interested in spending time inside. The basilica is accessible for visitors with reduced mobility.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last entrance 30mins before closing

av. transport time:0h 40m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:15

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:15

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:15

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:15

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:15

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:15

SUNDAY12:00 - 18:15

Start of Season 2:Oct, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 17:15

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:15

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:15

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:15

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:15

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:15

SUNDAY12:00 - 17:15

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€11
Adult
18 - 64
€11
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Free for EU nationals < 26 yrs old.

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