Located 9.4 km north of Paris, this suburb houses France's national stadium and a medieval basilica where French kings and queens were laid to rest.
Saint-Denis, 9.4 km north of Paris, is home to significant French landmarks. You can explore the first Gothic cathedral ever built, walk through one of Europe's largest flea markets with its 2,000 vendors, or visit the massive Stade de France stadium. The city's streets lead you from medieval stone buildings to modern film studios at the Cité du Cinéma.
Getting to Saint-Denis
Take Metro Line 13 from central Paris to the Basilique de Saint-Denis station, which puts you right next to the cathedral. The RER B train from Gare du Nord also serves Saint-Denis, with a journey time of about 15 minutes. The city connects to central Paris through multiple bus lines, and you can use regular Paris transport tickets for all these journeys.
The Gothic Cathedral of Saint-Denis
This 12th-century cathedral introduced Gothic architecture with its pointed arches and large stained glass windows. Inside, you'll see 70 tombs and sculptures of French royalty, including the detailed Renaissance monuments of Louis XII and Francis I. Light streams through the cathedral's windows, which combine original 12th-century panels with 19th-century restorations. Pick up an audio guide in your preferred language to learn about the building's architecture and the stories of the royal tombs.
Markets and Shopping
The Saint-Ouen Flea Market covers 7 hectares with 14 distinct market areas. You'll find antique furniture, vintage clothing, art, and collectibles among its 2,000 stalls. Visit Saturday through Monday, with peak crowds during weekend mornings. For fresh produce, cheeses, and prepared foods, head to the covered markets in Saint-Denis's city center.
Modern Saint-Denis
The 80,000-seat Stade de France, built for the 1998 World Cup, hosts sports events and concerts year-round. Take a daily stadium tour to see the players' areas and learn about its history. At the Cité du Cinéma, created by director Luc Besson, you can see nine active sound stages where films are produced.
Museum of Art and History
Located in a former Carmelite convent, this museum contains artifacts spanning from Roman times to the 20th century. Step into the museum's garden to rest between exhibits. The museum dedicates a section to local poet Paul Éluard, where you can examine his manuscripts and personal belongings.
Safety and Practical Tips
Police patrol the main tourist areas during daylight hours. Keep to well-lit, populated streets, especially after dark. Bring cash for the flea market but keep it secure, and watch your belongings in crowds.
Canal Saint-Denis
Walk or cycle along the 6.6-kilometer canal path connecting Saint-Denis to Paris. The route passes warehouses, locks, and contemporary murals. Walking from Saint-Denis to Parc de la Villette takes about an hour, and you'll see boats passing through the canal's locks along the way.
