This working-class suburb north of Paris houses France's oldest Gothic cathedral and the royal necropolis, where 43 kings and 32 queens rest in peace.
Saint-Denis, 9.4 km north of Paris, is home to the Gothic basilica where you'll find tombs of French royalty including Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. Walk along Canal Saint-Denis to see large-scale murals by international artists, watch a football match at the 80,000-seat Stade de France, or explore Le 6b's art studios. The city's market, with 220 stalls selling products from over 50 countries, is the largest in France.
Getting to Saint-Denis
Take Metro Line 13 north from Paris to Basilique de Saint-Denis station, which requires no additional fare beyond standard Paris transport tickets. The RER B train from Gare du Nord also serves Saint-Denis, making it easily accessible from central Paris. You can purchase a Paris Transport Travel Card for unlimited travel on metro, RER, bus, and tram networks throughout your stay.
The Basilique Saint-Denis
At 2 rue de Strasbourg, this 12th-century church introduced key elements of Gothic architecture like pointed arches and large windows. Inside, you'll find 75 royal tombs with detailed funerary sculptures dating from the 12th to 16th centuries. Look up to see the 12th and 19th-century stained glass windows illuminating the space. Join an English-language guided tour to learn about French royal history, or use an audio guide to explore at your own pace.
Street Art Avenue and Canal Saint-Denis
Walk or cycle the 5-kilometer canal path from Parc de la Villette to Stade de France to see large-scale murals by local and international artists. Since 2016, artists have painted new works each year on the canal's walls. Stop at the information panels along the way to read about the area's 2,000-year history.
Saint-Denis Market Experience
Visit the market on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, where 220 permanent stalls attract more than 120,000 shoppers. Come at 8 AM for the best selection of fresh produce, or later in the day when vendors may reduce prices. The market continues a trading tradition that started with the medieval Lendit fair over 1,000 years ago. You'll find fresh fish, international foods, and local produce.
Modern Cultural Spaces
At Le 6b, a former industrial building now houses artist studios and exhibition spaces. You can attend regular exhibitions, concerts, and workshops open to the public. Visit the Paul Éluard Art and History Museum in a 17th-century Carmelite convent to see medieval artifacts and exhibitions about local history.
Safety Considerations
Exercise caution when visiting Saint-Denis, particularly after dark. Stay in well-lit, populated areas and remain aware of your surroundings. The area around Stade de France has improved security, especially during daytime hours and events.
