Saint-Denis Basilica
Description
Like the cathedral of Notre-Dame, whose splendours can once again be admired, the basilica of Saint-Denis, erected to the glory of the kings of France, is a jewel of Gothic art. Built in the 12th century on the burial site of Saint Denis martyred by the Romans in the 3rd century, it now houses the tombs of the kings and queens of France.
The basilica, 29 meters high and over 100 meters long, dwarfs you as you stand in the forecourt in front of its imposing facade with its three huge portals and elaborately carved tympanums. Only the south tower still remains as the north spire, considered a great architectural achievement of its time, had to be disassembled in the nineteenth century. But today, a major project is breathing new life into this vanished jewel: the reconstruction of the north spire has begun in 2025, with the aim of restoring the majestic balance of the original façade.
A spectacular project to discover: the rebirth of the north spire
This exceptional project, scheduled to last five years, will not only restore the basilica to its original Gothic appearance, it will also become an attraction in its own right. From September 2025, visitors will be able to discover 'La Fabrique de la Flèche', an immersive space set up at the foot of the monument. This unique journey will take you behind the scenes of the building site, up close to the stone masons, carpenters and craftsmen at work. Thanks to interactive displays, projections, live demonstrations and even a virtual reality experience, you'll experience a real adventure at the heart of the monument's age-old know-how and living history.
Eternal dwelling of kings
Bathed in light, the interior boasts spectacular volumes and delicate stained-glass windows, including the sumptuous rose window above the central portal. In the heart of the basilica, fourteen recumbent figures and over 70 monumental tombs house the remains of illustrious kings, from Dagobert to Francis I, and Catherine de’ Medici. The mausoleum of Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne carved in Carrara marble is superbly adorned with representations of the twelve apostles and the four cardinal virtues. Take advantage of the guided tours or audio guide to learn more about the history of the Basilica and its moving sculptures and statues, including those of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in prayer.
Discover the Saint-Denis Basilica through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.
Explore museums and monuments in Paris Region.
Practical info
Days and opening hours
From 01/04 to 30⁄09, daily.
Monday to Saturday from 10h to 18h15.
Sunday from 12h to 18h15.
Ticket office closes 30 minutes before.
Exceptional closure during religious services.
From 01/10 to 31⁄03, daily.
Monday to Saturday from 10h to 17h15.
Sunday from 12h to 17h15.
Ticket office closes 30 minutes before.
Exceptional closure during religious services.
Prices
Full price: 11 €
Reduced price: 9.50 € (Young people 18-25 years outside the EU/ Teachers not holding an Education Pass/ Ikaria Card/ Discovery Pass Grand Paris Nord)
Child: from 0 € (Under 18 (family and outside school groups))
Audioguide: 3 €
Group adults: 9.50 € (per person. Twin ticket "Panthéon – Basilique de Saint-Denis" at €19).
Free entry for children < 25 years, accompanying guides, Job-seeker, disabled people.
Group rate available for > 20 people.
Free:
> for persons under 18 years of age (European Union nationals or regular residents on the territory of the European Union).
> for 18-25 year olds.
> for persons with disabilities.
> for job seekers (on presentation of a certificate of less than 6 months).
> Holders of the Culture Card - ICOM Card
> for teachers with the Education Pass.
Pass:
> Twin ticket "Panthéon – Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis" at €16.
> Marie-Antoinette pass at €26 (pass that gives access to 4 sites in Ile-de-France in connection with Marie-Antoinette: château de Rambouillet, Conciergerie, Chapelle Expiatoire and Basilique cathédrale de Saint-Denis).
Paris Museum Pass accepted: time slot reservation recommended.
Facility
- Toilets
- Parking nearby
Services
- Coach access
- Themed tour
- Shop
- Guided tours
Activities
- Children's entertainment
- Temporary exhibition
Tour
Spoken languages
- English
- French
Documentation languages (home)
- German
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Italian
- Russian
- Portuguese
- Japanese
- Polish
- Arab
Single services tour
- Unguided individual tours available permanently
- Guided individual tours available permanently
Accessibility
- Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
- Magnetic loop available at the reception
- Copyright images:
- Office de Tourisme de Plaine Commune Grand Paris
- Office de Tourismede Plaine Commune Grand Paris