Saint-Denis Basilica

A 15-minute walk from the Stade de France, a temple to football
if ever there was one, stands another place of worship: the Saint-Denis Basilica, erected to the glory of the kings of France. 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. Bathed in light, the interior boasts spectacular volumes and delicate stained-glass windows, including the sumptuous rose window above the central portal.

Eternal dwelling of kings

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 in five languages 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.

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