Aerial view Basilique Saint Denis Centre Des Monuments Nationaux

Saint-Denis Basilica

The necropolis of the kings and queens of France!

A masterpiece of Gothic art and a royal necropolis, this fascinating site boasts an exceptional collection of 70 recumbent statues of kings and queens, and breathtakingly beautiful stained-glass windows. Come and meet the great History of France in a magnificent setting right in the heart of the city of Saint-Denis. A living monument, to be visited again and again, and we’ll tell you why!

Gothic masterpiece

Founded in the 5th century on the site of the tomb of Saint-Denis, the famous martyr who, according to legend, carried his head in his hands, the little church gained architectural renown thanks to the bold vision of Abbé Suger, advisor to kings Louis VI and Louis VII.

In the 12th century, he undertook its reconstruction in a new style. The building revolutionized architecture by introducing ribbed vaults and omnipresent light, becoming one of the first Gothic masterpieces.

With its 108-metre length and 29-metre high vaults, its dazzling transept is enhanced by two 12-metre diameter roses, modelled on those of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Follow the arrow

In 1837, lightning struck the north spire of the Basilica. Weakened, it was dismantled, leaving the building without one of its spires. Nearly two centuries later, the project to restore the spire, led by the association Suivez la Flèche, was launched.
A powerful project, accompanied by a mediation approach highlighting the talents mobilized for the site: stone-cutting, blacksmithing…

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Why a royal necropolis?

In the 13th century, Saint Louis commissioned the building to become the royal necropolis. The sovereign commissioned sixteen recumbent figures representing his Merovingian, Carolingian and Capetian ancestors.

As a result, 43 kings, 32 queens and 60 princes and princesses are buried here, from Dagobert in 639 to Louis XVIII in 1824.

But the Cathedral Basilica is much more than just a cemetery: it’s a unique art gallery, where the recumbent statues immortalize royal figures in unrivalled style.

Detail Tombeau Louisxii Anne De Bretagne

Pre-cleanup status of the group in 2016.

A place for culture and exhibitions

The Basilica is not only a place of remembrance, it’s also a place of life. Throughout the year, it hosts exhibitions and shows such as La Nuit des Reines and La Trêve, combining history, culture and contemporary creation. To discover the current exhibition and immerse yourself in the unique world of this emblematic monument, all information to the left!

DISCOVER THE PROGRAM

19Sep27Apr

Exhibition - Nouvelles Reines by Sandra Reinflet

Where is it? I want to go there!

Located at 1 rue de la légion d’honneur in Saint-Denis, the Basilica is accessible by line 13 and the “Basilique Saint-Denis” stop!

Saint-Denis Basilica opening times:
April to September: Monday to Saturday: 10am – 6:15pm (last entrance at 5:45pm) / Sunday: 12pm – 6:15pm (last entrance at 5:45pm)
Octoberto March: Monday to Saturday: 10am – 5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm) / Sunday: 12pm – 5:15pm (last admission at 4:45pm)

I CHECK THAT THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONAL CLOSURES

Basilica of Saint-Denis, chevet and north transept crossing

Price list

Rates :
Individual: €11
Combined ticket Basilique de Saint-Denis / Panthéon: €19

Free admission:
Under 18s / 18-25s (EU nationals and non-European legal residents in France) / Disabled person and accompanying adult / … For more information on free admission.