Saint Denis is where the French kings and queens are buried. One of the most important attractions in Saint Denis is the Basilica of St. Denis, which houses the remains of many French monarchs. The city is home to a number of theatres, art galleries and music venues. From modern dance performances to classical music concerts.
Beautiful parks and gardens, they provide a green urban oasis. Food lovers will also be delighted by the gastronomic offerings of Saint Denis. The city offers a wide range of restaurants and cafés, serving both traditional French dishes and international cuisine.
Location
Saint-Denis is a commune in the Seine-Saint-Denis department in the Île-de-France region in north-eastern France. Saint-Denis, city, a northern suburb of Paris and lies on the right bank of the Seine River.
Basilica of Saint-Denis
Built around 1137 to house the remains of the first bishop of Paris, Saint Dionysius, it is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Today, as many as 43 kings and 32 queens rest in its crypt, whose tombs are adorned with large statues called gisants, sculpted by great artists with the help of death masks. The cathedral is striking for the timeless beauty of its architectural elements, elegant and grandiose, revealing the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style and its magnificent stained glass windows.
Musée d’art et d’histoire
In the heart of the city, the Museum of Art and History offers the chance to discover an exceptional collection, in a contemporary architecture where sculptures, paintings, and objects bearing witness to history coexist. In Saint-Denis, a museum is hidden in the heart of a former Carmelite convent. With its permanent collections on the Paris Commune and Paul Éluard, its temporary exhibitions, and its exclusive events, the Paul Éluard Museum is a true gem in the heart of the city!
Le Bourget Aviation and Astronautics Museum (The Air and Space Paris Le Bourget Museum)
The Air and Space Paris Le Bourget Museum is one of the first aviation museums in the world with more than 350 “authentic” machines on display. 8 km to the north of Paris, over 18,000 m² of indoor exhibition space, it exhibits an exceptional collection covering all themes on air and space. Take advantage of the free access to the permanent exhibition (under 26 years old) or climb on bord the Concorde, a Boeing 747, the Super Frelon helicopter or an American war plane.
Tomb of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany
The most important and original work of the Giusti (Juste) brothers is the tomb of Louis XII in Saint-Denis, commissioned by his successor Francis I, probably in 1515, and completed in 1531.
The visible Apostles and Virtues and the bas-reliefs around are in the Florentine style and indicate an artist educated in Bertoldo’s workshop. On the other hand, the kneeling figures of the king and queen on top of the tomb are extraordinary. The most extraordinary group are the two giants. These sculptures are among the most extraordinary works of this period.
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus
The church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus is a Roman Catholic church in Aubervilliers. A Roman Catholic sanctuary steeped in history. This architectural gem, graced with the title of Historic Monument, has been a spiritual haven for centuries, echoing the devotion of generations past.
The 30-meter-high squared tower, dated 1541 according to an inscription on its base, is said to have been built by Louis XI. In 1623, the Oratorians settled in the buildings given by Francis II of Montholon. A Jesuit-style façade was erected around 1628. A 9-meter-high spire was added in the 19th century but was destroyed by a fire in 1900.
