Saint Denis Travel Guide

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Saint Denis, located in the Île-de-France region of France, is a commune that offers a fascinating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As the final resting place of French kings and queens, this town exudes a sense of grandeur and majesty that is hard to find elsewhere.

One of the main attractions in Saint Denis is the Basilica of Saint Denis, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that holds the remains of many French monarchs. As you explore the interior, you'll be awed by the intricate stained glass windows, towering columns, and the breathtaking beauty of the royal tombs. The basilica is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of France.

Beyond its historical significance, Saint Denis also offers a vibrant cultural scene. The town is home to numerous theaters, art galleries, and music venues, where you can immerse yourself in the creative energy of the local community. From contemporary dance performances to classical music concerts, there is always something exciting happening in Saint Denis for art enthusiasts.

Nature lovers will also find solace in Saint Denis. The town is surrounded by beautiful parks and gardens, providing the perfect escape from the bustling city life. Take a leisurely stroll through the Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, with its lush greenery and charming statues, or enjoy a picnic by the peaceful banks of the Canal Saint-Denis.

Food lovers will delight in the culinary offerings of Saint Denis. The town boasts a wide range of restaurants and cafes, serving both traditional French cuisine and international dishes. From cozy bistros to fine dining establishments, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Local name: Saint-Denis Population: 111.1 thous.Area: 4.77 mi²Elevation: 112 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 48°56'9"N, 2°21'23"E

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Île-de-FranceFrance

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Saint Denis Top Attractions

Saint Denis Attractions - What to See and Explore

Saint Denis offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Basilica of St Denis, Musée d'art et d'histoire de Saint-Denis, Church of Saint-Ouen-le-Vieux, Théâtre de Gennevilliers. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Monumental 12th-century Gothic church
Basilica of St Denis
The Basilica of St Denis is a remarkable historical monument located in the city of Saint Denis, just north of Paris, France. Renowned for its architectural significance and as the burial site of French royalty, this former abbey is a must-see for history enthusiasts...
Museum • Art museum • History museum
Musée d'art et d'histoire de Saint-Denis
The Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, is a museum located in the historical city of Saint-Denis, France, in the northern outskirts of Paris. The museum, established in 1982, is located in an ancient cloister of the order of the Carmelites, founded in 1625, not far from the Basilique Saint-Denis.
Church • Saint-Ouen
Church of Saint-Ouen-le-Vieux
The Church of Saint-Ouen-le-Vieux or the Church of Vieux-Saint-Ouen is a Roman Catholic church dedicated to St. Ouen and located in Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine in the department of Seine-Saint-Denis, France. It was listed as a Historic Monument in 1933.

Theater • Gennevilliers
Théâtre de Gennevilliers
The théâtre de Gennevilliers is a French national dramatic center inaugurated on 22 January 1983, 19 years after the arrival of Bernard Sobel at Gennevilliers in the Hauts-de-Seine departement.
Sacred and religious sites
Church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus
The church of Notre-Dame-des-Vertus is a Roman Catholic church in Aubervilliers, Seine-Saint-Denis, France. It is listed as a Historic Monument.
Monuments and statues
Tomb of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany
The Tomb of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany is a large and complex silver-gilt and marble sculptured funerary monument. Its design and build are usually attributed to the Juste brothers although the work of several other hands can be distinguished.
Cemetery • Saint-Ouen
Saint-Ouen Cemetery
The Saint-Ouen Cemetery is located just north of Montmartre at Saint-Ouen, near Paris. The cemetery consists of two parts. The first, located on Rue Adrien Lesesne opened in 1860 and the second at 2 Avenue Michelet was opened on 1 September 1872.
Church • Stains
Paroisse Notre Dame de l'Assomption
The Church of Our Lady of the Assumption is a Roman Catholic church in Stains in the department of Seine-Saint-Denis, France. It is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and listed as a Historic Monument.
Skyscraper • Pleyel
Tour Pleyel
Tour Pleyel is a skyscraper of mixed use, both residential and commercial, located in the commune of Saint-Denis in the suburbs of Paris, France. Built in 1972, the tower is 129 metres tall. At the top is a large turning advertising sign, in place since 1997. Including that advertising sign, the total height of the tower is 143 m.
Bridge • République - Gare
Île-de-France tramway Line 1
Île-de-France tramway Line 1 is part of the modern tram network of the Île-de-France region of France. Line T1 connects Noisy-le-Sec station and Asnières-sur-Seine with a suburban alignment running in parallel to the Northern city limits of Paris. The line has a length of 17 km and 36 stations.
Memorial • Vieux Drancy
Drancy internment camp
Drancy internment camp was an assembly and detention camp for confining Jews who were later deported to the extermination camps during the German occupation of France during World War II.
48°55'22"N • 2°20'12"E
Cité du Cinéma
The Cité du Cinéma or Studios of Paris is a film studio complex originally supported and founded by the film director and producer Luc Besson, located in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, in a renovated power plant, commissioned in 1933 to power the Parisian metro.
48°54'39"N • 2°24'22"E
Fort d'Aubervilliers
The Fort d'Aubervilliers is a former fortification of Paris built for 1842 to 1846 in Aubervilliers to control the "route de Flandre", now Route nationale 2, to the northeast of Paris.
Harbor • Gennevilliers
Port of Gennevilliers
The Port of Gennevilliers is the largest port in the Ile-de-France and the largest French river port. It is located in the commune of Gennevilliers in the north of the Hauts-de-Seine. The port is primarily a commercial port.
48°56'33"N • 2°21'52"E
Lycée Paul Éluard
Lycée Paul Éluard is a senior high school/sixth-form college in Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis, France, in the Paris metropolitan area. As of 2016 the school has fewer than 300 employees, including about 200 teachers, and about 1,700 students.
Forts and castles • Cosmonautes
Fort de l'Est
Fort de l'Est is a military strong point designed to protect Paris. It was built between 1841 and 1843 in Saint-Denis at the direction of French prime minister Adolphe Thiers, and was part of an immense defensive belt comprising 17 detached forts and the Thiers Wall surrounding Paris.

Day trips

Saint Denis – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Saint Denis, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Palace of Versailles (Versailles), Musée du Louvre (Paris), Eiffel Tower (Paris).

14 milesSW
Louis XIV's gilded palace and gardens
Palace of Versailles, Versailles
The Palace of Versailles, once the epicenter of French royalty, stands as a monumental museum of unparalleled opulence and historical significance in the city of Versailles, France. Constructed in the 17th century, it served as the political power base and royal court...
5.3 miS
Landmark art museum with vast collection
Musée du Louvre, Paris
The Musée du Louvre, situated in the heart of Paris, France, is not just a premier repository of art but also an emblematic monument that embodies the cultural sophistication of the French capital. As the world's largest art museum, the Louvre boasts an unparalleled...
6 miSW
Landmark 324m-high 19th-century tower
Eiffel Tower, Paris
The Eiffel Tower, an iconic symbol of French elegance and a masterpiece of iron architecture, stands proudly in the heart of Paris, France. Erected in 1889 as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair, this colossal structure was an engineering marvel of its time...
5.7 miS
Iconic Gothic church with literary link
Notre-Dame de Paris, Paris
The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral, also known as Notre-Dame, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture that has towered over the Ile de la Cité in the heart of Paris for centuries. Built between the 12th and 14th centuries, the cathedral is not only a place of religious...
5.1 miSW
Empire architecture, Arch, Jean-François-Thérèse Chalgrin
Arc de Triomphe, Paris
The Arc de Triomphe stands majestically at the western end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France, and is one of the most iconic monuments in the city. This grand arch was commissioned by Napoleon in 1806 after his victory at Austerlitz, but it was not completed...

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Best Time To Visit Saint Denis

Learn when is the best time to travel to Saint Denis weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February, March and August. Most of it rains in May, July and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Saint Denis?

The top attractions to visit in Saint Denis are:

What is the best time to visit Saint Denis?

June and July are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.