Step 5: Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis
As the first major Gothic church and the necropolis of the kings of France, the Basilica of Saint-Denis houses over 70 sculpted tombs, from Clovis to Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette. It is a unique place where art, architecture, royal history, and spirituality converge in the heart of the city.
30-minute tour, free admission for visitors with disabilities upon presentation of a valid card, plus one companion.
Audioguide supplement: €3 per person
Much like Notre-Dame Cathedral, whose splendors 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 site where Saint Denis, martyred by the Romans in the 3rd century, is said to have been buried, it houses the tombs of the kings and queens of France.
Standing 29 meters high and over 100 meters long, the basilica will captivate you from the moment you reach the forecourt with its imposing facade, three portals, and finely sculpted tympana. Only the south tower remains; the north spire, an architectural feat in its day, had to be dismantled in the 19th century after being weakened by lightning and storms. Today, however, a major project is bringing this lost treasure back to life: the reconstruction of the north spire began in 2025, with the goal of restoring the majestic balance of the original facade.
A spectacular project to discover: the rebirth of the north spire
This exceptional project, scheduled to last five years, does more than just return the basilica to its original Gothic appearance: it is becoming an attraction in its own right. Starting in September 2025, visitors will be able to explore "La Fabrique de la Flèche," an immersive space set up at the foot of the monument. This unique tour will take you behind the scenes of the construction site, bringing you up close to the stonemasons, carpenters, and artisans at work. Through interactive displays, projections, live demonstrations, and even a virtual reality experience, you will embark on a true adventure into the heart of ancestral craftsmanship and the living history of the monument.
Eternal resting place
Bathed in light, the interior of the royal necropolis is striking for its spectacular volume and the delicacy of its stained glass, including the sumptuous rose window above the central portal. At the heart of the basilica, fourteen effigies and over 70 monumental tombs house the remains of illustrious kings, from Dagobert to Francis I, as well as Pepin the Short and Catherine de' Medici. The mausoleum of Louis XII and Anne of Brittany, sculpted in Carrara marble, is beautifully adorned with depictions of the twelve apostles and the four cardinal virtues. Many tombs were desecrated during the Revolution. The bones were piously reinterred in the crypt's ossuary. Take advantage of guided tours or the audioguide to learn more about the history of the site and these moving sculptures and statues, including those of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette in prayer.
Discover the Basilica of Saint-Denis through one of the treasure hunts on the Paris Region Aventures app, specially designed for families and available as a free download.
Accessibility
Dogs are not permitted, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs.
A bilingual French/French Sign Language (LSF) video guide offers a narrated tour.
A scale model of the abbey shows the monument within the town of Saint-Denis.
Guided tours in French Sign Language and International Sign Language can be booked.
Information panels and tables are located throughout the monument tour.
Guided tours adapted for groups of 5 or more can be booked.
A scale model of the abbey shows the monument within the town of Saint-Denis.
Wheelchairs are available for loan upon request.
Guided tours for groups of 5 to 9 people can be booked.
Please note: Due to restoration work, the crypt will be inaccessible from January 31, 2022, until further notice.
Magnifying optical aids and guide dogs are permitted.
A large-print visitor booklet is available at the ticket office.
An audioguide with Braille buttons is available (for a fee). Assistance is required to use it.
Guided tours for groups of five or more can be booked.
Accessible for independent wheelchair users.
Induction loop available at the reception desk.
"Tourisme et Handicap" certified – hearing impairment.
"Tourisme et Handicap" certified – intellectual disability.
"Tourisme et Handicap" certified – physical disability.
Price
Free for visitors with disabilities upon presentation of a valid card, plus one companion.
Audioguide supplement: €3 per person.