Help

Top things to do in Paris

Experience the best of Basilica Cathedral of Saint Denis

A monumental masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the final resting place of French monarchs, theBasilica of Saint Denis beckons. Explore its royal tombs, admire the stunning stained glass, and understand the historic significance. This basilica is a key chapter in France's heritage and a marvel of medieval design.
4.5/5
1,815 travellers from around the world love this
Slide 1 of 6, Basilica of Saint-Denis facade under blue sky, Paris, France.
Basilica of Saint-Denis facade under blue sky, Paris, France.

Tickets to Basilica of Saint-Denis

Explore at your pace

  • Step inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the birthplace of Gothic architecture, and explore its vast nave, stained-glass light, and centuries-old chapels.

  • Walk through the Royal Necropolis, where sculpted effigies and tombs tell the story of France’s kings, queens, and dynasties across a thousand years.

  • Your ticket lets you discover the basilica at your own pace with a multilingual leaflet that guides you through its most significant artworks and royal monuments.

  • If you’d like to go further, upgrade your visit with access to La Fabrique de la Flèche: an immersive workshop-site where medieval craftsmanship and modern techniques come together to rebuild the basilica’s historic north spire.

More details

  • Step inside the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the birthplace of Gothic architecture, and explore its vast nave, stained-glass light, and centuries-old chapels.

  • Walk through the Royal Necropolis, where sculpted effigies and tombs tell the story of France’s kings, queens, and dynasties across a thousand years.

  • Your ticket lets you discover the basilica at your own pace with a multilingual leaflet that guides you through its most significant artworks and royal monuments.

  • If you’d like to go further, upgrade your visit with access to La Fabrique de la Flèche: an immersive workshop-site where medieval craftsmanship and modern techniques come together to rebuild the basilica’s historic north spire.

from
€11
Slide 1 of 16, Arc de Triomphe in Paris with light trails, promoting city pass with Eiffel Tower access.
Arc de Triomphe in Paris with light trails, promoting city pass with Eiffel Tower access.

Turbopass Paris City Card with Paris Museum Pass: Access to 60+ Attractions

Explore at your pace

  • Make the most of your Paris trip with a 2/3/4/5/6-day city card that lets you access 60+ top experiences and saves up to 50% on ticket prices.

  • Take your sightseeing a step further! In addition to popular landmarks & museums, set off on cruises, bus tours, and other guided tours.

  • Discover the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe & other top sights at your own pace.

  • Upgrade for a skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd floor and learn more about the monument on a guided tour.

More details

  • Make the most of your Paris trip with a 2/3/4/5/6-day city card that lets you access 60+ top experiences and saves up to 50% on ticket prices.

  • Take your sightseeing a step further! In addition to popular landmarks & museums, set off on cruises, bus tours, and other guided tours.

  • Discover the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, the Palace of Versailles, the Arc de Triomphe & other top sights at your own pace.

  • Upgrade for a skip-the-line access to the Eiffel Tower's 2nd floor and learn more about the monument on a guided tour.

from
€159

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Your tickets include a leaflet in 12 languages which gives information about the cathedral's history. Enjoy a self-guided tour of this historic site.

You can also book a 90-minute guided tour of the basilica at the on-site ticketing office. The tour guide is an expert on the subject, covering the history, architecture, and restoration of the cathedral.

Visit early morning or at sunset to capture great photos, as the angled sunlight filtering through the glass windows creates playful light patterns.

To make the most of your trip, combine it with a visit to the nearby Stade de France stadium. The two landmarks are only 1.5 km apart.

Similar things to do in Paris

About Basilica of Saint Denis

Amongst Paris' many historic gems, the Basilica of Saint-Denis is truly one of a kind. Renowned for housing the remains of French kings and queens since 639, this church is also known to be one of the earliest sites of Gothic architecture. Visit, to step back in tine and explore centuries of French art and history.

Did you know?

The basilica is the burial site for nearly all French monarchs from the 10th century until the Revolution, in the late 18th century.

Its design introduced Gothic architecture, influencing iconic cathedrals like Notre Dame de Paris.

The famous “Tree of Jesse” stained-glass window represents the genealogy of Christ, one of the earliest examples of this theme.

During the French Revolution, the basilica was vandalized, and royal tombs were desecrated.

The cathedral holds the relics of Saint-Denis, the patron saint of Paris, who was martyred in the 3rd century.

Why visit Basilica of Saint Denis?

The birthplace of Gothic Architecture

Discover the first church in the world to adopt Gothic architectural elements like ribbed vaults and flying buttresses, setting a new standard for medieval design.

Royal burial site

The cathedral is the final resting place of French monarchs, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. Additionally, the necropolis houses over 70 royal tombs.

Exceptional stained-glass windows

Each glass window depicts biblical stories and royal motifs, showcasing incredible medieval craftsmanship. The major themes of the 12th-century windows remained connections between scenes from the Old Testament and the New Testament through Christ.

Historical and cultural significance

Explore the site that has witnessed coronations, revolutions, and restorations, serving as a mirror to France’s turbulent past.

Architectural masterpiece

From its towering spires and ribbed vaults to intricately carved portals and rose windows, every corner of the basilica reflects unmatched architectural artistry, specifically Gothic-style.

Plan your visit

Main entrance

Located at Place de la Légion d’Honneur and is accessible for all visitors.

Travel guides and tips

Browse by themes

Landmarks in Paris
Museums in Paris
Theme Parks in Paris
Seine River Cruise
Cabaret in Paris
Aquariums in Paris
Guided Tours in Paris
Seine River Dinner Cruise
Immersive Experiences
Hop-on Hop-off Tours Paris
Airport Transfers in Paris
Paris City Cards

Nearby cities to explore

See all