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Basilica of Saint-Denis

The birthplace of Gothic architecture and the burial place of nearly every king and queen of France.

Open
Every day; afternoons only on Sundays
Price
Free for the nave; paid for the royal tombs
Time Needed
1½ hours
Address
1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur, 93200 Saint-DenisDirections
Getting There
Basilique de Saint-Denis station (Metro line 13).

Why Go

Abbot Suger rebuilt the abbey church in the 1140s with tall windows and pointed arches, the first Gothic building. Its crypt and nave hold the tombs of 43 kings, 32 queens and many princes, with marble effigies lying on them.

It's in a busy northern suburb, a short Metro ride from the center.

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