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Saint-Denis Travel Guide: 72 reviews and 239 photos
42 kings, 32 queens, 63 princes and princesses, 10 great men of France rest in Saint-Denis in more than 70 Renaissance monumental tombs.
Located at 10 km from the center of Paris, the suburb of Saint-Denis is home to the royal necropolis of Saint Denis Basilica but also of France's national stadium, Stade de France, built for the 1998 Football World Cup.
But Saint-Denis has a long history.
Around the year 250 Saint Denis, the first bishop of Paris and patron saint of France, was martyred and buried in the cemetery of Catolacus, a village located on this place.
His tomb soon became an important pilgrimage place and in 475 on Sainte Genevieve order a small chapel was built on Denis's tomb.
Dagobert I was the one that transformed the small chapel into a royal monastery and starting from him almost every French king is buried in the Basilica.
Saint Denis, also known as Denise, Dionysius, or Dennis is the bishop of Paris and the patron saint of France.
According to old legends, it seems that Denis was sent from Italy to convert the people in the region where Paris is located now.
He was executed by beheading on Montmartre, who took this name from the martyrdom of Denis (in French Montmartre means mountain of the martyr).
It seems that, after his head was chopped off, St Denis picked it up and walked several miles, all the time preaching a sermon and stopped on the site where Saint Denis Basilica stands today.
In all the representations of today St. Denis is depicted as headless, holding his head in his hands.
His feast day is October 9.
Reviews (25)
Take a warm jacket
What to Pack
(1)
Deffinitely you have to have warm clothes because in the Basilica is very cold and in the crypt is even colder. The... more travel advice
Ducs d'Orleans
Things to Do
(19)
Another beautiful tomb is the one of Ducs d'Orleans. Charles, duc d'Orleans, father of Louis XII, Louis, duc d"Orleans,... more travel advice
Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
Pay a special attention to Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne mausoleum. It is actually the only one in the Basilica on... more travel advice
The kings of huge feet
Off The Beaten Path
(2)
This was the funny part of our visit. Although not very tall or strong, some of them seemed no taller than a 12 yo kid,... more travel advice
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DesertLatest Saint-Denis hotel reviews
- Citea Saint Denis Pleyel
- 9 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Oct 17, 2011 - Euro Hotel Sovereign Saint Denis
- 40 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 14, 2012 - Formule 1 Saint Denis Stade
- 3 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Sep 22, 2011 - Campanile Paris Saint-Denis Quai-de-St Ouen
- 7 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 30, 2012 - Best Western Le Saint Denis
- 1 Review & Opinion
Latest: May 5, 2012 - Formule 1 Saint Denis Centre Basilique
- 9 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Apr 23, 2012 - Suitehotel Paris Saint Denis
- 24 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Feb 18, 2012 - Hotel Bellepierre
- 3 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 5, 2012 - Premiere Classe Drancy
- 2 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: Jan 16, 2012 - Courtyard Paris Saint Denis
- 36 Reviews & Opinions
Latest: May 23, 2012 - Ibis Paris St-Denis Stad Ouest
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Latest: May 11, 2012
Comments (10)
I think people really were a lot shorter in those days. Strange that they have such big feet, though. (Glad you took the tramway T-1 in Saint-Denis.)
Very good and informative tips. A must see for every history lover. I have to visit it next time in Paris. Thanks for sharing.
Very interesting, especially for those with a deep interest in history such as myself.
Wow, lots of tombs here no doubt but the uniqueness of its was the scructures and designs of each tomb. A great exposure especially to myself and others away from Saint Denis & France. Take care Diana.
Lovely page on Saint-Denis especially the Basilique which is absolutely beautiful. Also thanks so much for visiting my Sevilla, one of Spain's gems in my opinion.
Great Info...Thanks,,,Barry in Louisiana (Disaster Area)
O destinatie importanta, unde ai realizat poze superbe, pe care le-ai expus intr-o pagina minunata. Gabriela
Happy Easter weekend Diana greetz from Belgium !
Great photos and information here. Will return to your pages often. Ciao, Carol
Thank you for the dropping by again, Diana. Woderful updates on your trip in Saint-Denis! You are right.....It is all about remembering! 'njoy!
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