Explore Saint Denis and discover the Kings and Queens of France’s tombstones.

The cathedral is all that remains of the powerful Abbey started in the 6th century. It was built where, according to the legend, Saint Denis ended his walk after his execution in Montmartre.

Abbot Suger had the current structure built in the 12th century, with the first Gothic ornaments. A very prestigious place, the abbey quickly became the burial place for the kings of France.
In the 13th century, King Saint Louis had recumbent statues of many ancestors sculpted, and had their bodies brought from all over France.

During the Revolution, all the tombs were emptied and the church was damaged. In 1815, restoration began, and all of the tombs were moved and housed in the current structure. The remains of the kings and queens were assembled in one of the crypts behind two plaques that list their names.
In the crypts can be seen parts of the ancient churches before the current one. The oldest dating from Charlemagne‘s era! Anther one contains many old sarcophagi and the location of Saint Denis the martyr ‘s tomb.

Two hours walk in English organized for expats in Paris.

30€/person + ticket (11€)