Rendez-vous in Saint-Denis

From the history of France to the history of sport

Located northeast of Paris, Saint-Denis has been fundamental to the Ile-de-France region since the Middle Ages - so much so that people at that time referred to today's capital as "Paris près de Saint-Denis," or Paris nearby Saint-Denis.

Since medieval times, the city has been known (and renowned!) for its Lendit Fair. Another remnant of that era : the magnificent Basilica Cathedral, intimately tied to France's history, as is the whole of Saint-Denis itself.

The Stade de France is a more recent construction that has given the city a dynamic vibe, an energy reinforced with the impact of the 1998 World Cup. From its home in the Plaine Saint-Denis district, the stadium not only hosts numerous sporting events but also concerts and other performances.

The city of Saint-Denis is also vibrant with an abundance of festivals, creation spaces and entertainment... All yours to discover!

Do not miss

• The Basilica Cathedral is the first monumental masterpiece of Gothic art, with its royal necropolis and unique collection of over 70 sculpted recumbent statues, all bathed in the light of its splendid 12th and 19th-century stained glass windows ;
• The Maison d’Education de la Légion d’honneur is located in the old abbey, which has been converted into a Legion of Honour boarding school for young girls ;
• The Stade de France®, a leading venue for sport and performance, can be toured and welcomes up to 80 000 spectators per event ;
• The Museum of Art and History, housed in the old Carmelite convent, has rich collections on the city's history, and Paris... ;
• La Cité du cinéma, or Cinema City, is a new film multiplex located in an old thermal power station.  The project, which boasts nine independent film studios, was the brainchild of director Luc Besson ;
• La Fabrique de la Ville, highlights Saint-Denis' history in an unusual way : via an archaeological excavation site and the skeleton of an old house ;
• The downtown market and its covered halls are a reflection of the city's image : diverse and incredibly rich with culture… Explore the world without moving !
• The Saint-Denis Canal, open for navigation since 1821, has played an important role in the development of the city and Paris. Many remnants of the industrial activity around the river can still be seen today ;
• The historical circuit, which has 20 explanation terminals, is a great way to discover the city's history and evolution ;
• Le 6B, a 7 000 m² venue for artistic creation and dissemination, welcomes 161 resident members who pursue their trade, their art... 

Events

• The Tulip Festival : street and circus arts, theatre, storytelling, music, dance, games and entertainment for kids of all ages (April)
• Métis Festival : artists from different continents create unique musical encounters, with concerts throughout the inter-communality's nine cities (May-June)
• Saint-Denis Festivals : classical, symphonic and choral concerts in the Basilica (June)
• La Fête de Saint-Denis : games, shows, and international cuisine (October)
• Hip-Hop and Urban Cultures Festival : shining the spotlight on all facets of urban culture, like rap, slam, graff’… (October-November)

Getting there

• By plane : two international airports service Paris: Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle and Orly
• By train : there are six major SNCF train stations in Paris: gare du Nord, gare de l'Est, gare Saint-Lazare, gare Montparnasse, gare de Lyon, gare d'Austerlitz
• By car : the A1 motorway connects Paris to Lille and Brussels, via Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport ; the A86 motorway runs from Bobigny to Nanterre, and passes by the Stade de France®.  Route nationale 1 is a trunk road that connects Paris to Beauvais via Saint-Denis and Pierrefitte, and nationale 2 goes from Paris to Senlis, passing through Aubervilliers and La Courneuve
• Public transportation from Paris : Subway line 13 to Basilique de Saint-Denis ; RER D to Gare de Saint-Denis ; tramway 1 to Basilique de Saint-Denis.

Contact

OFFICE DE TOURISME DE PLAINE COMMUNE GRAND PARIS
1 rue de la République
93200 Saint-Denis
Tél : +33 (0)1 55 870 870
Mail : infos@plainecommunetourisme.com