(c)Michel Derouault

France has many historical sites but one is particularly significant because it has been a huge part of history: Saint Denis Basilica. The first historical figures buried on site were St Denis, first archbishop of Paris and king Dagobert. Afterwards the basilica became the royal necropolis for many famous kings and queens including Louis XIV and Henry IV. During the Revolution tombs were opened and remains dispersed. It’s only in the middle of the following century that Viollet le Duc, already famous for his work on Notre-Dame, started renovating the basilica. Remaining statues and bones and monuments left untouched during the Revolution were brought back in St Denis. In 2004, the heart of the young Louis XVII was encased in the wall of the sepulture.

I remember being very impressed as a child when I visited the basilica with my class. St Denis is not usually considered as a place of interest except for people passionate about sports but the trip is definitely worth it.

The place is open from April to September from 10 am to 6:15 pm (12 am – 6:15 pm on Sundays) and from 10 am to 5:15pm from October to Mars.

If you’re not staying at St Denis Suitehotel you can access the basilica from lign 13, St Denis Basilica Stop.