Top 10 Things to do Around the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Top 10 Things to do Around the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

During your visit to Paris, there usually are few reasons that would require one to ever venture outside of the “city walls”.

Greater Paris is not comparable to any other suburban life, and offers far less in terms of entertainment compared to the city center. One landmark, however, sees hundreds of visitors catching the lengthy metro to Saint-Denis each day, and that is the old basilica.

Saint-Denis Basilica – by Pierre Poschadel – Wikimedia Commons

The Basilica of Saint-Denis dates back to the 12th century. Its gothic facades attracts architecture lovers from far and wide, and the monument is known for housing a total of 70 reclining statues.

If you’re venturing this far out of the Parisian center, then you might as well fill your day with a few more activities. Here are 10 great things to do when you get there:

1. Eat Caribbean at Paradis Des Antilles near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Paradis de Antilles has become somewhat of a local celebrity amongst the Saint-Denis district.

This is one of few places in Paris where you can sample authentic Caribbean food, made with love that is tangible in the quality and flavor. Paradis des Antilles also go to the trouble of preparing fresh papaya juice daily, just as they do on the islands of the Caribbean.

Caribbean food – by Mulling it Over – Wikimedia Commons

For more great restaurants near the Saint-Denis Basilica, click here!

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Tuesday TO Sunday — 1pm to 8:15pm

ADDRESS: 62 Rue Gabriel Péri, 93200 Saint-Denis, France

Metro STATION: Basilique de Saint-Denis

2. Roam the Glorious Parc de la Légion d’Honneur near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

The entrance to this park is right across from the Saint-Denis Basilica. It’s a massive green space that actually makes up the majority of the Saint-Denis district itself.

Inside you’ll find a variety of terrain and places to explore, most of it covered in vibrant tulip life that feels more Dutch than French. There is a tiny lake in the southernmost end of the park, which is a fun thing to try to find. The park also boasts beautiful biking paths that are ideal for skating, too.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Monday TO Sunday — 7am to 9pm

ADDRESS: 93200 Saint-Denis, France

Metro STATION: Basilique de Saint-Denis

3.  Catch the Tram to the Cimetière de Saint-Denis near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Saint-Denis is one Parisian neighborhood serviced by the city trams. A short ride from the basilica will take you directly to the Saint-Denis Cemetery; a small, but beautiful and serene burial ground for Saint-Denis locals.

In the spring and summer the graves are usually bright with colorful flowers.

Saint-Denis Cemetery – by Chabe01 – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: MONDAY TO Sunday — 24 Hours

ADDRESS: 93200 Saint-Denis, France

Metro STATION: Basilique de Saint-Denis

4. Shop at the Marché de Saint-Denis near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Twice a week, the locals in Saint-Denis flock to the Saint-Denis Market that takes place every Friday and Tuesday.

It’s a glorious and festive space where fresh produce is the name of the game. Come for fruits, veggies, fish and cheeses all brought in from surrounding regions in France.

Saint-Denis Market – by Chris93 – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Friday and Tuesday — 8am to 2pm

ADDRESS: Place Jean Jaurès, 93200 Saint-Denis, France

Metro STATION: Basilique de Saint-Denis

5. Visit the Musée d’art et d’histoire near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

This is a much quieter, less chaotic history of art museum compared to others like it in the center of Paris. It’s built on beautiful manicured grounds and makes for a great addition to a day dedicated to Parisian culture & architecture.

Note: It is imperative to call ahead and confirm their opening hours for the specific day in question. Many people show up unannounced only to find the museum is not open.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Wednesday to Monday — Various Times

ADDRESS: 22 bis Rue Gabriel Péri, 93200 Saint-Denis, France

Metro STATION: Basilique de Saint-Denis

6. Ride the Tram to Saint-Denis – Porte de Paris near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Another short tram ride from the basilica will bring you into the southern end of Saint-Denis. Get off at the Saint-Denis – Porte de Paris stop, and begin strolling the neighborhood that surrounds it.

This part of the district is known for stone houses and pleasant, village-like appeal that makes one feel like they’ve gone a lot deeper into the French countryside than they actually have.

7. Have a Few Drinks at Au Pavillon near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Saint-Denis doesn’t have a plethora of places in which to go drinking, but Au Pavillion is the local watering hole and always has a cold beer or French wine to offer.

Since the spot opens at 8am, daily, you can count on there always being somewhere to retreat no matter what the weather is doing in Saint-Denis.

Au Pavillon – by Au Pavillon – Uploaded by them

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Monday TO Sunday — 8am to 12am

ADDRESS: 54 Rue Gabriel Péri, 93200 Saint-Denis, France

Metro STATION: Basilique de Saint-Denis

8. Walk Along the Seine near the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

Yes, strolling along the Seine is something one can do near just about every major cultural monument in all of Paris, but if you’re looking to kill some time in Saint-Denis then you might as well do it here too!

The great thing about the picturesque Seine walk is that the Gare de Saint-Denis train station sits on the Left Bank and can take you anywhere you need to get to thereafter.

Seine – by Dietmar Rabich – Wikimedia Commons

9. Visit the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris

If for some reason you’re in Saint-Denis for reasons other than a visit to the basilica, I must encourage that you make time for a visit inside of the church while you have the chance!

This might not be the most impressive basilica in all of Paris, but there is something wholesome that comes from the intimate size of the church interior. The 12th century stained glass that lines the ceilings is another surreal thing to marvel at for an hour or two. 

10. Ride the Metro from the Saint-Denis Basilica Back into Paris…

… because that’s where all the real magic is.

The minute you run out of things to do in Saint-Denis (and it will happen — it’s a small neighborhood), jump onto that metro and make your way back to the vibrant, charming city center that awaits.

Paris – by Léonard Cotte – Unsplash