St-Denis Basilica, Paris

I went to the basilica on my second or third trip to Paris. Unfortunately for me, I got there soon after the royal tombs had closed for the day. If you're interested in French history, I'd say go for it. A regular metro ticket will get you there; there are no "zones" on the metro itself. I don't remember how long it took to get there, it must have been a half hour or so.

We visited the basillica in May and found it to be worthwhile. The metro ride is 30 minutes or so and the stop is very near the basillica. It was interesting to walk the pedestrian street nearby as it allows you to see a gritty side of Paris. No trees lining the streets and cute sidewalk bistros in that area. When we were there there was an excellent photography exhibit in the crypt.

After numerous trips to Paris I finally went to St Denis,, and now that I have been I can't believe more people don't make it a priority. Its amazing,, I loved the fact there were NO crowds( and I was there in July).. you can wander around and its peaceful and so atmoshperic,,, Do get there early enough to enjoy visiting the crypts underneath( entry inside),, a bit macabre in parts( yes they have Louis16th,,or was he 17th?) little heart on display,, but oh the history there
You use a regular metro ticket.

In case this might be a consideration when considering a visit to St. Denis, most of the tombs are empty; the remains were exhumed and buried in a mass grave during the French Revolution. This is also true for the four burials at Fontevraud Abbey.

Marie Antionette remains are buried there however.

Thanks to all of you...that settles it! Seems as if that should be a starting point for anyone interested in the history of Paris.

Hope you have a great Paris visit. I agree that there were no crowds at St Denis. Have you toured the Victor Hugo home? We enjoyed that as well as the home of the guy who owned the old Samartaine and it was free to tour it. Also on the last trip we discovered the cookware shop (DeHillerin) where Julia Child shopped for pots and utensils-very fun place to look around.

Saint Denis is a northern suburb of Paris and as such is populated with largely working class French. I've stayed at the F1 Hotel there three times over the past five years and have had no problems. The basilica is a great stop and is really off the beaten path for its history. My last time there in 2009 the tombs were open. I believe the entrance charge was about 10 euros.

Has anyone taken the bus instead of the metro to St. Denis? If so, do you remember what buses go there? Thanks.