Saint Denis Cathedral and market: Paris Day Trip

Mar 9, 2016

Basilique Saint Denis is as impressive as Notre Dame but without the crowds. Photo: Ninara

If you’re a fan of the Cathedral Notre Dame, but not so much of the crowds surrounding it at all hours, consider a trip out to Saint Denis. With many famous cathedrals and chapels in Paris, the Saint Denis Basilique is often overlooked by tourists.

But this large, awe-inspiring cathedral, with flying buttresses and gargoyles galore, could be said to rival Notre Dame in size and aesthetics. Finished in 1144, it’s also considered to be the first Gothic church ever built. With that, plus the fact that there is never a tourist crowd to contend with, this cathedral is more than worth the trip out of Paris.

The church itself is free to visit at all times, but there is a €8.50 entrance fee to the crypt, which houses the final resting places of several French kings.

Market

Also located near the cathedral is a bustling market, le Marché de Saint Denis. Since the city of Saint Denis itself is a blend of French, African, Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, this market has a wonderful multicultural feel, with a variety of food and fabrics for sale from all over the world.

The market is open three days a week, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. It’s also quite inexpensive, a delightful contrast to the steep prices seen at many open air markets in Paris.