A Fabulous 4 Day Adventure: Saint-Denis, France!
Discover the charm of Saint-Denis, France, where family adventures await!
19 July 2023
Raymonde Gagnon
France Travel Writer
Saint-Denis, located just north of Paris, offers a perfect family friendly trip with its rich history and diverse attractions. Begin with a visit to the magnificent Basilique Saint-Denis, where the French kings were buried, and explore the medieval crypts and stunning stained-glass windows. Immerse yourselves in culture at the Saint-Denis Museum of Art and History, which showcases fascinating collections from ancient times to modern art, before enjoying a leisurely picnic in the Parc de la Légion d'Honneur.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information

- Check-in at Hotel du Nord, a charming family-friendly hotel with cozy rooms and a delightful breakfast.
- Start your adventure at the stunning Basilique Saint-Denis, where kings and queens slumber in ornate tombs.
- Grab a baguette and stroll through Parc de la Legion d'Honneur, a serene green oasis perfect for a picnic.
- Marvel at the contemporary art exhibitions in the historic Musée d'Art et d'Histoire, combining past and present in a quirky way.
- Indulge in a mouthwatering dinner of traditional French cuisine at Le Zing de la Géhenne, where flavors dance on your palate.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Marché de la Réunion, a bustling market brimming with exotic fruits and aromatic spices.
- Transport yourself back in time with a visit to the Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'Honneur, a beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion.
- Take a leisurely boat ride on Canal Saint-Denis, admiring the picturesque scenery and quaint bridges.
- Delight your taste buds with innovative dishes at the funky Café Mélacahouche, where food is an art form.
- Relax at the Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, where your kids can frolic in playgrounds while you sip coffee and people-watch.
- Venture to the heart of history at the Archéa, a captivating museum showcasing the region's ancient past in a modern way.
- Explore the Cite-jardins de Stains, an enchanting neighborhood designed to provide affordable housing amidst lush greenery.
- Snap Instagram-worthy photos at the stunning Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, full of blooming flowers and statuesque sculptures.
- Experience authentic Moroccan flavors at Le Riad, a cozy restaurant that will transport your taste buds to Marrakech.
- Catch an amazing performance at the Théâtre Gérard-Philipe, where local talent will leave you spellbound.
- Embark on a cultural adventure at the Mémorial de la Déportation Juive, a moving tribute to Jewish victims of the Holocaust.
- Visit Basílica de Saint-Denis, a dazzling gothic masterpiece where stained glass windows illuminate stories of the past.
- Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Chez Louisette, a charming restaurant serving delicious French comfort food under the twinkling lights of their cabaret.
- Unleash your inner artist at La Géode, a spherical cinema that will transport you into a mesmerizing world of 3D entertainment.
- Savor the last night in Saint-Denis with dinner at L'Auberge de Saint-Denis, a rustic eatery serving authentic regional dishes.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The most convenient way to get to Saint-Denis, France by plane is to fly into Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris and then take either the RER B train or the bus to the city center.
Car
Driving to Saint-Denis is relatively easy, although traffic can be heavy around Paris. The city is well-connected to major highways and has numerous parking garages in the city center.
Train
The easiest way to reach Saint-Denis by train is to take the RER D line, which stops at Saint-Denis train station. From there, it's a short walk or bus ride to the city center.
Boat
There are no direct boat services to Saint-Denis as it is an inland city. However, it is possible to take a boat tour along the nearby Seine River, which offers a scenic view of the city from the water.
Bus
There are a number of bus services that run to Saint-Denis from Paris and other nearby cities. Eurolines and Flixbus are two popular options.