Accessibility at the Basilique de Saint-Denis

What the building requires

This is a church begun in the 12th century, not a facility designed for circulation. The floor is made of stone, sometimes uneven; the choir and transept are connected by changes in level; the crypt, which houses the ossuary, is accessed by steps. The nave, however, is flat and wide, and can be crossed freely. The route in order is described on what to see, in order.

Free admission and what to present

People with disabilities and their companions enter the royal necropolis free of charge. As with all free admissions to the monument, proof is required: bring the card itself, not a photo on your phone. Other categories eligible for free admission—under 18s, 18-25 year-olds from the European Union, job seekers, Education Pass holders—are listed on what is free.

Getting here

The Basilique de Saint-Denis metro station, on line 13, is about a hundred metres from the square: it’s a short, flat walk. Be careful with the line 13 fork: take the Saint-Denis–Université branch, not Asnières–Gennevilliers. Another option is the RER D to Saint-Denis, then the tramway T1, five minutes away. All routes are available on the access page.

What helps on site

There is no cloakroom, so no place to leave a bulky bag: travel light. A quiet time slot makes a big difference, as the transept is narrow between the tombs: aim for opening times on weekdays. The included guided tour in French lasts about 1 hour 30, with fairly long stops. See the best time to visit and guided tours.

Frequently asked questions