La Basilique Saint-Denis

An easy metro ride from the heart of Paris, Basilique Saint-Denis is one of the most important churches in and around the city. For anyone who likes history or has an appreciation for French royalty, this is your place. Its crypt houses some infamous French nobility. But be warned, this is not an area where you should linger at night.

This gorgeous basilica is Notre Dame-worthy but hardly touristed and primarily serves the local community. Church services draw high attendance.

Just north of Paris, the Basilica of Saint-Denis is a former abbey and the original burial ground of the French monarchy. The church is the first major example of Gothic architecture

The Basilica is located in the village of St Denis, reachable by Paris metro because of the university there. The church is considered the birthplace of Gothic architecture. We did a tour with Context Travel which was very educational about architecture and French history.

Even among the many impressive churches in Paris, the Basilica of Saint Denis still stands out. The high ceilings and curved Gothic interior convey religious and medieval majesty. I came here towards the tail end of my stay in Paris when I was "churched" out after viewing so many religious cathedrals. Nevertheless, Saint Denis amazed me with its grandeur and history.