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There are an array of things to do in France, with Saint-Denis sharing quite a few of those!
Welcome to the beating heart of Réunion Island, where the rhythm of culture meets the pulse of adventure.
Saint-Denis, the vibrant capital city, offers a symphony of sights, sounds and sensations that will awaken your senses and leave you breathless.
From wandering through ornate gardens to hiking through rugged mountains, there’s a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be uncovered in this enchanting corner of the world.
Let’s explore the many wonders of Saint-Denis together.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Saint-Denis:
1. Basilique de Saint-Denis
The Basilique de Saint-Denis is a historic church in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It is famous for being the final resting place of many French monarchs.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the exquisite Gothic architecture and intricate stained glass windows of the church. The royal tombs, including those of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, can also be viewed.
Don’t miss: Be sure to see the 12th-century crypt, which contains the tomb of the church’s namesake, St. Denis.
The crypt is known for its unique architecture, with ribbed vaults and columns that resemble palm trees.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit. It is also recommended to take a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the church.
2. Stade de France
Stade de France is a stadium located in the northern Parisian suburb of Saint-Denis. It is the largest stadium in France with a seating capacity of over 80,000.
What to see or do: The stadium hosts a variety of events including football matches, rugby games, and concerts. It is also the national stadium of the French football and rugby teams.
Visitors can take guided tours of the venue, which includes access to the locker rooms and VIP areas.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to attend a thrilling football or rugby match at the stadium. The atmosphere is electric and the passion of the fans is contagious.
Insider travel tips: Book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during popular matches or events. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on taking the stadium tour as it involves a fair amount of walking.
And don’t forget to try the famous French hot dog, “merguez” sold at the stadium kiosks.
3. Musee d’Art et d’Histoire
A historical and art museum located in the city of Saint-Denis, France.
What to see or do: The museum has a diverse collection of art and historical artifacts, including prehistoric objects, medieval art, and contemporary sculptures. Visitors can explore the different rooms and exhibitions, and learn about the history and culture of the city of Saint-Denis.
Don’t miss: The Gothic choir screen from the 13th century is a highlight of the museum’s collection, as well as the Romanesque capital from the 12th century.
Visitors can also see the tomb of King Dagobert I, who was buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis.
Insider travel tips: It is recommended to check the museum’s opening hours before visiting, as they may vary depending on the season. Visitors should also consider taking a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the museum’s collection.
4. Parc de la Legion d’Honneur
Parc de la Legion d’Honneur is a beautifully landscaped park in the city of Saint-Denis, just north of Paris.
What to see or do: The park boasts stunning gardens, including a rose garden with over 4,000 rose bushes, and a French-style garden with fountains and serene pools.
Visitors can also take a leisurely walk around the park’s lake, or explore its many winding paths and hidden nooks.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the park’s impressive art collection, which includes over 800 works by famous artists such as David and Delacroix.
The park’s Musée d’Art et d’Histoire also houses exhibitions on the history of the Legion of Honor, as well as temporary art exhibits.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the park early in the day to avoid crowds.
5. Parc des Sports Michel-Hidalgo
Parc des Sports Michel-Hidalgo is a multi-use stadium located in the city of Saint-Denis, France.
What to see or do: The stadium is primarily used for football and rugby matches, but it has also hosted concerts and other sporting events. It can accommodate up to 20,000 spectators.
Don’t miss: If you’re a sports fan, don’t miss the chance to catch a football or rugby match at the stadium, which serves as the home ground for Red Star FC, a football club based in Saint-Ouen.
Insider travel tips: The stadium is accessible by public transport, with several bus and metro lines connecting it to different parts of the city.
If you’re attending a match, arrive early to avoid the crowds and find the best seats. Also, be sure to check the schedule ahead of time to see what events are taking place during your visit.
6. Parc de la Courneuve
Parc de la Courneuve is a sprawling park in the northern suburbs of Paris, specifically in Saint-Denis. It covers more than 400 hectares of green space.
What to see or do: The park features a diverse range of activities for visitors – from walking and cycling to birdwatching and horse riding. There are also a number of picnic areas and playgrounds throughout.
There’s even a mini-farm with chickens and goats for children to interact with.
Don’t miss: One of the biggest attractions in the park is the Grande Halle de la Villette, a former abattoir that has been converted into an exhibition and performance space.
The hall hosts concerts, shows, and events throughout the year, so be sure to check the schedule.
Insider travel tips: If you want to see the park at a more leisurely pace, consider renting a pedalo or canoe and exploring the waterways that run through it.
Also, be sure to bring insect repellent during the summer months as the park’s wetlands can attract mosquitoes.
7. Hippodrome Paris Enghien
Hippodrome Paris Enghien is a horse racing track located in Saint-Denis, France.
What to see or do: Watch live horse races and place your bets at the track. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the track and the thrill of watching horses race to the finish line.
Don’t miss: The Prix de Washington race, which takes place in late July and attracts some of the top trotters in the world.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the races. Consider purchasing a program to learn more about the horses and jockeys.
Dress comfortably and bring sunscreen for sunny days.
8. Cinema L’Ecran
Cinema L’Ecran is a popular arthouse cinema located in Saint-Denis, a vibrant suburb in the north of Paris.
What to see or do: You can catch a wide variety of films at Cinema L’Ecran, from classic French cinema to international releases. The cinema also hosts regular events, such as Q&A sessions with filmmakers and themed film festivals.
Don’t miss: The cinema is housed in a historic building that was once a theater and has a beautiful facade that’s definitely worth admiring.
Also, make sure to try some of the delicious snacks and drinks available at the cinema’s bar.
Insider travel tips: Cinema L’Ecran is situated in the heart of Saint-Denis, which is known for its diverse communities and lively atmosphere. Make sure to explore the area before or after your film screening to get a taste of local life.
Also, keep in mind that the cinema is within walking distance of the famous Basilica of Saint-Denis, which is the burial site of many French kings and queens.
9. Theatre Gerard-Philipe
The Theatre Gerard-Philipe is a prominent cultural institute located in Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Paris.
What to see or do: The theatre hosts a variety of plays, concerts, dance performances, and other cultural events throughout the year.
On any given night, you might be able to catch a Shakespeare play, a contemporary dance piece, or a local band performing.
Don’t miss: Be sure to take in the stunning architecture of the theatre itself, which features a bold, modern design with sharp angles and striking lines.
The auditorium is also renowned for its excellent acoustics and comfortable seating.
Insider travel tips: If you’re attending a performance at the theatre, keep in mind that the surrounding neighborhood can be busy and a bit lively at night.
Make sure to take a taxi or public transportation to and from the venue to avoid any issues with parking or traffic.
Additionally, be sure to book your tickets well in advance if you’re interested in seeing a particular show, as the most popular performances tend to sell out quickly.
10. Street art tour
A guided tour that showcases the vibrant street art scene of Saint-Denis, a multicultural suburb of Paris.
What to see or do: Experience the city’s bold and creative street art, along with its rich cultural diversity and history.
Follow your knowledgeable guide as they take you through the colorful streets, pointing out the different pieces of art and sharing stories behind them.
Get up close to the artworks, learn about the artists who created them, and snap some Instagram-worthy shots.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the iconic mural of African-American actor and civil rights activist Paul Robeson, painted by the artist Kouka Ntadi in 2019.
Marvel at the vibrant colors of the stunning wall art that adorns the buildings and facades of the streets as you discover the local personalities and their commitment to social causes.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves a lot of walking. Bring cash as some of the best artworks are hidden away in backstreets that may not have card facilities.
The best time to visit is during the weekdays when the hustle and bustle of the city is not too crowded.
And, ask your guide for a street art map of Saint-Denis, so you can explore on your own.
11. Les Puces de Saint-Ouen
Les Puces de Saint-Ouen is a sprawling flea market located in the northern suburbs of Paris, in the commune of Saint-Ouen.
What to see or do: There are countless stores spread across several acres offering all sorts of vintage and antique finds, including furniture, books, clothing, jewelry, and art.
You can easily spend hours wandering the narrow alleys of the market, browsing through the various collections and haggling with vendors.
Don’t miss: Marché Dauphine is a highlight, offering a wide selection of high-end antiques and vintage clothing. The Marché Paul Bert is another popular area, featuring trendy vintage and retro items, as well as rare collectibles.
Insider travel tips: – Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and snag the best deals.
12. Marques Avenue L’Ile Saint-Denis
Outlet shopping center located in L’Ile Saint-Denis, a suburb of Paris.
What to see or do: Shop for designer clothing, shoes, and accessories at discounted prices. The center features over 100 stores, including high-end brands such as Calvin Klein, The North Face, Lacoste, and Armani.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the seasonal sales for even deeper discounts on already reduced prices.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early to beat the crowds and allow plenty of time to browse all the stores. Consider bringing a backpack or tote bag to carry your purchases as some stores may run out of shopping bags.
13. La Ruche
A cultural and artistic hub located in the heart of Saint-Denis, La Ruche is a vibrant center for theater, dance, music, and visual arts.
What to see or do: Catch a live performance or exhibit at one of the various theaters and galleries located within La Ruche. There are also frequent workshops and classes held for those interested in honing their artistic skills.
Don’t miss: The outdoor courtyard, where visitors can relax and enjoy coffee from the on-site café while taking in the colorful murals and sculptures.
Insider travel tips: Check out the schedule in advance and book tickets for a show or event, as La Ruche offers a diverse and often highly popular line-up.
Be sure to also explore the surrounding streets of Saint-Denis, a culturally rich and diverse neighborhood with plenty of street art and local cafés to discover.
14. Le Marche de Saint-Denis
A vibrant street market in the heart of Saint-Denis, a suburb just north of Paris.
What to see or do: Wander through the rows of colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce and seafood to fabrics and souvenirs. Take in the lively atmosphere, with vendors calling out their wares and locals haggling for the best deals.
Don’t miss: The food stands offering a wide range of international cuisine, including crepes, falafels, and West African specialties. Be sure to try the freshly made churros and savor a taste of Parisian indulgence.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best selection of products. Don’t be afraid to bargain with the vendors, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
Bring cash as many vendors do not accept credit cards.
15. Canal Saint-Denis
The Canal Saint-Denis is a 6 km long canal that runs from the Bassin de la Villette in Paris to the Seine-Saint-Denis department.
What to see or do: Take a walk or bike ride along the canal to enjoy the wonderful views. You’ll see everything from green parks to industrial buildings.
You can also take a cruise down the canal to see more of the area.
Don’t miss: The Parc de la Villette, which is one of the largest parks in Paris, is located at the beginning of the canal.
The park hosts a variety of cultural and artistic events throughout the year and is definitely worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: If you’re looking for a quieter and more peaceful experience, visit the canal on a weekday. On weekends, the area can get quite crowded.
Also, make sure to try some of the delicious food at the restaurants and cafes located along the canal.