The town of Saint-Denis
History of the city Around the year 250 AD, Denis, the first bishop of Lutetia (the ancient name of Paris), was entrusted with the task of evangelizing the Gallic territories. He died as a martyr around the year 270 during the Roman persecution, along with two companions: the priest Rusticus and the deacon Eleutherius. Legend has it that Denis walked with his head in his hands to the place where he wished to be buried: the Catulliacus cemetery. After the persecution ended, the village changed its name to Saint-Denis, and a church bearing the same name was built on the site of his tomb. Subsequently, the Church of Saint-Denis became the burial place of the monarchs. Queen Aregonde, who died around 575, was the first to be buried there. During the Capetian dynasty, 43 kings, 32 queens, and 10 important figures of the kingdom were laid to rest in the basilica. All the kings of France are interred in the basilica, with the exception of Philip I, Louis VII, Louis XI, Charles X, and Louis-Philippe. In the 7th century, a royal abbey was built to the south of the church by order of King Dagobert I. It housed approximately 150 monks. In 1802, Napoleon I transformed the abbey into an educational institution for the Legion of Honor.
What is there to see in Saint-Denis?
As a historical monument, nothing surpasses the Basilica, which houses the most important funerary sculpture ensemble in Europe. It is a journey through time that transports visitors to the rich past of France. For those who appreciate green spaces, a leisurely stroll in the Legion of Honor Park is highly recommended. It is a serene and peaceful setting. Those visiting during spring will have the opportunity to attend the Tulip Festival. Another attraction is the La Poudrerie Forest Park, a sprawling 137-hectare green space that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Throughout the year, there are activities and entertainment suitable for all ages. While staying in the Seine-Saint-Denis department, a visit to the Saint-Ouen flea market is a must. It is an opportunity to experience the "world's largest flea market," although a day may not be enough to explore the thousands of vendors.
The Ourcq Canal
The Ourcq Canal is a navigable canal located in the Parisian Basin. It stretches from Mareuil-sur-Ourcq to the Bassin de la Villette and was constructed in the 19th century to provide drinking water to Paris. The canal begins at the Ourcq River, which originates in the meadow of Courmont in Aisne and flows into the Marne River at Mary-sur-Marne. With a length of 96.6 km, the Ourcq Canal passes through the departments of Seine-Saint-Denis, Oise, Paris, and Seine-et-Marne, to the northeast of the capital. Initially, the canal was built to transport firewood to Paris via the river. Leonardo da Vinci is said to have made the first attempts at constructing locks on the river, and the actual canalization work began in 1560. Its main purpose was to transport forest products to the capital. The construction of the canal was authorized by a decree on May 19, 1802, and it was opened during the winter of 1804.
Walk, bike, and cruise along the Canal d'Ourcq
Starting from the Bassin de la Villette, allow yourself to embark on a timeless journey along the Ourcq Canal. A day spent navigating the canal will transport you back in time to the era of King Francis I, who began the development of the area. Enjoy a romantic cruise, indulge in gastronomic delights at one of the stopovers, pass through the forests of Sevran, and experience the operation of the canal locks. In the Seine-Saint-Denis department, walking or cycling along the canal is another great way to spend a delightful time. Enjoy the refreshing breeze, embrace the fresh air, and admire breathtaking views along the way.
Le Bourget Airport
Le Bourget Airport is the first civil airport in Paris and also the first airport in France to have a hard runway suitable for all weather conditions. It is located 13 km northeast of Paris, covering an area of 550 hectares. The airport spans across two departments and includes parts of four communes: Le Bourget, Dugny, Bonneuil-en-France, and Gonesse. Le Bourget Airport serves non-scheduled domestic and international commercial flights, private aircraft, instrument flights, and general aviation.
What to see at Le Bourget Airport
Le Bourget Airport is primarily dedicated to business aviation. Operating 24 hours a day, it serves private jets and helicopters. The airport gained fame for welcoming Charles Lindbergh, the first aviator to complete a solo non-stop transatlantic flight. After traveling 5,800 kilometers aboard the Spirit of St. Louis in 33 hours and 30 minutes, Lindbergh landed on French soil on May 21, 1927. Statues honoring aviation pioneers are erected at the airport. Airbus Helicopters, a leading helicopter manufacturer, has a site adjacent to the airport. Additionally, the renowned Air and Space Museum is located nearby, boasting the largest aeronautical museum in France. With a total area of 18,000 square meters, it offers an exceptional collection of authentic aircraft, retracing the history of aviation.
Stay at the F1 Saint Denis Center Basilique hotel
Are you looking for a place to stay in Saint-Denis? Hotel F1 Saint Denis is located an 11-minute walk from Saint-Denis Basilica metro station. He is ready to welcome you. More precisely, it is 2.2 km from Stade de France and 6.5 km from Paris Le Bourget Airport. Minimalist but simply decorated rooms add to the charm of this hotel. Reception is available 24 hours a day. The staff will welcome you warmly and will do their best to satisfy you. A budget hotel that brings you the best of Saint Denis. Monuments, restaurants and attractions are close to the hotel.
An exceptional stay
You will have the privilege of planning a culinary tour that you can do thanks to the 38 restaurants in the area. There are notably Italian restaurants such as Le Rialto, Pizzoti or Dolce Vita. There are also restaurants that make typical Saint Denis dishes such as Chez Rosette at 1.1 km, Mets de Roy at 0.8 km or La 3e Mi-Temps at 1.7 km which are all not far from hotel. Your taste buds will be delighted to discover new flavors.
Discovery and attraction
Discover monuments such as the fresco entitled "Migrants" 1.2 km away, which can be seen on the blind facade of a building. There is the majestic fresco "The Underwater World" 1.7 km away, a wall that runs along the avenue depicting black and white swimmers, a mermaid and aquatic animals. If you want to relax, there are attractions just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. The Stade de France where you can visit behind the scenes. To find out more about Saint Denis, you can also make a detour to the royal necropolis where you will discover the cathedral. The Saint Denis Center Basilique hotel will make you spend a wonderful stay while making you discover what the city has to offer.
Explore the Air and Space Museum
The Air and Space Museum, with its over 100 years of history, has maintained its beauty and authenticity. This indoor exhibition space is one of the largest of its kind and captivates visitors of all ages with its extensive collection of air and space artifacts.
A vast collection at your fingertips
When visiting the capital of France, a visit to the Air and Space Museum is a must. With a collection of over 600,000 objects, it presents and narrates the history of various advancements in the field of aviation, leaving enthusiasts amazed. On average, visitors spend around 2.5 hours exploring the different collections housed within the museum's 25,000 m² exhibition space. Immerse yourself in the history of aviation not only in France but also from around the world. Make use of our private shuttle service to enhance your experience.
Visiting the Air and Space Museum
Please note that the Air and Space Museum is open throughout the year, except on Mondays, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. From October to March, the museum opens from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and from April to September, it operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission rates vary depending on the visitor's age. Children under 4 years old can enter free of charge, while those aged 4 to 18 pay 6 euros and individuals aged 19 to 25 pay 8 euros. Visitors aged 26 and above are required to pay 16 euros for access to the collection.
How to get from Saint-Denis to Charles de Gaulle Airport by a private chauffeured car ?
From Saint-Denis to CDG airport, the route takes 39 minutes with a distance of 21.8 km. The journey begins by taking the Strasbourg road to the roundabout. From there, you turn towards the Rue du Général Joinville and continue to La Courneuve. It is an opportunity to see the Plaine de France city and its buildings in Art Deco style. By taking the Armistice place then continuing straight on Avenue Jean Mermoz, then Rue Anizan-Cavillon, you arrive at Le Bourget, an important center of French aviation. It is then necessary to take Avenue de la Division Leclerc then the Route de Flandre before joining Avenue Nungesser and Coli to reach Roissy-en-France. 2.9 km from the city exit is Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport.
