The area of Saint Denis is not really on the tourist trail. It is a northern suburb of Paris, easily accessible on the Metro, and the draw for me was a visit to the rather amazing Basilique de Saint Denis, an incredible gothic cathedral which serves as the Royal Necropolis for France. Fascinating stuff. I meant to do this post way back in 2013, but well I didn't, and so I've forgotten some details.
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| A side view |
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| Poor old Saint Denis always without his head |
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| The front was undergoing restoration when I visited in 2013 |
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| Joan is never far away at any French church as there is usually a statue of her, but Joan actually visited here for a blessing in 1429. Incredible. |
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| Extraordinary robes and crowns used in anniversary services for the death of Marie-Antoinette |
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| I always love a rose window |
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| François 1er and Claude de France |
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| Tomb of Louis XII and Anne de Bretagne |
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| Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette |
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| Their feet were most often resting on animals, often lions, sometimes dogs or other animals. |
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| Henry II and Catherine de Médicis |
The crypt was amazing. I still remember how cool and eerie it was on this rather hot Paris summer afternoon.
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| The tomb of Saint Denis |
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| Poor old Saint Denis again. I think they could have left out the spurting and dripping. |
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| The heart of Louis XVII (son of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette) |
I read the marvellous Paris to the Past (see my review) as preparation for my visit to the basilica and I certainly appreciated it all the more because of it.
I spent a fabulous few hours in Saint Denis Basilica, the admission of 7,50 € is definitely a bargain. As ever I would suggest you get the audio tour if you're lucky enough to visit.
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now hosted by WestMetroMommy
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My kind of place!! you should post it at Sally and Beth host inSPIREd Sunday!
ReplyDeleteA very nice piece, Louise, reminding us of the beauty, not the carnage.
ReplyDeleteWhen I see photos like this, I remember that we in America have nothing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Louise. I love how you show us off-the-beaten-track images of Paris. I have the Paris in the Past book which I'm saving for our next visit.....one day...*sigh*
ReplyDeleteI've always had a thing for Joan ever since studying her at school - what a woman!
What a wonderful place to visit. I'm a bit squeamish about the heart in the jar!
ReplyDeleteMemories like this are worth sharing. Thanks - especially given recent events. I've not done this little excursion, and as you say - for the ride on the metro and the entrance fee it seems like such a great learning opportunity. Must do one day :)
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame this place isn't visited more or even more well known, but I'm as guilty as anyone; I lived in Paris for 10 years and never went! Thank you for sharing your visit, next time I'm in Paris I'm going to make an effort to get there. Thanks for linking to #AllAboutFrance
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous church and with so much history attached to it - some quite gruesome by you account. Popping by very late from #AllABboutFrance
ReplyDeleteLove your account of the visit, and your photos are wonderful - I like the plaque commemorating the fact that Joan of Arc received a blessing here, and the rose window s incredible. But Louis VII's heart is a bit gruesome!
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