The departement of Seine-Saint-Denis, located right on the outskirts of Paris city centre is not traditionally a tourist destination. The area has become very over-developed in recent years with commuter towns and accommodation being built for those working in Paris, with much of the natural scenery that once existed now being hidden away in amongst high rise flats and housing estates. That doesn't mean that there aren't some gems hidden away in this very residential area; you just have to look a bit harder in order to find them!
The town that gives the departement its name is on the very eastern border of the region, close to Paris. It can even be reached on the suburban train routes from the city centre of you want to use public transport. The town itself is a pleasant enough place, with open squares that fill with pavement cafes in the summer and some interesting historic buildings. The main attraction is undoubtedly the St Denis Basilica, the cemetery of many of the French Kings and Queens. Opulently decorated with sculpted tombs, stained glass windows and religious works of art, it can take a good few hours to wander round this large building and take in every detail. If you are visiting in May and June, then the basilica hosts classical music concerts as part of a local musical festival.
The other thing that St Denis is famous for is rugby. The French national stadium, the Stade de France, is located just outside the town. Although it now hosts rugby games regularly, often French international football matches are held here too, and the stadium was opened in 1998 for the World Cup. You can take a tour of the stadium if there are no events on, and the entrance fee includes admission to the museum about its history and some of the famous matches that have been played there.
The small town of Saint Ouen on the southern border of Seine-Saint-Denis is home to a huge antiques fair and flea market; at over seven hectares in size, it is the largest such market in France. Some of the stalls have become semi-permanent shops, while others are more transitory – and all offer the chance to find a bargain. It is open on Mondays and at weekends, and can get very crowded, so make sure you pay close attention to your belongings.
Looking for self catering holiday accommodation in Seine-Saint-Denis? Then below is a selection of gites in Seine-Saint-Denis and villas in Seine-Saint-Denis that can be rented direct from their owners. You can either click on each listing for further details or you can use our search engine on the left if you are looking for something in particular.
