cathedral
Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur)
Romano-Byzantine basilica crowning the summit of Montmartre, offering sweeping panoramic views across Paris.
5 km · about 10 min drive
EuropeFranceÎle-de-France
Saint-Denis
Île-de-France, France · Europe
About Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis works well as a base: 5km from Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur).
Saint-Denis is in Île-de-France, France, with about 96,000 people. You drive on the right here.
Saint-Denis (, French: [sɛ̃d(ə)ni] ) is a commune in the northern suburbs of Paris, France. It is located 9.4 kilometres (5+7⁄8 miles) from the centre of Paris. Saint-Denis is the most populated suburb of Paris, with a population of 149,077 as of 2023 (geography as of 2025). It is a subprefecture (French:Read more
sous-préfecture) of the department of Seine-Saint-Denis, being the seat of the arrondissement of Saint-Denis. It is also part of the Métropole du Grand Paris.
The commune borders the 18th arrondissement of Paris to the south, roughly along the stretch between Porte des Poissonniers and Porte de la Chapelle, continuing to the Porte d'Aubervilliers.
Saint-Denis is home to the royal necropolis of the Basilica of Saint-Denis and was also the location of the associated abbey.
The commune is also home to France's national association and rugby football stadium, Stade de France, which was built for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. The stadium also hosted the rugby and athletics events, along with the closing ceremony, for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The athletics events & closing ceremony for the 2024 Summer Paralympics were also held at the stadium.
Saint-Denis is a formerly industrial suburb currently changing its economic base. It has been the second most populated commune in Île-de-France after Paris since 1 January 2025, following the absorption of Pierrefitte-sur-Seine to its north, as passed by both municipal councils on 30 May 2024.
Where to Stay in Saint-Denis
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Saint-Denis?
Within an hour or so of Saint-Denis: Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur) (5 km), Moulin Rouge (6 km), Palais Garnier (7 km), Musée de l'Orangerie (8 km).
Are there any good drives near Saint-Denis?
The nearest famous roads are Rouen-Les-Essarts.
Where is Saint-Denis?
Saint-Denis is in Île-de-France, France.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 96,128
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- France
- Region
- Île-de-France
- Timezone
- Europe/Paris
- Coordinates
- 48.9356, 2.3539
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in France
Carrying a warning triangle and hi-vis vest in your vehicle is mandatory. Motorway emergency phones connect to official breakdown services only.
Full driving guide for FranceTags
Worth the detour from Saint-Denis
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
landmark
Moulin Rouge
Legendary Parisian cabaret with its iconic red windmill, birthplace of the modern can-can dance since 1889.
6 km · about 10 min drive
landmark
Palais Garnier
Lavish 19th-century opera house in Paris with its ornate facade, grand staircase, and Chagall-painted ceiling.
7 km · about 15 min drive
museum
Musée de l'Orangerie
A jewel of a museum in the Tuileries housing Monet's monumental Water Lilies murals in two purpose-built oval rooms.
8 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
Louvre Pyramid
Striking glass and metal pyramid serving as the main entrance to the Louvre Museum, the world's largest art museum.
8 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
Place de la Concorde
Largest public square in Paris at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées, anchored by a 3,300-year-old Egyptian obelisk.
8 km · about 15 min drive
landmark
DS World Paris
The striking automotive showroom and brand experience on the Champs-Élysées showcasing French automotive design and innovation.
8 km · about 15 min drive
cafe
Atelier Renault
Renault's flagship lifestyle space on the Champs-Élysées combining concept cars, a boutique, and a stylish cafe-restaurant.
8 km · about 15 min drive
Driving in France
- Drives on
- the right
- Petrol
- ~€1.85/litre
- Motorway tolls
- ~€10.00/100km
When to drive here
April to October
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