Private St. Denis Basilica Tour
Our private St. Denis Basilica tours take you to a site located just 12 kilometers north of Paris. They are fascinating not because of the spectacular architectural accomplishments embodied in its structure, although the three essential elements of Gothic architecture appeared here for the first time in 1144: the ensemble of pointed arches, flying buttresses and cross-ribbed vaulting. It is more renowned because of its role in the myth of St. Denis and as a resting place for most of the kings and queens of France. As a symbol of the human drama and strife in the evolution of Christianity and political power in France, St. Denis Basilica has few equals.
St. Denis himself was the first bishop of Paris (then still known as Lutèce) who, in preaching the heretical new Christian faith, ran afoul of the Roman administration, and paid for it with his life in the year 258 AD. St. Denis Basilica honors him. For an explanation of the myth, please see the article in our blog, date January 14, 2018, “Montmartre I.” Centuries later, at the height of the French Revolution, spiteful revolutionaries disinterred the royal tombs and ordered the contents dumped into the Seine River. Nevertheless, many were sequestered, saved and later re-interred. This private St. Denis Basilica tour delves into these dramatic events, and, in the care of your personal driver/guide, who speaks English as natural first language, illuminates them.
Interested In Our Private St. Denis Basilica tours?
Paris Luxury Tours usually proposes our private St. Denis Basilica tours be explored in conjunction either with private tours of Notre Dame d’Amiens Cathedral and/or the St. Pierre de Beauvais Cathedral, to make a full day of touring from Paris. Alternatives include pairing with a tour of Chantilly Chateau and its park, or the abbey at Royaumont, or a tour of the royal town of Senlis.
“Shahin,
Just a quick note to let you know how much we enjoyed the tour of the Loire Valley [Custom Loire Valley Day Tour from Paris of 2 chateaux and 1 wine estate]. Let me start by saying the best part of the trip was meeting you and listening and learning about the history of France and specifically Chenonceaux. Your comments and guidance throughout the day made the experience far more than just a sight-seeing trip. Lunch was great and so were Amboise and the wine tasting. I can’t thank you enough for putting this tour together for us, we will enjoy the memories for years to come.
Merci beaucoup,”
Stephen Kelly – San Francisco, CA
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact us at our
