Seine Saint Denis
Seine Saint Denis It stands out for its vibrancy, diversity, and contrasts, offering a wide range of opportunities for lovers of history, culture, sports, nature, and fine dining. This department, rich in things to discover and leisure activities, is sure to charm all visitors with its variety.
This comprehensive guide is your passport to exploring the Seine-Saint-Denis region, located in the heart of France. Region Ile de France : Discover its must-see attractions, immerse yourself in its rich culture and unique way of life, and get practical tips for a stress-free exploration. Join us on a fascinating journey through the inner suburbs of the Île-de-France region.
Must-sees in Seine Saint Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis, ideally located close to Pariswith its rich and complex past, is dotted with fascinating monuments and historic sites. Discover the most emblematic places to visit in the département.
Historical monuments and sites
The Cathedral Basilica of Saint Denis, a jewel of Gothic art, is one of the most remarkable historic monuments in the department. It serves as a burial place for the kings of France and impresses visitors with its grand architecture, dazzling stained-glass windows, and intricate sculptures.
The Drancy camp represents a dark chapter in history, as it served as the main transit camp for French Jews during the Holocaust. The memorial, the exhibition railcar, and the monument to Shelomo Selinger keep the memory of the victims alive.
Le Bourget Airport, France’s first civilian airport, which opened in 1919, has been the scene of key moments in aviation history. Today, it houses the Air and Space Museum, which features an impressive collection of aircraft and spacecraft.
Green spaces and leisure
Seine-Saint-Denis offers a wide variety of green spaces and recreational areas, perfect for relaxing and reconnecting with nature. These places provide opportunities for walking, picnicking, sports, and observing flora and fauna.
Poudrerie Park, a former gunpowder manufacturing site, is now an enchanting place for a stroll in the heart of a preserved forest, featuring a museum and cultural and educational activities.
Sausset Park, which was transformed from a farm into a departmental park, features a variety of landscapes and is home to a rich biodiversity. It’s the perfect place to relax and explore nature.
The recently developed Corniche des Forts recreational island offers a unique ecological experience featuring a recreational area, an eco-grazing zone, and fitness trails—perfect for relaxing with family or friends.
Markets and local life
Reflecting the diversity and cosmopolitan spirit of Seine-Saint-Denis, local markets are vibrant places for interaction and discovery. They offer a wide variety of fresh, exotic, and artisanal products in a friendly atmosphere.
The Saint-Denis market, the largest and oldest, is a local institution held three times a week, offering a wide range of products in a historic setting.
The Montreuil Market, open every day except Monday, is famous for its organic produce, flowers, books, and antiques. It is also a venue for events and public discussions.
The Bobigny Market, typical of the Parisian suburbs, offers a wide variety of fresh produce, spices, and specialties from around the world at attractive prices, providing an authentic and colorful market experience.
Culture and the Art of Living in Seine-Saint-Denis
Rich in cultural diversity, Seine-Saint-Denis shines with its varied festivals, captivating museums, enriching exhibitions and exquisite local gastronomy. Discover below an overview of the treasures to be found in this multi-faceted département.
Festivals and events
Throughout the year, Seine-Saint-Denis hosts festivals and events spanning a wide range of genres, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of music, film, theater, dance, circus, or literature, there’s something for everyone.
Don't miss these not-to-be-missed festivals and events:
- The Saint-Denis Festival: famous for its classical music concerts held every June and July in the Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis and other iconic venues, attracting renowned artists and featuring major works.
- Rock en Seine: a not-to-be-missed event for rock fans, this festival at the end of August at the Domaine National de Saint-Cloud brings together the biggest names in international rock and new talent.
- The Villes des Musiques du Monde Festival: a celebration of world music and the cultures that inspire it, this festival features concerts, performances, and workshops from October through November in various cities throughout the department.
- The Dream Nation Festival: for fans of electronic music, this festival at the end of September at the Parc des expositions Paris Nord Villepinte offers a festive atmosphere with techno, trance, bass and hard music.
- The Toiles sous Toile Festival: a film festival held in November in Clichy-sous-Bois under a big top, featuring a selection of arthouse films, documentaries, short films, and animated films, and offering opportunities to meet directors and actors.
Museums and exhibitions
Seine-Saint-Denis is home to numerous museums and exhibition spaces that reflect its rich historical, artistic, and scientific heritage. These venues feature high-quality permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
A must-see!
- The Air and Space Museum: Located at Le Bourget Airport, this museum—dedicated to the history of aviation and space exploration—displays historic aircraft and spacecraft, in addition to offering interactive exhibits and flight simulations.
- The Saint-Denis Museum of Art and History: Housed in a former convent, this museum traces the history of Saint-Denis from antiquity through archaeological artifacts, works of art, documents, and models, complemented by temporary exhibitions.
- The Museum of Living History: Located in Montreuil, this museum traces the history of the labor movement and social struggles through posters, leaflets, newspapers, photographs, films, and personal accounts, supplemented by temporary exhibitions.
- The Frac Île-de-France: This regional contemporary art collection has two exhibition spaces in the department—Le Plateau in Paris and Les Réserves in Romainville—which showcase contemporary artists and arts education initiatives.
- The Maison des Sciences de l’Homme Paris Nord: This interdisciplinary research center organizes exhibitions, lectures, debates, and workshops on the humanities and social sciences, and features a biodiversity garden that is home to local species.
Local cuisine and gastronomy
Seine-Saint-Denis, a gourmet department, offers a varied local cuisine and delicious regional specialties such as Brie de Meaux, Méréville watercress, Gâtinais honey and Nemours poppies.
Explore the flavours of the world in these remarkable establishments:
- La Petite Marmite: in Livry-Gargan, this gourmet restaurant offers traditional cuisine revisited and prepared using fresh, local produce, with dishes such as homemade duck foie gras or fillet of beef with pepper sauce.
- Le Père Louis: this bistronomic restaurant in Neuilly-Plaisance offers quality French cuisine, with seasonal produce and estate wines, where you can enjoy salmon tartare, duck breast with figs or tarte tatin.
- Café Balthazar: Located in Saint-Denis, this café-restaurant offers authentic, hearty cuisine inspired by Parisian tradition and the bohemian spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, featuring classics such as the croque-monsieur and steak-frites.
- Le Blé Cœur: Located in Raincy, this restaurant showcases regional and seasonal cuisine, with dishes such as pumpkin soup and sea bass fillet with sorrel cream.
- Boulangerie Pâtisserie du Château: this Montreuil bakery and patisserie offers artisan breads, viennoiseries, pastries and chocolates made with quality ingredients, including sourdough bread, butter croissants and raspberry macaroons.
Practical tips for exploring the département
Exploring Seine-Saint-Denis is a rewarding experience, as long as you follow a few essential safety and common-sense guidelines. These practical tips are designed to help you plan your visit and make the most of your experience in this region.
Getting around Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis has an excellent public transportation network, making it easy to get to downtown Paris and other departments in the Île-de-France region. The metro, RER, tram, buses, and bike-sharing services are all available to you. Be sure to purchase a transit pass that suits your travel needs.
Check the routes and schedules on the RATP or Île-de-France Mobilités websites for more information.
If you choose to drive, note that several highways run through Seine-Saint-Denis (A1, A3, A86, A104), with free or paid parking options available in most towns. It is recommended that you avoid rush hour, obey speed limits, and follow parking regulations. Carpooling is a good alternative, available through online platforms or designated carpool areas.
Safety tips and best practices
Seine-Saint-Denis is generally safe, but caution is advised. Here are a few recommendations for a safe stay:
- Avoid traveling alone at night in high-risk areas. Do not carry visible valuables, and limit the amount of cash you carry. Keep a close eye on your personal belongings at all times.
- In case of an emergency, dial 17 for the police, 18 for the fire department, or 15 for emergency medical services (SAMU). Police stations and gendarmerie posts are also available to assist you.
- Secure your living space by closing the shutters and locking the doors. Do not leave any signs that you are away, and do not hide your keys outside. Keep your valuables in a safe place, such as a safe or at the bank, and insure them.
- Respect the environment and local heritage by not littering, not damaging historic sites, and respecting protected plant life. Follow the guidelines in green spaces.
- Be courteous to the locals and respect local cultures. Ask for permission before taking photos, avoid offensive remarks, and participate in local events to better understand the traditions.
Accommodation
Seine-Saint-Denis offers a variety of lodging options to suit every taste and budget. Hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, vacation rentals, campgrounds, apartments, and houses for rent are available.
- Visit specialist sites such as Booking, Airbnb, Gîtes de France or Camping France to compare offers, read reviews, book online and take advantage of special offers.
- Tourist guides such as Petit Futé, Routard or Guide Vert provide practical information, advice and useful addresses.
- The department's tourist offices can provide information on availability, rates, services and facilities. They can be reached by telephone, e-mail or on site.
- If necessary, the department’s social services can help you find suitable housing. You can also call the social emergency hotline at 115 to be referred to an emergency shelter.
Seine Saint Denis - Conclusion
It's clear that Seine-Saint-Denis is a department to discover, offering a surprising wealth and diversity. Whether you’re a history buff, a culture enthusiast, a nature lover, or a foodie, you’ll find plenty to satisfy your curiosity in this multifaceted region.
So don't delay! Come and discover Seine-Saint-Denis, a department ready to amaze you with its hidden treasures and unforgettable moments. You won't be disappointed!
To prepare for your visit, we recommend that you consult the websites and tourist guides we've suggested, and get in touch with the local tourist offices. They'll be your best source of information and recommendations.
We wish you a wonderful trip and hope to see you soon in Seine-Saint-Denis!
Seine Saint Denis - FAQ
What is the 93 in Paris?
The 93, or the department of Seine-Saint-Denis, is an area located in the Île-de-France region and is part of the Greater Paris metropolitan area. Created in 1968, this department was formed from the division of the former department of the Seine and is located northeast of Paris. It borders Paris and four other departments: Hauts-de-Seine, Val-de-Marne, Val-d’Oise, and Seine-et-Marne.
What are the two major cities in Seine-Saint-Denis?
Saint-Denis and Montreuil are the two major cities of Seine-Saint-Denis, representing the most densely populated areas of the département, with populations of 113,942 and 111,455 in 2021, respectively. These cities are all part of the Greater Paris Metropolis, and lie to the northeast of the capital.
Who lives in the 93?
The Séquano-Dionysiens are the residents of the Seine-Saint-Denis department, identified by the 93 postal code. This department, located northeast of Paris, is one of the areas that make up the inner suburbs of the Île-de-France region.
Which is the richest city in Seine-Saint-Denis?
Gournay-sur-Marne stands out as the wealthiest town in Seine-Saint-Denis, with an average annual taxable income of €29,930 per resident. It is closely followed by Le Raincy, where the average taxable income per resident is €28,820 per year.
