Seine Saint Denis
Seine Saint Denis shines with its dynamism, diversity and contrasts, offering a wide range of opportunities for lovers of history, culture, sport, nature and gastronomy. This department, rich in discoveries and leisure activities, will appeal to all visitors thanks to 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 Paris Region: discover its must-see sites, immerse yourself in its rich culture and unique way of life, and benefit from practical advice for a worry-free exploration. Join us on a fascinating journey through the inner suburbs of the Paris 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 DenisThis Gothic gem is one of the department's most remarkable historic monuments. Serving as the necropolis of the kings of France, it impresses with its grandiose architecture, dazzling stained-glass windows and fine sculptures.
The Drancy camp represents a dark chapter in history, as the main transit camp for French Jews during the Holocaust. The memorial, witness wagon and Shelomo Selinger monument commemorate the victims.
L’aérogare du Bourget, premier aéroport civil de France ouvert en 1919, a été le théâtre de moments clés de l’histoire aéronautique. Aujourd’hui, il abrite le musée de l’air et de l’espace, offrant une collection impressionnante d’avions et d’engins spatiaux.
Green spaces and leisure
Seine-Saint-Denis offers a multitude of green spaces and leisure activities, ideal for relaxing and reconnecting with nature. These places offer opportunities for walks, picnics, sports and wildlife observation.
Poudrerie Park, ancien site de production de poudre à canon, est aujourd’hui un espace de promenade enchanteur au cœur d’une forêt préservée, doté d’un musée et d’activités culturelles et pédagogiques.
Parc du Sausset, transformed from an agricultural estate into a departmental park, boasts a diversity of landscapes and is home to a rich biodiversity. It's perfect for relaxing and discovering nature.
The recently-developed Corniche des Forts leisure island offers a unique ecological experience with a leisure plain, an eco-pasture area and sports trails, perfect for relaxing with family and friends.
Markets and local life
Reflecting the diversity and cosmopolitan dynamism of Seine-Saint-Denis, local markets are vibrant places of exchange and discovery. They offer a wide variety of fresh, exotic and artisanal products, in a convivial 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's also a venue for public events and debates.
The Bobigny market, typical of the Paris suburbs, offers a varied range of fresh produce, spices and specialties from around the world, at attractive prices, for an authentic and colorful market experience.
La culture et l’art de vivre en 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 is the scene of festivals and events covering a wide range of genres, catering for all tastes. Whether you're a fan of music, cinema, 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 emblematic 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.
- Festival Villes des Musiques du Monde: a celebration of world music and the cultures that bring it to life, this festival offers concerts, shows and workshops from October to November in various towns across the département.
- 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.
- Festival Toiles sous Toile: a film festival held in November in Clichy-sous-Bois under a big top, presenting a selection of films d'auteur, documentaries, short films, animations and meetings with directors and actors.
Museums and exhibitions
Seine-Saint-Denis is home to numerous museums and exhibition spaces reflecting its rich historical, artistic and scientific heritage. These venues offer high-quality permanent collections and temporary exhibitions.
A must-see!
- Le Musée de l’Air et de l’Espace : situé à l’aérogare du Bourget, ce musée dédié à l’histoire de l’aviation et de la conquête spatiale expose des avions historiques et des engins spatiaux, en plus d’offrir animations et simulations de vol.
- Le Musée d’Art et d’Histoire de Saint-Denis : logé dans un ancien couvent, ce musée narre l’histoire de Saint-Denis depuis l’Antiquité à travers objets archéologiques, œuvres d’art, documents et maquettes, enrichi par des expositions temporaires.
- Musée d'Histoire Vivante: in Montreuil, this museum traces the history of the workers' movement and social struggles through posters, leaflets, newspapers, photos, films and personal accounts, complemented by temporary exhibitions.
- Frac Île-de-France: this regional contemporary art fund has two exhibition spaces in the département, le Plateau in Paris and les Réserves in Romainville, showcasing contemporary artists and artistic mediation initiatives.
- La Maison des Sciences de l'Homme Paris Nord: this interdisciplinary research center organizes exhibitions, conferences, debates and workshops on the human and social sciences, and boasts a biodiversity garden featuring 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, generous cuisine inspired by Parisian tradition and the bohemian spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with classics like croque-monsieur and steak-frites.
- Le Blé Cœur : au Raincy, ce restaurant met à l’honneur une cuisine de terroir et de saison, avec des plats tels que le velouté de potimarron ou le filet de bar à la crème d’oseille.
- 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
Discovering Seine-Saint-Denis is a rewarding experience, provided you follow a few essential safety and common sense recommendations. These practical tips are designed to help you plan your visit and maximize your experience in this region.
Getting around Seine-Saint-Denis
Seine-Saint-Denis boasts an excellent public transport network, providing easy access to central Paris and the other departments of the Île-de-France region. The metro, RER, tramway, buses and self-service bicycles are all at your disposal. Remember to buy a ticket that meets your travel needs.
Consultez les itinéraires et les horaires sur les sites de la RATP ou d’Île-de-France Mobilités pour plus d’informations.
If you choose to travel by car, note that several freeways cross Seine-Saint-Denis (A1, A3, A86, A104), with free or paid parking options in most towns. It is advisable to avoid rush hours, and to observe speed limits and parking regulations. Car-pooling is an interesting alternative, accessible via online platforms or dedicated 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:
- Évitez de vous déplacer seul la nuit dans les zones à risque. Ne portez pas sur vous d’objets de valeur apparents et limitez la quantité d’argent liquide. Veillez constamment sur vos effets personnels.
- In case of emergency, dial 17 for the police, 18 for the fire department or 15 for the ambulance service. Police stations and gendarmeries are also at your disposal.
- Sécurisez votre lieu d’hébergement en fermant volets et portes à clé. Ne laissez pas d’indication de votre absence et ne cachez pas vos clés à l’extérieur. Mettez vos objets de valeur en lieu sûr, comme un coffre-fort ou à la banque, et assurez-les.
- Respect the environment and the local heritage by not throwing garbage into nature, by not damaging historic sites and by respecting protected flora. Follow the instructions for green spaces.
- Show courtesy to the locals and respect local cultures. Ask permission before taking photos, avoid offensive language and take part in local events to better understand traditions.
Accommodation
La Seine-Saint-Denis offre une variété d’options d’hébergement, pour tous les goûts et tous les budgets. Hôtels, chambres d’hôtes, gîtes, campings, appartements et maisons en location sont disponibles.
- 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.
- En cas de besoin, les services sociaux du département peuvent vous aider à trouver un hébergement adapté. Le numéro d’urgence sociale 115 peut également vous orienter vers un centre d’hébergement d’urgence.
Seine Saint Denis – Conclusion
It's clear that Seine-Saint-Denis is a department to discoverA surprisingly rich and diverse region. Whether you're a history buff, a culture buff, a nature lover or a gourmet, you'll find plenty to satisfy your curiosity in this land of many dimensions.
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
C’est quoi le 93 à Paris ?
The 93, or Seine-Saint-Denis department, is an area of the Île-de-France region and part of the Greater Paris metropolitan area. Created in 1968, the department is the result of the division of the former Seine department, and lies to the northeast of Paris. It shares its borders with Paris and four other départements: 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 residents of the Seine-Saint-Denis département, identified by the zip code 93. This département, which lies to the northeast of Paris, is one of the areas making up the petite couronne of the Île-de-France region.
Which is the richest city in Seine-Saint-Denis?
Gournay-sur-Marne stands out as the most affluent town in Seine-Saint-Denis, with an average annual tax income of €29,930 per inhabitant. It is closely followed by Le Raincy, where the average per capita tax income is €28,820 per year.
