But this large, awe-inspiring cathedral, with flying buttresses and gargoyles galore, could be said to rival Notre Dame in size and aesthetics. Finished in 1144, it’s also considered to be the first Gothic church ever built. With that, plus the fact that there is never a tourist crowd to contend with, this cathedral is more than worth the trip out of Paris.

The church itself is free to visit at all times, but there is a €8.50 entrance fee to the crypt, which houses the final resting places of several French kings.

Market

Also located near the cathedral is a bustling market, le Marché de Saint Denis. Since the city of Saint Denis itself is a blend of French, African, Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures, this market has a wonderful multicultural feel, with a variety of food and fabrics for sale from all over the world.

The market is open three days a week, Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, from 7:30 am to 1:30 pm. It’s also quite inexpensive, a delightful contrast to the steep prices seen at many open air markets in Paris.

Logistics

Travel time:
25 minutes from Central Paris

How to get there:
Take Metro line 13 to Basilique de Saint-Denis

Travel cost:
Standard Metro ticket

Other day trips

This is just one of our recommended day trips from our guide to “Fantastic Day Trips less than an Hour from Paris”. Click below to read more:

• Saint Germain en Laye

• Chateau de Vincennes and Parc Floral

• Chateau Malmaison

• Parc de Sceaux

• Island of the Impressionists

• Saint Maur des Fossés

• Drink, dance and boat along the River Marne

The post Saint Denis Cathedral and market: Paris Day Trip appeared first on EuroCheapo's Budget Travel Blog.