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Saint-Denis - sacred power in a proletarian bastion

Arches, kings & Reds

The Basilica (early 12th century) is the mausoleum of Frances kings and the first "Gothic" edifice to hold up. From here "pointed arch" architecture spread out, unifying the West as do Latin, Roman law and Christianity.

Yet the town is in the heart of the "Red Belt" and has been a Communist bastion since the 1920's. Its immigrant population is important. 

 

So a visit reveals basic aspects of France.

 

 •Theme-tour

•Art-history excursion

 •Burial site

The edifice where the kings of France are buried reveals...
An outsize abbot overpowers tiny merchants...

the impact on Paris of a site that was both sacred and commercial.

 

 

  • A month-long annual fair

 

 

Mural that covers a full wall of the Sorbonne courtyard

The 19th-century work shows medieval students' going off to one of the greatest annual fairs, which  was known throughout Europe and took place a few steps from the Basilica.

 

 
The market now

For visitors who come on their own: Kids especially love the market's raucous vitality.

 

 

  • One continuation...

 

 
  • Another

•Artist's studio

 •Renaissance museum
  • Practical details

 

•Saint-Denis is 40 minutes by métro from central Paris (a day's march).

•By bus or car, we can continue to Ecouen for the Renaissance Museum.

 

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Tomb / Harald Wolff ; modern market / Harald Wolff ; medieval market / Basilica brochure

 

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