Am contemplating a mini-out-of-center-Paris trip. Read a little about St Denis and am interested in comments about it, and on how to get there from Louvre/1e area.

I am a big gothic cathedral fan, and am traveling with Southerners who value death and tombs. Therefore, St Denis seems to satisfy a number of needs.

Comments on the building, the history, the buried, and the area would be much appreciated.

Saint-Denis (you can get there easily on the metro) is well worth a visit.

The Basilica is a gem, inside and out. The history is fascinating.

For more http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Denis_Basilica

Saint Denis is one of my favourite's place to visit when I stop in Paris.

Usually I take the number 13 and the trip is around 30 minutes.

However you are departing from the Louvre..check the RAPT for schedule.The web is in French..

You are going to love it.

Also be aware that Saint Denis is located in a very etnic neighborand in all the years that I visited the Cathedral, I never had any problems there, but of course I did not go to Paris last year.. Here is the web.
Bon Voyage,
http://ratp.fr/

Ooops typing error.."Neighborhood"

There are some amazing effigies in the Basilica. That of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI are marvelous.

Take line 1 towards La Defense and change to line 13 at Clemenceau. There is a stop at the Basilica.

Consider going to Chartres, too, if you haven't already.

There is a movie coming out called "Paris, Je T'Aime" which was shot apparently in the Faubourg-St Denis area. At least a portion of the film was shot there.

We're going in late May and hope to visit this area.

I can't imagine why it took us years of visits to Paris before we went to the Basilica at St-Denis; it was wonderful! Lots to see and absorb, and it helps to have some sense of French history to keep the various monarchs straight.

Any "big gothic cathedral fan" should definitely visit St. Denis. I haven't been there in years, but when I was I didn't find much else to do in the immediate area.
OUr old Michelin guide to Paris has a good floorplan and description and I assume later editions do as well

I just loved St. Denis. Such history! There is even a "Joan of Arc was here" plaque!

Another thing of note is that right by the metro stop is a huge store that is like a SuperWalmart. If you time it right, you can stock up on inexpensive groceries, chocolate bars, snacks on your way back to where you're staying.

I shopped at this store, it has a nice selections of cheese and wine.

thanks to all. VERY helpful replies!