Tourist
attractions to visit
Take
advantage of your time spent in North-East Paris during
the Rugby world cup to visit the major tourist attractions
here. A stone's throw from the heart of Paris, you
can discover world famous tourists attractions such
as the Basilica Cathedral in Saint-Denis, the Flea
market in Saint-Ouen, the Air and Space museum in
Le Bourget, the Stade de France®, and just after
the ring road, discover "La Villette" its
park and exhibition hall, the "Cité de
la musique" - (music museum), the "Géode",
the "Cité de sciences et de l'industrie"
- (museum of science and industry).
Other museums are open for visits. Not far from the
Stade de France®, you can visit the Art and History
museum and the Christofle museum. The museum Pierre
Cardin, recently opened in Saint-Ouen, invites you
to admire the fashion designers line.
Take the plunge ! discover the North of Paris and
Seine-Saint-Denis by boat with Pariscanal or Canauxrama.
The
Basilica cathedral of Saint Denis
The former abbey of Saint Denis illuminated
centuries of artistic, political and spiritual history
of the aristocratic Franks. The church is built upon
a gallo-roman cemetery, the burial place of saint
Denis martyrized around 250. As well as a Carolingian
crypt, vestige of the edifice consecrated by Charlemagne
in 775, the basilica bears witness to two buildings
decisive in the evolution of religious architecture
: Abbot Suger's chevet (1144), (the east end of church
including the apse and ambulatory) a genuine hymn
to uninterrupted light and epitomizing the novel gothic
style. And the reconstructed part, during the time
of Saint Louis, where a very large transept was built
in order to meet the needs of the royal necropolis.
The One-Hundred-Years' War, the religious wars, political
unrest led to the gradual decline of the abbey long
before the revolution arrived. In 1793, the revolutionaries
attacked the symbols of the monarchy but the basilica
managed to escape total destruction. In 1806, Napoleon
1st ordered the restoration of the building. And after,
Louis XV111 ordered the restoration of the royal necropolis.
Large restoration works continued throughout the 19th
century under the supervision of architects Debret
and then Viollet-le-duc from 1846. In 1966, the basilica
became a cathedral, see of the bishopric of Saint-Denis.
The royal necropolis of Saint-Denis
Since the High Middle-Ages, the monastery has managed
to link its destiny to that of royalty asserting itself
as the privileged resting place of royal dynasties
in worship of saint Denis. Forty-three kings, thirty-two
queens, sixty-three princes and princesses, ten great
officers of the crown repose there. With more than
sixty-three recumbent effigies and funerary monuments,
with magnificent funerary sculptures including Dagobert,
Francis 1st, Catherine of Medicis and Louis XV1, the
royal necropolis of Saint-Denis basilica is the most
important display of funerary sculpture from the 12th
to the 16th century.
Opening hours
-April 1st to September 30, Monday to Saturday 10am
to 6.15pm, Sunday 12pm to 6.15pm
-October 1st to March 31st, Monday to Saturday 10am
to 5.15pm, Sunday 12pm to 5.15pm
Information
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 48 09 83 54
www.tourisme93.com/basilique
et www.monuments-nationaux.fr
How to get there
Métro (ligne/line 13) station : Basilique de
Saint-Denis
Les Puces de Paris Saint-Ouen
The business of collecting (scrap metal,
various rags,…) has been part of Paris life for
ever. At night, rag-and-bone men "biffins"
, or "crocheteurs" (pickers) travelled through
the capital in search of their loot. Driven out of
the city at the end of the 19th century by the new
authorities anxious to clean up the capital, these
rag-and bone men set up camp and hovel between the
fortifications and the first houses built in the village
of Saint-Ouen. Little by little, it wasn't long before
open-air cafés and dance halls appeared, along
with numerous stalls where the people of Paris would
come by on a Sunday to stroll and perhaps stop for
a small glass of white wine as yet untaxed. Between
1905 and 1914, the picturesque description by the
press brought an increase in the number of curious
visitors and traders. A trend was launched; the Flea
Market was born…
After the First World War, the market became so popular
that some "business men" decided to buy
land, pave the roads and bring in water and electricity
so as to rent out stalls at a cheap price. Between
1920 and 1991, indoor marketplaces were set up.
At the end of the 1990's, an urban development plan
was put into effect in the area. In 2001, the entire
marketplace was classified as "Zone de Protection
du Patrimoine Architectural Urbain et Paysager "
(urban architectural landscape heritage protection
zone ) for its very unusual atmosphere.
A very wide range of objects and styles, from every
era and country satisfy both the bargain hunter and
the couple strolling through hand-in-hand.
There are more than 2000 boutiques spread out into
16 markets and spilling over into several surrounding
streets.
The third world antiques fair will be held from October
4th to October 8th 2007, with a veiled reference to
the world of sport and the Rugby World Cup : the Flea
market will be the setting for giant-sized sculptures
created by the former rugby player - Jean-Pierre Rives.
Opening hours
Open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays 10am to 6pm.
Information
Tel. : 0 892 705 765
Saint-Ouen tourist office, reception and information
- Tel. : + 33 (0)1 58 61 22 90
How to get there
Métro (ligne/line 4) station : Porte de Clignancourt
or (ligne/line 13) station : Garibaldi
The Air and Space Museum
As witness of man's dream to conquer
the sky, it is also the protector of the memory of
this historical site : Paris-Le Bourget aeroport.
Stretching over 18,000 m2 of exhibition space, it
offers the finest collections touching on all themes
of air an space.
The terminal, in this historical site more than 200
m long, a chronological exhibition will transport
the visitor from the first balloon ride at the end
of the 18th century, up to 1918, passing by the forerunners
and pioneers. This collection of genuine old aircraft
is unique in the world.
The rocket exhibition hall, satellites and space engines
including a genuine Soyouz spaceship), and a large
choice of audiovisual sequences enabling us to better
understand the history and stakes involved in the
conquest of space in a completely renovated exhibition
hall measuring 2,500 m2. Animated presentations show
on a large scale the launching path of an Ariane 5
rocket and the Apollo 11 mission.
The aviation exhibition halls, military aircraft,
stunt flying and record-making airplanes, prototypes
and helicopters show the wide diversity of use of
these "heavier than air" devices.
The 2 Concorde exhibition hall, visitors can climb
on board the impressive Concorde prototype 001 and
Concorde Sierra Delta, an Air France supersonic commercial
aircraft and holder of several speed records.
The Saint-Exupéry exhibition room, where parts
of the pilot's plane including his identity bracelet
are exposed:
On the Tarmac, dominated by a Boeing 747 and life-sized
models of the Ariane rockets 1 and 5, several commercial
and military aircrafts are exhibited. The interior
of a Boeing 747-128 has been designed to allow the
visitor to discover the usually hidden parts of the
aircraft such as the cockpit, baggage hold, petrol
reservoir, landing carriage….
Opening hours
Open daily except Mondays, 10am to 5pm (6pm from 1st
May to 31st October)
Information
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 49 92 70 62
www.museedelair.org
How to get there
RER (ligne B/line B) station : Le Bourget, then bus
152
Bus RATP n°350 (gare de l'Est)
The
Stade de France
Designed by 4 architects, Michel Macary,
Aymeric Zubléna, Michel Regembla et Claude
Costantini, the Stade de France is considered to be
the stadium of the third millennium. It boasts 80,000
sheltered seating and is equipped with exceptional
facilities : restaurants open for lunch everyday of
the week, reception areas, conference and exhibition
space, VIP boxes with private terrace…
Football, rugby, opera, shows, motor sports, concerts…
the diversity and quality of the events organised
at the Stade de France® goes without saying. It
is interesting to note that due to its technology,
its attractive design and practical aspect, the stadium
opens its doors (outside of event days) to both lovers
of architecture and sport .
A unique experience ! " In the heart of the stadium
"
Visitors are invited to stroll through the museum,
to relive the finest moments of the Stade de France
: its construction, events and daily life. A guide
then invites them to see the other side of the coin
: in the path of their idols, they will let themselves
be charmed by the magic of those not-to-be-missed
places still soaked in emotion : the side of the pitch,
the dressing rooms, the VIP stand…
Interactive events are proposed in and around the
stadium thus transforming the site into a real leisure
land accessible to all. Every summer, the mythical
pitch of the Stade de France® is turned into a
beach and in wintertime, a winter ski resort.
Every year, the most important sporting events take
place : the 6 nations rugby tournament, football finals,
athletics meetings… and from the 7th September
to the 20th October it will host the 6th edition of
the rugby world cup.
Opening hours
(except during sporting or other events) A unique
experience "Au Coeur du Stade"
April to August : daily and on the hour between 10am
and 5pm. English-language tours in high season at
10.30am and 2.30pm including access to the museum
exhibition area.
September to march : starting at 10.30am, 12pm and
4pm Monday to Friday, extra visit at 3.30pm at weekends,
bank holidays and school holidays.
Duration of tour : 1 hour
Information
Tel. +33 (0) 892 700 900 (0,34 €/min)
www.stadefrance.com
How to get there
Métro (ligne/line 13) station : Saint-Denis
Porte de Paris
RER (ligne B/line B) station : La Plaine stade de
France
Le
Parc & Grande Halle de la Villette
Built on the site of the former Villette
markets, la Villette is now a city park covering 55
hectares. Bustling with life, it is punctuated with
parks and gardens based on different themes where
culture and architecture are intermingled: : "
jardin des voltiges "," jardin des dragons
", " jardin des bambous ", " jardin
des dunes ", " jardin des miroirs ",
" jardin des ombres ", " jardin des
équilibres ", " jardin des treilles
", " jardin des frayeurs ", "
jardin des îles ", " jardins des dessins
". Each garden represents a different theatrical
or cinematic sequence, for example, the "jardin
des miroirs" is a mirror garden reflected by
28 mirrors!
The architect Bernard Tschumi developed the park around
three independently composed plans - a system of points,
lines and surfaces. A system of points with 26 contemporary
"follies" (extravagant, frivolous or fanciful
buildings), their crimson red colours brightening
up the park. Each one is unique in form and function.
A system of lines with 2 major axis : north-south
and east-west. A system of surface areas with 2 major
parks : " la prairie du Triangle et la prairie
du Cercle ". 'The triangular park and the circular
park)
The
Parc de la Villette programmes numerous events : exhibitions,
circus shows, festivals and workshops set the pace
each year. A rich and varied programme offers live
shows in the following (circus, street performance,
world cultures, hip hop, theatre, dance, art shows)
Fun and creative workshops for all ages fit well into
the rich architecture of the park and gardens. You
can become a baker, an ornithologist or discover the
art of puppetry and the art of tapestry . Numerous
shows and festivals are programmed including exhibitions
on important aspects of society.
Once again, don't miss the open-air cinema festival
to take place in 2007 from the 17th July to the 26th
August, summer stage events (music) from the 8th July
to the 27th August, the jazz festival at "la
Villette" from the end of August to mid September,
the Festival "100 Dessus Dessous" (dance,
theatre, shows) in April and December.
From September 2007 and to celebrate the re-opening
of the Exhibition Hall an exhibition-event called
"Bêtes et Hommes", will be presented
over an area of 18,000 m2.
This spectacular and original scenography will present
live animals, art objects, photographs and videos
all questioning our relationship with animals and
will broach the delicate topic of the ecological balance
between man and beast.
Opening hours
Open every day admittance free.
Adult and child workshops all year round.
Guided tours of the park one Saturday afternoon per
month, May to September.
Information
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 40 03 75 75
www.villette.com
How to get there
Métro (ligne/ligne 5) station : Porte de Pantin
ou (ligne/ligne 7) station : Porte de la Villette
La Cité de la musique
The last of François Mitterrand's
projects, the "Cité de la musique"
was inaugurated in 1995. It is an invitation to discover
music and its multiple aspects. It is a place where
anyone can listen to and practise music, gain music
information and discover music heritage. The Cité
de la musique has something for everyone - music lovers,
young people, performers, amateur beginners or music
professionals. The architect Christian de Portzamparc
designed this ensemble as a small town where each
element of the programme lent itself to a specific
shape. All these separate volumes are linked together
by a network of transparent and fluid spaces, where
people and circulate freely and mingle. From the Place
de la Fontaine aux Lions, visitors enter the Cité
via a gallery, the rue musicale.
Music Museum
The music museum, opened since January 18th 1997,occupies
2,500m2 on 5 levels. Visitors will discover 900 instruments
dating from the beginning of the 17th century to the
end of the 19th century on a journey through the history
of music. It ends with an overview of the main musical
traditions devoted to world music. The music museum
is above all a museum dedicated to the musical life
which situates each instrument in its original context
: a unique tour allowing you at the same time to see
the instruments, listen to their distinctive sound
and visit the halls where they were played and understand
their social function.
Everyday, as part of the permanent exhibition, musicians
play and talk about their instruments and the music
they interpret, (harpsichord, violin, bass viol, lute,
saz, setar or even the wheel fiddle and crystal Baschet…)
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday from 12pm to 6pm, Sunday 10am
to 6pm
25th June to10th September, museum closed.
11th September to 7th March 2008 17th and 18th century
exhibition halls open and admittance is free
Information
Tél. : + 33 (0)1 44 84 44 84
www.cite-musique.fr
How to get there
Métro (ligne/ligne 5) station : Porte de Pantin
Museum of science and industry
In charge of turning the great abattoir
sales hall into a museum of science and technology,
in 1981 the architect Adrien Fainsilber decided to
open this building to light, a "source of energy
of the living world"…
Through
the development of science and technology, La Cité
des sciences et de l'industrie provides the necessary
learning tools to better understand the world in constant
change around us, Each exhibition space is open to
all age groups, from junior to senior, from tourists
to professionals/researchers or to the simply curious…
The
exhibition halls : covering an area of 30,000 m2,
both temporary and permanent exhibitions are organised
around the major themes of science, technology and
industry. They are supported by small-scale models,
audiovisuals, interactive options and activity programmes.
The centre also offers floor and room space for meetings,
conventions and conferences open to journalists, researchers,
participants and the general public.
The Children's " Cité " and the children's
media library are designed to initiate children to
the world of science and technology, to reply to their
questions, to stimulate their curiosity and awareness,
their desire to read and do research.
Coming soon : From October 16th 2007, "Sexualité
et sentiments", an adaptation of the well-known
book by Zep " Le Guide du zizi sexuel for the
9 to 13 year olds.
The planetarium : under a hemispherical dome measuring
21 m in diameter, visitors (300 places) comfortably
seated in swivelling chairs, travel through the universe.
The Argonaute : flagship of the French navy in the
50's, the submarine Argonaute has already been around
the world ten times! In 1989, the 400-ton craft undertook
its final voyage and set up berth beside the Géode
, a focus of admiration and curiosity for all.
Opening hours
Every day except Mondays, form 10am to 6pm (7pm Sundays)
Information
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 40 05 80 00 (serveur vocal/voice
server)
www.cite-sciences.fr
How to get there
Métro ( (ligne/ligne 7) station : Porte de
la Villette
La Géode - movie theatre
This
cinema, complete with a giant hemispheric screen,
was opened in May 1985 and totally renovated in 1998.
It takes up the upper part of this spherical building
measuring 36 m in diameter. The screen, one of the
largest in the world, covers almost the entire cinema
and stretches over 1,000 m2. the cinema is tilted
at an angle of 27° in relation to the horizon
and the screen is at an angle of 30°. This position
gives the viewer the impression that he is right at
the very centre of the image.
On leaving the cinema, the visitor passes in front
of the spectacular projection booth completely made
of glass. One can see the film projector on tracks,
the niche where the camera is placed during the screening,
the reels of films and the horizontal system of unwinding
including the sound system racks.
The
Omnimax system gives an optical illusion effect to
the movie and relies on sophisticated projectors which
are far above the normal standard projection system.
The image projected onto the screen is 10 times larger
than the conventional 35mm frame. It greatly exceeds
the maximal field of binocular vision of the human
eye which is 120° horizontal and 104° vertical.
A custom-designed 21,000 watt surround sound system
produces audio to match the intensity of the visual
images. The audiovisual effects of the movie are computer-managed.
Since March 7th, and while preserving its splendid
IMAX system, la Géode now boasts a Géode
digital projection system giving access to three new
dimensions : Géode 3D-relief, Géode
HD : documentaries, short and long feature-length
films, High Definition animated movies, Géode
shows "live" or via satellite.
Opening hours
Daily from 10.30am
Information
Tél. : + 33 (0)1 40 05 79 99
www.lageode.fr
How to get there
Métro (ligne/line 7) station : Porte de la
Villette
The Bouilhet-Christofle museum
Founded in 1830 by the jeweller Charles
Christofle, this famous factory located on the banks
of the canal since 1878, carries on a lengthy tradition
in Saint-Denis as the first royal goldsmith's shop
was founded there by Saint-Eloi in 635.
The museum collection presents, through the more than
2,000 pieces exhibited, a vast panorama of creations
executed by six generations of the one family that
succeeded each other from the company's founding in
1830 to the present day. The themes evoked not only
illustrate the history of this prestigious company,
but also the techniques applied to silversmith and
the evolution of decorative arts over 170 years and
the table traditions in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The Bouilhet-Christofle museum is today one of the
last examples of 19th century industrial architecture
and so invites you to go on a splendid journey through
time.
The first part of the museum devoted to the birth
and growth of the Christofle company reflects the
historical evolution of the 1830-1880 period during
which royal and imperial commissions and Asian art
trends such as naturalism, Orientalism and Japanism
succeeded each other.
The
second part presents a panorama of Christofle creations
up to world War 1: Art Nouveau, the equipping of luxury
hotels, agricultural competitions. The techniques
of silversmith are displayed also : electroplating,
cloisonné enamel, guillochage…
The only French museum totally devoted to silverware,
the Bouilhet-Christofle museum welcomes you to the
site that has been home to its production since 1874.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday except public holidays, 9.30am to
1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm
Information
Tel. : +33 (0)1 49 22 40 40
www.christofle.com
How to get there
Métro (ligne/line 13) station : Saint-Denis
Porte de Paris, sortie Marcel Sembat
The Art and History museum Saint-Denis
Since 1981, the former Carmelite monastery
in Saint-Denis has housed the art and history museum.
The history of the Carmelite monastery, founded in
1625, was made famous from 1770 to 1787 by the residence
of Madam Louise de France, daughter of Louis XV. She
undertook several works to be done in the monastery
and entrusted the architect Richard Mique, architect
to the court and responsible for the Trianon at Versailles,
with the reconstruction of the chapel.
The museum owes its originality in particular to its
collections on the Carmelite monastery, (collections
of objects and documents evoking the religious city
and the life of these women turned towards God) on
medieval archaeology (objects found during excavations
in Saint-Denis : sculptures, pottery, furniture…)
on the former "Hôtel-Dieu" hospital,
the war of 1870 and the Paris commune 1871 (one of
the most important collections in the world displaying
caricatures, prints and photographs on this theme…)
The Art and History museum also owes its fame to its
collection of prints and caricatures (Gavarni, Daumier,…)
and the Paul Eluard collections relating his life
as poet, his commitment to surrealism and communism.
From the 7th September to the 3rd December 2007, the
museum will present through various objects and works
of art, the exhibition "Marco Polo and the book
of wonders" in order to discover this Venetian
traveler who set off in the 14th century to visit
the unknown Orient.
This exhibition will unite 2 different worlds : art
and sport, as the exhibition will take place during
the 6th edition of the rugby world cup.
Opening hours
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10am to 5.30pm, Thursdays
10am to 8pm
Saturdays and Sundays 2pm to 6.30pm. Closed Tuesdays
and public holidays.
Information
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 42 43 05 10
www.musee-saint-denis.fr
How to get there
Métro (ligne/ligne 13) station : Saint-Denis
Porte de Paris
Le
musée Pierre Cardin
In the light of a glassed-roof building,
130 mannequins display the most emblematic selections
of the couturier's designs, lined up alongside the
wall on two levels, they illustrate the "working
life" of this avant-garde designer. Black-buttoned
grey coats, beige suits hooped at the back, pleated
poppy-red coat, cream dress-coat… A dozen or
so designs sum up the beginning of Pierre Cardin's
career, one of the first employees of the design house
of Christian Dior in 1946.
After that began " the space age " of the
60's (1965-1970) : dresses in colourful geometric
shapes and motifs, two holes cut out to reveal the
breasts, red suit designed to accentuate pointed breasts.
"that was 40 years ago all the same, it was very
provocative", underlines Cardin convinced that
"Jean-Paul Gaultier and all the others"
copied his ideas.
The
trouser-suits designed for the athletes taking part
in the Olympic Games in Munich (1972) are akin to
the black or red vinyl mini skirts, sleeveless dresses
and others in metal figure-hugging 3D design.
His cocktail or evening dresses outline long black
silhouettes, with steel-plated collars and bodices
inspired by the Citroën car bumpers and created
by a car-body maker. Or, on the contrary, brightly
coloured designs in 3D style with folds, loose strips,
bubble dresses…
Numerous accessories are also on display : hats, shoes,
glasses, jewellery (in enamel, metal, plastic, vinyl),
belts and masks. The museum accounts for between 600
and 700 pieces arranged by theme and year of creation.
Opening hours
Open Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to
5pm
Information
33 bd Victor Hugo 93400 Saint-Ouen
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 49 21 08 20
How to get there
Métro (ligne/ligne 13) station : Mairie de
Saint-Ouen
Pariscanal
Hop on board for a two and a half hour
cruise featuring a live French and English commentary.
Pariscanal offers you an original selection of cruises
: a unique journey through Paris combining the most
beautiful monuments along the Seine and the magic
atmosphere of the Canal Saint Martin. Discover or
rediscover Paris in all its unusual aspects! You will
cross through a series of locks and swing-bridges
before reaching the Parc de la Villette, the final
halting point, where the Science museum, the Géode
and enchanting thematic gardens await you…
Pariscanal also proposes one-day tours and in particular
a truly scenic and picturesque cruise along the Seine
and the loop of the Marne where you will discover
a myriad of little islands housing those quaint "guinguettes"
(open-air café or dance hall), and glimpse
the splendid residences nestling among the trees.
Opening hours
Daily
Information
19-21 quai de la Loire 75019 Paris
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 42 40 96 97
www.pariscanal.com
Canauxrama
Step
on bord the " Arletty " and the " Marcel
Carné" and experience the cruise trip
"old Paris" on the Canal Saint Martin :
from the Paris Arsenal Marina to Parc de la Villette
or visa versa. A romantic and original trip right
in the historical heart of "Parisians' Paris".
Canauxrama proposes 2 one-day cruises, the first is
entitled "La Grande Boucle autour de Paris"(the
Grand tour of Paris) taking you through the canal
Saint Martin and its locks, past the Seine and its
monuments and along the Canal Saint-Denis, a site
marked by its industrial past. The second one is called
""Au Pays des guinguettes" (land of
guinguettes) which sets off from Paris towards Bry
sur Marne to the sound of the accordion gently gliding
you towards a beautifully green protected countryside.
Opening hours
Daily
Information
13 quai de la Loire 75019 Paris
Tel. : + 33 (0)1 42 39 15 00
www.canauxrama.com
