Visir Paris off the beaten path
Basilica of St Denis

A medieval abbey cloister

Console apportioned to the refectory reader?s pulpit (mid 13th century). Preserved at the Maison d'éducation de la Légion d'honneur. © E.Jacquot - Document Archaeology unit Saint-DenisThe cloister, south of the Saint-Denis basilica, sheltered right up to its reconstruction in the 18th century, one of the most original sculpted displays of the medieval West. This construction formed the heart of community life for the monks.

Recent excavations carried out here have revealed a quantity of glazed terracotta tiles attesting to the the presence of sumptuous polychrome pavements. Some mosaic-like tiles are joined together to form a fleur-de-lys.

The Maison d’éducation de la Légion d’honneur owns a sculpted console of a remarkable grapevine ; this piece found during restoration work could have belonged to the medieval refectory reader’s pulpit.



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Paris's famous covered and secret passages
Paris's famous covered and secret passages
Wednesday 30th July 2025 (and 9 other dates)
50 €

100% electric cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin departing from Quai de Valmy
100% electric cruise on the Canal Saint-Martin departing from Quai de Valmy
Monday 28th July 2025 (and 10 other dates)
23 €

Express cruise through Old Paris on the Canal Saint-Martin
Express cruise through Old Paris on the Canal Saint-Martin
Sunday 27th July 2025 (and 11 other dates)
18 €

 
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