Visir Paris off the beaten path
Basilica of St Denis

A monastic village

Crucifixion medal (15th century) ; excavation UASD. ©E.Jacquot - Document Saint-Denis archaeology unit.Benefitting from royal patronage, the Carolingian abbey was witness to many distinguished guests ; archaeological material, often of quality, is proof of the presence of this social elite : elegance of ceramics and decorated coloured glass. An important pilgrimage centre, Saint-Denis welcomed many pilgrims during the Middle Ages ; some of their medals were found during excavation. These small objects of piety, mass produced in tin/lead alloy, were produced as proof of their presence at holy places such as Saint-Jacques de Compostelle, Saint-Servais de Maastricht ou Notre-Dame de Boulogne.

Economic activity in the monastic village was boosted each year by three markets : Saint-Mathias (February), Lendit (June) and Saint-Denis (October), the latter reaching back to the Merovingian era.

Collection from waste in a goldsmith and enameller workshop (first quarter of 14th century) ; excavation UASD. © J.Mangin - Document Saint-Denis archaeology unitOn the blending of written sources and archaeological data, active artisan activity emerged that both generated and regulated the abbey. It was directly involved in the running of the royal abbey, as demonstrated by the presence of a monetary workshop that minted the coins in the name of Pépin (751-768). Maintenance of glass windows in the Carolingian basilica was secured by glassmakers as can be seen by the leaded stained glass molds uncovered. At the end of the Middle Ages, a goldsmith enameller restored the works of this famous treasure.



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Paris's famous covered and secret passages
Paris's famous covered and secret passages
Wednesday 2nd July 2025 (and 17 other dates)
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Street art cruise on the Canal de l'Ourcq
Street art cruise on the Canal de l'Ourcq
Friday 4th July 2025
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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
Saturday 28th June 2025 (and 18 other dates)
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