Camping in Seine-Saint-Denis, an astonishing diversity of leisure activities

Basilique Saint-Denis © IStock

 

The inhabitants of Seine-Saint-Denis are called Séquano-Dionysiens. A small department in the inner suburbs of the Ile-de-France region, it nevertheless offers a wide range of leisure activities and a varied culture. Embark on a camping holiday and discover what this department, at the gateway to Paris, has in store for you.

A campsite in Seine-Saint-Denis

To get into the holiday mood, there is nothing better than choosing your accommodation. The only campsite in Seine-Saint-Denis, the municipal campsite La Haute Ile located in Neuilly-sur-Marne, will allow you to disconnect, to get away from it all with activities such as horse-riding, mini-golf and table tennis, but also to enjoy the cultural sites of this area.

Culture and leisure

The Basilica of Saint-Denis, which is classified as a historical monument, is located in the town of Saint-Denis. It is a true masterpiece of Gothic art, and brings together centuries of artistic, political and religious history. It is also the necropolis of the kings of France and visitors are invited to explore the archaeological space of the crypt and the burial pit. The cathedral is the largest museum of funerary monuments in the world.

The Stade de France was inaugurated in 1998 to replace the Parc des Princes for the World Cup. Located in Saint-Denis like the Basilica, its architecture is directly inspired by the Worldport, terminal 3 of the JFK International Airport in New York. It is the largest stadium in France and has 80,000 seats. It hosts the most important sporting events. Open to visitors, its technology makes it a major centre of interest for both architecture and sports enthusiasts.

Le Bourget is famous for its Air and Space Museum. It is the largest and oldest in the world and the most important aeronautical museum in France. It presents a collection of 350 aircraft and you can climb aboard the Concorde and a Boeing 747 or marvel at the American warplane Super Frelon, the A380 and the Ariane 1 and 5 rockets. An original and exciting visit that will delight children and their parents.

The Saint-Ouen flea market, on the outskirts of Paris, is the world's leading art and antiques market with 2,000 dealers and more than 5 million visitors a year, spread out between Rue des Rosiers and Porte de Clignancourt. It includes a dozen markets, mainly antique and second-hand shops. The flea market can be visited with the family or with a guide who will tell you more about the history of this place.

Owned by the city of Paris, the Saint-Denis canal crosses the towns of Aubervilliers and Saint-Denis. Its banks have been converted into a place of relaxation where it is pleasant to stroll along the canal on foot but also by bicycle and even on rollerblades for enthusiasts. Near the Stade de France, the "historical route" begins, which allows walkers to reach the St Denis cathedral with the help of markers.

Like the Saint-Denis canal, the Ourq canal crosses the department and can be discovered by boat. During the summer, shuttles are offered, but it is also possible to hire a boat without a licence or even take a cruise! A way to build beautiful holiday memories along the water.