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Written by Martyn Davis
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Saturday, 15 December 2007 |
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Word Count: 702 Stade de France Stadium In St Denis France
Saint Denis is a suburb around 10km from the centre of Paris along the river
Seine and has specific claims to fame.
The first is that the area was named after Saint Denis who became known as the
Patron Saint of France, where St Genevieve had a small chapel erected over his
tomb for pilgrims to visit.
The second is that it is known for the Saint Denis Basilica where a vast
majority of French Kings are also entombed here and this was rebuilt on the site
of the chapel.
The third is for The Stade de France, which is the new stadium that was built to
host the 1998 FIFA world cup and has seen many other events since.
If you have time whilst you are on holiday in the Paris area, taking a trip out
to St Denis is a very worthwhile and enjoyable experience for all the family.
And although it used to be more of a working class industrial area, it is again
now a thriving community since the stadium has been built.
The stadium was a major feat of engineering with a very clever design that
allows it to be changed from a football or rugby stadium, through to a running
track, through to holding rock and pop concerts. This was all achieved by a
cushion of air that allows the lower stands to slide out in approximately 72
hours, dependant upon the different configurations needed. And for the last few
years has played host to some very major sporting events including the FIFA
World Cup and the World Championships in Athletics.
Although the stadium is designed to hold 80,000 people, Celine Dion broke the
records with 2 nights of an attendance of 90,000 fans for each night at her
concerts! But rather than going to the stadium for an event, you can take a tour
of this fantastic place and walk the paths of stars. But always check to ensure
it is open for tours prior to getting excited, as it will be closed on specific
dates due to functions and other major events going on.
But while in the area do take a stroll round Saint Denis itself, as it has a
well-known market, which is also one of the largest in the Ile de France region
and it plays host to numerous events every year. Instead of just thinking about
the Stade de France that holds sporting events and concerts, festivals such as
the festival of Saint Denis for classical music and the Banlieues Bleues
Festival for jazz music amongst others are held in this area every year.
Yet if you are not into lively entertainment, perhaps you would be more at home
visiting the Basilique de Saint Denis, which even has life size figures of the
past monarchs that are entombed in it. And it is steeped in history from when
the basilica we see today was first begun in the Gothic style way back in 1136
even though it was never finished to the 13th Century. But you can trace the
history right through to the last king that was interred here, who was King
Louis XVIII and is comparable with Westminster Abbey in England where people
still go and worship.
The architecture and the beautiful stained glass windows that were restored to
their former glory, make for an impressive building and today it remains the
largest museum of funerary sculpture in France, containing the tombs and
recumbent statues of over 70 kings and queens. Plus you will be pleased to know
that it is open every day of the year for people to go and visit.
There is something fascinating for everyone in St Denis and it is well worth a
short trip out if you have the time whilst you are on holiday in this incredible
area of France.
About the Author:
www.placesinfrance.com
Martyn Davis European Traveller, Author, Photographer and Business Development Manager, For all your French holiday needs and travel guide to France, with tourist information, landmarks and attractions - The Stade de France Stadium
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