One place you can visit in Saint-Denis is the Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis, which is a Gothic church that houses the tombs of many French monarchs. Additionally, there is the Musée d'art et d'histoire de Saint-Denis, which features exhibits on the city's history and art. If you're interested in visiting other museums nearby, you may consider going to the Louvre or the Musée d'Orsay, both of which are located in Paris which is about 10 kilometers away from Saint-Denis.
Some of the most recommended and popular dishes to eat in Saint-Denis, France include:
1. Coq au vin: This is a classic French dish made with chicken that has been marinated in red wine before being cooked.
2. Escargots de Bourgogne: This dish consists of snails cooked in garlic butter and served in their shells.
3. Steak frites: This is a simple but delicious dish of steak and French fries.
4. Ratatouille: A vegetable stew made with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, onions, and garlic.
5. Croissants: These flaky, buttery pastries are a quintessential French breakfast item.
6. Macarons: These are small, colorful sandwich cookies made with almond flour and filled with ganache or buttercream.
7. Bouillabaisse: A traditional fish soup originating from Marseille, which is about 800 km away from Saint-Denis, but it's still a popular dish in many regions of France.
Some fun activities that locals enjoy in Saint-Denis include:
1. Visiting the local market, Marché de Saint-Denis, which is open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Here you can find fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and other local specialties.
2. Taking a stroll through the Parc de la Légion d'Honneur, a beautiful park with walking paths, gardens, and a pond.
3. Watching a movie at the Cinéma L'Ecran, which shows independent and foreign films.
4. Attending a concert or show at the Théâtre Gérard Philipe, which hosts a variety of performances throughout the year.
5. Participating in a guided tour of the Basilique-cathédrale de Saint-Denis to learn more about the history and architecture of this important landmark.