PR 2 - Water and history / in Saint Denis
The Cirkwi brief
The PR 2 trail, conceived by FFRandonnee Seine-Saint-Denis, offers a unique journey that marries the serenity of waterside paths with the vibrant narrative of Saint-Denis' historical tapestry. As you meander along the canal Saint-Denis, the route unfolds as a living gallery to the evolution of the area, from its industrial roots to its current-day allure as a hub for art and leisure. The Street-Art Avenue, adorned with almost twenty monumental artworks since 2016, infuses the promenade with a pulse of contemporary culture. This walk is not merely a physical journey but an exploration through time, culminating in the rich archaeological and architectural heritage of Saint-Denis, with the basilica standing as a monument to its illustrious past.
Technical Trail Breakdown
Spanning precisely 5.3 kilometers with a starting elevation at 29 meters and peaking at 45 meters, this route crafted by FFRandonnee Seine-Saint-Denis presents a mild ascent fluctuating between 59 to 69 meters in elevation gain. The walk is marked as accessible on foot, ideal for those seeking a modest yet engaging outdoor activity. Considering the distance and elevation variance, it showcases an excellent opportunity for beginners and seasoned walkers alike to engage with the environment and the historical context enriching Saint-Denis and its surroundings.
Seasonal Tips & Safety Advice
For those plotting to undertake this adventurous trail, it's pivotal to gear up appropriately spanning the year's diverse climates. Spring and autumn present the most favorable conditions, with nature's palette at its full bloom and mild temperatures enhancing your experience. Summers, while vibrant and energetic, call for sunscreen and hydration to combat the heat. Winters, though brisk, can offer a serene ambiance; however, it's wise to layer up and be wary of slippery paths. Regardless of the season, always ensure to keep to the marked trails and respect the sanctity of the artworks and historical sites along your journey.
Historical Essence of Saint-Denis
Saint-Denis, with its roots deeply entwined in France's royal and religious history, stands as a cornerstone of cultural and historical significance in the Île-de-France region. The destination’s crown jewel, the Basilique Saint-Denis, is not just a gothic architectural marvel but also serves as the resting place for French royalty, marking it as a pivotal site in understanding France's lineage. The convergence of art, history, and community along the canal Saint-Denis accentuates the city's resilience and evolution from its industrial era to becoming a beacon of cultural heritage and artistic expression.
Weather Insights & Optimal Visit Timing
The climate in the Île-de-France region, encapsulating Saint-Denis, is generally classified as temperate, with variations across the seasons. Summers are relatively warm, with temperatures peaking around 25°C, making it a splendid time for outdoor activities, although it's advisable to prepare for occasional rain. Winters are cool, averaging around 3°C, so warm clothing is essential for comfortable exploration. The transitional seasons of spring and autumn offer a balanced climate, ideal for enjoying the scenic walks and historical sites in comfort. For the best experience, visiting during late spring through early autumn is recommended, when the weather conditions are most conducive to outdoor exploration.
Technical informations
5.3 km
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max. 45 m
min. 29 m
59 m
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Styles : HikingBalade Public : FamilyOccasional hikersExperienced hikers Theme : Patrimony | ||||
Altimetric profile
Starting point
Steps
Suivre le canal
Prendre le quai de l'Allier puis le quai Gambetta. A noter : L'itinéraire du PR 2 "l'eau et l'histoire" est, en partie, commun avec celui du GR® 655 "Le Saint Jacques de Compostelle".
Passer l'écluse et suivre la Street Art Avenue
Suivre le canal par le quai François Mitterrand, en longeant la deuxième écluse "l'écluse des quatre-chemins".Sur toute la longueur du canal, vous cheminez sur la STREET-ART AVENUE.
Continuer sur le quai
Poursuivre sur le quai Jean Marie Tjibaou.
Longer le canal jusqu'a la passerelle
Toujours cheminer sur le quai du Canal, en longeant une nouvelle écluse.Vous apercevrez le Stade de France sur votre gauche, la Basilique, et plusieurs œuvres monumentales de Street-Art.
Rejoindre le parc de la Légion d'Honneur
Au niveau de la passerelle face Stade de France, tourner à droite sur le mail du Cours du Ru de Montfort, continuer jusqu'à l'avenue Leroy des Barres afin de la prendre par la gauche, ensuite sur la droite suivre l'avenue Jeanne d'Arc jusqu'au parc de Légion d'Honneur.
Le parc de la Légion d'Honneur
Traverser le parc de la Légion d'Honneur par la gauche.
Rejoindre la Basilique Saint-Denis
A sa sortie, traverser la rue Pinel pour prendre la rue Haguette puis à droite la rue de Légion d'Honneur, tourner à gauche pour suivre la rue des Carmélites, à droite la rue Gabriel Péri jusqu'à la rue de la Boulangerie, la suivre et prendre à droite la rue des Boucheries ensuite la rue du Cygne, pour rejoindre l’office de tourisme.
Points of interest
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Saint-Denis
Le musée d'art et d'histoire de la ville de Saint-Denis est un musée municipal installé en 1981 dans l'ancien carmel. Le carmel de Saint-Denis, créé par le cardinal Pierre de Bérulle est la 37e fondation en France de l'ordre de Notre-Dame du Mont-Carmel1 depuis que le pape Clément VIII, à la requête de Mademoiselle de Longueville fonda la congrégation des religieuses carmélites de France selon la réforme de Sainte-Thérèse, le treizième de novembre 1603. On peut accéder au cloître, aux jardins, à la chapelle Pour en savoir plus : www.musee-saint-denis.fr/ Les principales collections du musée - Archéologie médiévale ; Archéologie industrielle - Art religieux - Le Carmel ; L'Hôtel-Dieu et son apothicairerie - Le Siège et la Commune de Paris - Honoré Daumier ; Fonds Francis Jourdain; Fonds Paul Éluard
Tourist Information Grand Paris Plaine Commune
Discover our territory, from the canals, our street art festival, and of course our web site www.tourisme-plainecommune-paris.com/
Basilica Saint-Denis
The Basilica of Saint Denis (French: Basilique royale de Saint-Denis, or simply Basilique Saint-Denis) is a large medieval abbey church in the city of Saint-Denis, now a northern suburb of Paris. The building is of unique importance historically and architecturally as its choir, completed in 1144, shows the first use of all of the elements of Gothic architecture. The site originated as a Gallo-Roman cemetery in late Roman times. The archeological remains still lie beneath the cathedral; the people buried there seem to have had a faith that was a mix of Christian and pre-Christian beliefs and practices.Around 475 St. Genevieve purchased some land and built Saint-Denys de la Chapelle. In 636 on the orders of Dagobert I the relics of Saint Denis, a patron saint of France, were reinterred in the basilica. The relics of St-Denis, which had been transferred to the parish church of the town in 1795, were brought back again to the abbey in 1819. The basilica became a place of pilgrimage and the burial place of the French Kings with nearly every king from the 10th to the 18th centuries being buried there, as well as many from previous centuries. (It was not used for the coronations of kings, that function being reserved for the Cathedral of Reims; however, French Queens were commonly crowned there.) "Saint-Denis" soon became the abbey church of a growing monastic complex. In the 12th century the Abbot Suger rebuilt portions of the abbey church using innovative structural and decorative features. In doing so, he is said to have created the first truly Gothic building.[3] The basilica's 13th-century nave is the prototype for the Rayonnant Gothic style, and provided an architectural model for many medieval cathedrals and abbeys of northern France, Germany, England and a great many other countries. The abbey church became a cathedral in 1966 and is the seat of the Bishop of Saint-Denis. Although known as the "Basilica of St Denis", the cathedral has not been granted the title of Minor Basilica by the Vatican. From : en.wikipedia.org/wiki/basilica_of_st_denis
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