Which Gothic cathedral near Paris is the burial place of French kings?

The Basilica of Saint-Denis, just north of Paris, is the burial place of French kings.

The church grew from a medieval abbey associated with Saint Denis, traditionally regarded as the first bishop of Paris. Its royal role developed over many centuries, and it became the principal necropolis of the French monarchy. Nearly every French king from the 10th century through Louis XVIII was buried there, along with queens, princes, and other members of the royal family.

Saint-Denis is also central to the history of Gothic architecture. Abbot Suger rebuilt the church’s western façade and choir in the 12th century; the choir was dedicated in 1144. Its pointed arches, rib vaults, and extensive stained-glass windows helped establish the architectural language later called Gothic.

The royal tombs suffered damage and desecration during the French Revolution, when many remains were removed from their graves. After the monarchy was restored, Louis XVIII ordered the recovery and reinterment of royal remains. The basilica therefore serves both as a major Gothic monument and as France’s historic royal mausoleum.