Basilica Cathedral of Saint-Denis

The Basilique Royal de Saint-Denis is a large medieval abbey, famed as being the burial place of French royalty in Paris.

Its necropolis is home to hauntingly beautiful funeral sculptures, mausoleums, and tombs. The abbey itself is also one of the first examples of the Gothic-style and is therefore a must for architecture buffs.

In total, 42 kings, 32 queens, 63 princes and princesses lie here. And for those with a penchant for the macabre, you'll be able to take a look at the dried-up heart of Louis XVIII after exploring the various tombs and graves. With more than 70 Renaissance tombs, the royal necropolis of the Basilique Royal de Saint-Denis is the most important group of funerary sculptures from the 12th to the 16th centuries.

The cathedral is built on the site of a Roman cemetery and the burial site of the martyr Denis, who was said to have walked through Paris carrying his own head. If you're less interested in the gorey side of this ornate building, you can also check out some of the finest example of medieval stained-glass in the world here.