The choir stalls at Saint Denis Cathedral were made in the early 16th century for the high chapel of the Chateau de Gaillon, the summer palace of Georges d'Amboise, the Cardinal Archbishop of Rouen, who spent many years in Italy. He was familiar with Renaissance art and was a patron of a number of Italian artists. Consequently, these masterpieces of woodworking played a role in the introduction of the Italian Renaissance into France.

Nicholas and Colin Castille from Rouen were the chief artisans who carved the stalls, c. 1506-09, while working at the Chateau de Gaillon with the first team of Italian artists imported into France. The quality of the carvings and the marquetry panels covering almost every surface are exceptional by any standard. These are probably the most significant works of art salvaged from the ruins of the chateau after the French Revolution. The stalls were brought to Saint Denis in 1913 after suffering many indignities at the hands of clerics, museum curators and art dealers who cut them in pieces and sold them to collectors. Fortunately, they were reassembled and restored. Sadly, they are given very little attention at the cathedral.