The term 'Patron Saint of France' can be broken down into two crossword solutions: DENIS (5 letters) and Denys (5 letters). DENIS is the French form of the name Dionysius, and Denys is the English form. Both names refer to Saint DENIS, the patron saint of France. He was a 3rd-century Christian martyr who was beheaded near Paris and is said to have picked up his head and walked for several miles before dying. He is often depicted in art carrying his severed head.