In order, in the case of a roof rail, which is to be fastened to a roof structure of a motor vehicle and which has a load-absorbing rail profile which is fastened to the motor vehicle via fastening means acting on a fastening leg, to make it possible, with a simultaneously simple manufacturing capability, to securely and permanently mount a decoration of very high-grade appearance, provision is made to connect a decorative profile to the rail profile via the fastening leg.