10 Best Churches to Visit in Paris
Paris is famous for its art, history, and incredible architecture, and its churches are no exception.
These sacred spaces are not only places of worship but also masterpieces that deserve admiration.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best churches to visit in Paris, ranging from famous landmarks like Notre Dame and Sacré-Cœur to lesser-known spots that still capture the magic of Parisian charm.
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Best Churches to Visit in Paris
1. Notre Dame
Notre Dame is the most famous church in Paris and one of the most important landmarks of the city.
Its construction began in 1163 under the reign of King Louis VII, being completed only 200 years later!
The Cathedral was built in a Gothic Style, and once finished, Notre Dame set a new standard for this architectural design, being a pioneer in the usage of flying buttresses, something that later became a very typical characteristic of Gothic churches.
Notre Dame was also the stage of important events throughout history, including the crowning of Henry VI of England.
During the Hundred Year’s War, and the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte as Emperor.
The church is a symbol of history and culture in the city of Paris.
Despite being damaged during the French Revolution, the Notre Dame cathedral regained its prestige after Victor Hugo’s novel The Hunchback of Notre Dame, growing public interest in the site again, and increasing the need for restoration and preservation of this beautiful site.
2. Sainte-Chapelle
Saint-Chapelle is a delight for the eyes, many consider this to be the most beautiful church in Paris.
King Louis IX commissioned this masterpiece, which was later canonized as Saint Louis, in the mid-13th century.
This royal chapel, which was finished in 1248, was built to house the King’s collection of Passion relics, including the Crown of Thorns.
When it was built, the Saint-Chapelle was part of the palace complex on Île de la Cité, part of the palace was later destroyed, but Saint-Chapelle remained untouched.
What makes this chapel stand out in the sea of beautiful churches in Paris is its unique interior.
Saint-Chapelle was designed in a “Rayonnant” style, a version of the Gothic Style that emphasizes the decoration rather than the height of the buildings.
Although one can be easily impressed by the high ceiling of this chapel, nothing is more striking than its decoration indeed.
Saint-Chapelle has 15 towering stained-glass windows, depicting over 1,100 biblical scenes and creating a breathtaking color and light for the chapel.
3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Overlooking Paris from the top of the Montmartre hill, is the unmistakable Sacré-Cœur Basilica, with its beautiful white dome that stands out in the landscape of the city.
The Basilica was finished in 1914, making it a relatively new building.
Its construction began in the 19th century as a vow after the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870.
The location was chosen due to the deeply spiritual meanings of Montmartre, which has long been seen as a martyrdom and devotion site.
The architectural style chosen for the Basilica is a mix of Romano-Byzantine architecture, differing from most traditional Gothic churches in Paris.
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica is also famous for housing one of the biggest mosaics in the world, depicting Christ in Majesty.
4. Saint-Sulpice Church
This is one of the biggest churches in Paris. Its construction began in 1646 and was only completed in the late 18th century.
With a neoclassical façade and two tall towers, its interior is as striking as its exterior.
Its chapels are very well decorated and include frescos by Eugène Delacroix.
The church also has one of the biggest organs in the world, and a gnomon, an astronomical measurement device designed to determine the position of the sun in the sky through a shadow on the ground.
5. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
It is one of the oldest churches in Paris, dating back to the 6th century! It was originally founded as an abbey by Childebert I, the Frankish King, and was intended to house some relics brought from Spain.
In the 11th century, the church was rebuilt in a Romanesque style, incorporating Gothic elements later on.
The church survived the Viking invasion and the French Revolution, having its abbey heavily destroyed in the later event.
However, the church was preserved and survived to the present day and stands now as a link to Paris’ medieval history.
Inside, the church is a masterpiece, its high ceiling and heavily painted walls and columns make this, one of the most beautiful churches to visit in Paris.
The paintings date back to the 19th century, some of them made by the French painter Hippolyte Flandrin, a student of Ingres.
The scenes depict biblical themes and saints.
6. Église de la Madeleine
The most unique church in the French capital, starting with its building, looks like a Greek temple.
At first, it is hard to recognize the Église de la Madeleine as a church, but once you get inside, you will be equally mesmerized.
La Madeleine’s construction began in 1763, but it was interrupted due to the French Revolution, delaying its completion until 1842.
During its delay, the purpose of the building was discussed many times, and shifting from church to a train station and even a temple to honor Napoleon’s army was considered.
In the end, it was consecrated as a Catholic Church dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
Inside, what calls attention the most, is its beautiful altar, featuring the sculpture The Penitent Magdalene by Charles Marochetti, depicting Mary Magdalene in a reverent pose.
In the dome, an impressive mosaic depicts Christ as a Judge surrounded by apostles and saints.
Nowadays the church is also famous for its musical tradition and hosts concerts and organ performances.
7. Saint-Eustache
Located near Les Halles, Saint-Eustache is a masterpiece of Gothic Architecture.
Built between 1532 and 1632, the church is easily recognized due to its massive building and unique architecture that mixes some Renaissance elements into it.
This church is very relevant to French history as the chosen place for many royal baptisms and funeral services, including that of King Louis XIV’s mother, Anne of Austria.
Inside, the church features one of the largest organs in France, and among its artworks are The Martyrdom of Saint Eustache, a dramatic painting by Simon Vouet.
8. Église Saint-Etienne-du-Mont
The Église Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is located in the Latin Quarter, near the Panthéon, and was built between the 15th and the 17th centuries.
Its architecture is a blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles, giving it a unique look, with a decorated façade and a single tower, making the church stand out among other Gothic churches.
The church houses, since the 18th century, the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris.
In its interior, what calls attention the most is its rood screen, created in 1535, it is now one of the last surviving ones in Paris.
9. Saint-Augustin Church
Saint-Augustin Church was built between 1860 and 1871 as part of Baron Haussmann’s urban renewal project that gave a new face to the city of Paris.
The church was designed by Victor Baltard, the same architect who designed Les Halles market.
The Saint Augustin Church mixes Romanesque and Byzantine elements, with the innovative usage of steel, which allowed for bigger spaces and a more open interior.
One of the highlights of this church is its dome, rising over 80 meters, and a beautiful statue of Joan d’Arc made by Antonin Mercié.
10. Saint-Philippe du Roule
Another very innovative building at the time, Saint-Philippe du Roule was built between 1774 and 1784, in a Neoclassical architectural style.
The church was designed by Jean Chalgrin, who would later design the Arc de Triomphe, and was inspired by early Christian Basilicas, featuring large columns, and an open and spacious nave, without side aisles.
All these elements made the church building depart from the ornate Baroque style, so popular during the 17th and early 18th centuries.
Inside, the church displays paintings by Abel del Pujol, and Merry-Joseph Blondel, depicting scenes of the Bible, that stand out so well in the simple yet elegant interior of the church.
