Regardless of your religious beliefs, Paris’s amazing churches and cathedrals have a lot to offer visitors. Their incredible architecture and priceless pieces of art provide a window into French culture of both past and present. These are the ones you’ll want to make sure to add to your itinerary…
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Paris is home to some of the most beautiful and historic churches in the world. From Gothic masterpieces to Renaissance gems, these churches offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the French capital.
We recommend popping in any intriguing church you come across while wandering around the city — please do be respectful of worshippers when inside — but these seven sanctuaries are the ones you absolutely won’t want to miss.
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- La Sainte-Chapelle
- Basilique du Sacré-Coeur
- Eglise Saint-Sulpice
- Eglise Saint-Eustache
- Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Eglise Saint-Paul Saint-Louis
- Bonus: Basilique de Saint-Denis
1. Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of the most famous churches in the world, Paris’s Notre Dame Cathedral is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture. The building, which dates back to the 12th century, is famous for its intricate carvings and stunning rose windows, not to mention all its appearances in literature and film.
You used to be able to climb the towers of the cathedral for a breathtaking view of Paris, however, this part of the cathedral is still closed since the fire of April 2019. Even if you can’t currently go up to the top of Notre Dame, the UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a must for anyone visiting Paris. And you can once again go inside!
Notre Dame de Paris
6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
Mon-Fri: 07:50-19:00, Thurs 07:50-22:00. Sat & Sun: 08:15-19:30.
Metro Line 4: Cité
2. La Sainte-Chapelle
This 13th-century Gothic chapel is known for its stunning stained glass. Built for the personal use of King Louis IX, La Sainte-Chapelle is one of the few remaining vestiges of the royal palace that once occupied the Ile de la Cité, along with La Conciergerie. With its high walls and colorful windows, it’s a surprisingly intimate oasis of serenity and beauty in the heart of the city.
If you’re in town at the right time, you may even be able to enjoy a classical music concert in this incredible setting. It’s a Parisian experience you won’t forget.
It’s worth noting that this is one of the only churches in Paris that is not free to enter. Tickets for La Sainte-Chapelle can be purchased online ahead of time or on-site.
La Sainte-Chapelle
10 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
Open every day 09:00-17:00
Metro Line 4: Cité
Tickets 11.50€, free under 26 years old with ID
Get your tickets for the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris
3. Basilique du Sacré-Cœur
This white marble basilica perched atop the hill of Montmartre offers one of the best views of Paris. The Sacré-Cœur was built in the late 19th century and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The view from the steps in front of the basilica is one not to miss, providing you with a fantastic vantage point to look out over the city.
The Sacred Heart Church of Paris isn’t only worth visiting for its picturesque surroundings; its interiors offer lovely mosaics and frescoes you’ll want to admire as well.
Urbansider Tip: Read up on the scams to watch out for in Paris before visiting, as this is a very popular spot for pickpockets and con artists.
Basilique du Sacré-Coeur, Sacred Heart Basilica
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
Open every day 06:00-22:30
Metro Line 2: Anvers; Metro Line 12: Abbesses, Lamarck – Caulaincourt
After visiting this must-see landmark, discover a different side of this iconic Paris neighborhood by taking a unique walking tour of Montmartre.
4. Eglise Saint-Sulpice
This 18th-century Paris church is known for its unique architecture and immense size.
The second-largest church in Paris after Notre Dame, Saint-Sulpice is home to a huge organ, an interesting astronomical measurement device (called a gnomon), and multiple murals by famed French Romantic artist Eugène Delacroix.
A great example of the Baroque style, it should certainly be on your list if you’re interested in architecture and the history of art. The area around the church is also full of shops that warrant a detour.
Eglise Saint-Sulpice
2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris
Open every day 08:00-19:45
Metro Line 4: Saint-Sulpice, Metro Line 10: Mabillon
5. Eglise Saint-Eustache
This 16th-century gem is one of the most impressive churches in Paris, combining Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles. Saint-Eustache also happens to be right next to the popular shopping mall Les Halles.
Known for its imposing architecture and ornate decoration, the church also boasts one of the largest pipe organs in all of France. And, like many of the other églises on our list, its expansive interiors include several stunning frescoes and sculptures.
Eglise Saint-Eustache
2 Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris
Open Mon-Fri 09:30-19:00, Sat 10:00-19:00, Sun 09:00-19:00
Metro Line 4: Les Halles
6. Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Situated just across from the famous Left Bank café Les Deux Magots, the Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés is one of the oldest churches in Paris with a history dating back to the 6th century. The present-day church blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, with a striking façade featuring a single bell tower.
Inside, the Roman-Catholic church has colorful frescoes, a magnificent organ, and intricate stained glass windows. This former abbey has played an important role in the cultural and intellectual history of Paris, associated with several famous figures such as French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre who was a fixture of the nearby café terraces.
Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
3 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris
Open Tues-Fri 08:30-20:00, Sun-Mon 09:30-20:00
Metro Line 4: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
7. Eglise Saint-Paul Saint-Louis
If you’re walking around Le Marais, you’ll no doubt come across the pretty Eglise Saint-Paul Saint-Louis, more commonly referred to as simply Saint Paul. Markedly different from the façades of most other churches in Paris, the exterior of the 17th-century structure features a fantastic clock as well as enticing bright red doors.
But it’s not only the outside that’s exceptional; inside you’ll find a blend of architectural styles, an incredible and atypical central dome, and noteworthy artworks.
Paroisse Saint-Paul Saint-Louis
99 Rue St. Antoine, 75004 Paris
Open every day 08:00-20:00
Metro Line 1: Saint-Paul
Bonus: Basilique de Saint-Denis
Alright, so this church isn’t technically in Paris, but if you’re up for taking a 20-minute metro ride to the northern suburb of Saint-Denis, the Saint Denis Basilica is definitely worth the trip.
While its architecture may not be as notable as the other churches on this list, its one-of-a-kind royal necropolis more than makes up for it. The ornate tombs of over 100 French kings, queens, princes, and princesses, known as gisants, fill the crypt of this cathedral. History buffs and French culture enthusiasts ought to add la Basilique de Saint-Denis to their bucket lists.
Like the Sainte-Chapelle, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to visit the Saint-Denis Basilica. Tickets can be purchased here, on the monument’s official website, or on-site.
Basilique de Saint-Denis
1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 93200 Saint-Denis
Open Mon-Sat: 10:00-17:15, Sun: 12:00-17:15
Metro Line 13: Basilique de Saint-Denis
Tickets: 9.50€, free under 26 years old with ID
Get your tickets to the Saint-Denis Basilica in Paris
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