Travel

10 Stunning Churches in Paris You’ll Want to Visit

Whether you’re a history lover, architecture enthusiast, or simply want a quiet break from the bustle of the city, the churches in Paris offer something truly special. From Gothic masterpieces to Romanesque treasures tucked into charming neighborhoods, these sacred spaces tell the story of the city—and are often free to enter.

Here’s my curated list of the most beautiful and fascinating churches in Paris, from the iconic to the quietly unforgettable.

1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris (4th Arrondissement)

The iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with its Gothic architecture and twin towers
Notre-Dame is still the soul of Paris, even during its restoration. Image source: Pexels

No list of churches in Paris would be complete without Notre-Dame. Although it was badly damaged by the 2019 fire, its restoration is nearly complete, with a reopening expected in December 2024. Until then, visitors can admire the exterior and nearby exhibitions. The Gothic façade, flying buttresses, and towers are among the most recognizable in the world.

📍4 Place du Parvis Notre-Dame, 75004 Paris
🎟 Open to visit, with or without reservations. Prepare for lines and large crowds.

2. Sacré-Cœur Basilica (18th Arrondissement)

Exterior of the white-domed Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre under a cloudy sky
The Sacré-Cœur shines above Paris from its perch in Montmartre. Image credit: Pexels

Perched at the summit of Montmartre, the Sacré-Cœur offers panoramic views of Paris and one of the most peaceful interiors in the city. While it’s often crowded on the steps outside, the basilica itself retains a quiet reverence. Bonus: the mosaics inside are some of the largest and most stunning in Europe.

📍35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris
🎟 Free entry, no reservation needed

3. Église Saint-Sulpice (6th Arrondissement)

The Saint-Sulpice church facade lit by golden evening light with clear blue sky
Saint-Sulpice—striking at any time of day, glowing at golden hour.

This Left Bank church gained international fame thanks to The Da Vinci Code, but it’s been a Parisian landmark since long before Dan Brown. It’s the second-largest church in Paris after Notre-Dame, with dramatic twin towers, a powerful organ, and beautiful murals by Delacroix. Don’t miss the gnomon and astronomical line—a fascinating historical detail.

📍Place Saint Sulpice, 75006 Paris
🎟 Free entry

4. Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th Arrondissement)

Gothic vaulted ceiling and starry blue interior of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris
The star-studded vaulted ceiling of Saint-Germain-des-Prés—one of the most iconic and historic churches in Paris.

The oldest church in Paris and a jewel of the Saint-Germain neighborhood. Recently restored, the ceiling’s rich blue and gold details now shine as they once did in the Middle Ages. It’s peaceful, historic, and rarely overcrowded—a perfect cultural pause while shopping or strolling in the area.

📍3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris
🎟 Free entry

5. Sainte-Chapelle (1st Arrondissement)

Sunlight shining through the towering stained glass windows of Sainte-Chapelle in Paris
A kaleidoscope of light—Sainte-Chapelle never fails to awe. Image credit: Pexels

A Gothic marvel built to house relics of the Passion, Sainte-Chapelle is most famous for its 15 towering stained glass windows that fill the upper chapel with kaleidoscopic light. You can book a timed entry ticket online in advance—or line up for entry. If you visit just one Gothic chapel in Paris, make it this one.

📍8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris
🎟 Entry from €11.50; book ahead to avoid the queue

6. Église Saint-Roch (1st Arrondissement)

Façade of Église Saint-Roch with classical columns and sculptures
A quiet beauty tucked near Rue Saint-Honoré.

Tucked away near Rue Saint-Honoré, Saint-Roch is a favorite among artists and creatives. Its elongated nave is flooded with light, and it’s often the site of classical concerts. You’ll also find monuments dedicated to famous French artists—fitting for a church that once welcomed the likes of Diderot and Molière.

📍296 Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 Paris
🎟 Free entry

7. Église Saint-Eustache (1st Arrondissement)

Exterior of Saint-Eustache with Gothic arches and Renaissance touches
Saint-Eustache stuns with its scale, acoustics, and glass.

This awe-inspiring church near Les Halles blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and is known for its massive pipe organ—one of the largest in France. The space is grand yet serene, with regular classical concerts and stunning stained glass windows.

📍2 Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris
🎟 Free entry

8. Basilique Saint-Clotilde (7th Arrondissement)

Neo-Gothic church of Saint-Clotilde with symmetrical towers and garden surroundings
A hidden gem for architecture lovers and concertgoers.

A lesser-known gem with twin spires and a peaceful setting in a lovely, residential part of the 7th arrondissement. The church’s Neo-Gothic design and quiet garden make it a wonderful stop if you’re nearby (perhaps after a visit to the Musée Rodin or the Seine). It’s also known for its rich musical program.

📍23B Rue Las Cases, 75007 Paris
🎟 Free entry

9. The American Church in Paris (7th Arrondissement)

Interior view of the American Church in Paris during a concert with choir and audience
A riverside community hub with concerts, stained glass, and a welcoming spirit.

This interdenominational Protestant church is worth a visit if you’re craving a sense of community or are interested in English-language services. Architecturally, it’s less ornate than others on this list, but it offers beautiful stained glass, a riverside location, and a welcoming atmosphere with concerts and events throughout the year.

📍65 Quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris
🎟 Free entry

10. Église de la Madeleine (8th Arrondissement)

Neoclassical façade of Église de la Madeleine resembling a Roman temple
Equal parts temple and church, La Madeleine anchors the 8th with grandeur.

This grand Neoclassical church resembles a Roman temple and sits at the heart of Paris’s luxury shopping district. Inside, it’s atmospheric and occasionally hosts fashion shows or state funerals. It’s also known for its rich music programming, including organ and choral concerts.

📍Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris
🎟 Free entry

Tips for Visiting Churches in Paris

  • Dress respectfully – Shoulders and knees covered is ideal.
  • Silence your phone – Even outside of services, churches remain places of prayer.
  • Check schedules – Some churches close during midday or host regular concerts or exhibitions.
  • Visit in the morning – It’s often quieter, and the light is beautiful for stained glass photography.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn by architecture, history, faith, or atmosphere, the churches in Paris are more than religious buildings—they’re living museums of the city’s soul. From Saint-Sulpice to Sainte-Chapelle, each one tells a story. If you only have time for a few, choose one famous and one lesser-known. You’ll get a fuller, more intimate picture of the spiritual heart of Paris.

Similar Posts