16 Best Churches
All these churches are free to visit (except the Holy Chapel and the dome of Sacré-Cœur).
They all belong to the Catholic faith.
Overview Table
| Name | Appeal | Main Style(s) | Years Built | Arr. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Notre-Dame | ★★★★★ | Gothic | 1163 - 1345 | 4 |
| 02 | Sacré-Cœur | ★★★★★ | Neo-Romanesque & Neo-Byzantine | 1875 - 1914 | 18 |
| 03 | Holy Chapel | ★★★★★ | Gothic | 1241 - 1248 | 1 |
| 04 | St. Marie-Madeleine | ★★★★☆ | Neo-Classical | 1764 - 1842 | 8 |
| 05 | St. Eustache | ★★★★☆ | Gothic | 1532 - 1633 | 1 |
| 06 | St. Germain-des-Prés | ★★★★☆ | Romanesque & Gothic | 1145 - 1696 | 6 |
| 07 | St. Augustin | ★★★☆☆ | Neo-Romanesque & Neo-Byzantine | 1860 - 1871 | 8 |
| 08 | St. Roch | ★★★☆☆ | Baroque | 1653 - 1754 | 1 |
| 09 | St. Louis en l'Ile | ★★★☆☆ | Baroque | 1624 - 1726 | 4 |
| 10 | St. Nicolas du Chardonnet | ★★★☆☆ | Classical | 1657 - 1768 | 5 |
| 11 | St. Etienne du Mont | ★★★☆☆ | Gothic & Renaissance | 1494 - 1624 | 5 |
| 12 | St. Sulpice | ★★★☆☆ | Baroque & Neo-Classical | 1646 - 1870 | 6 |
| 13 | St. Eugène St. Cécile | ★★☆☆☆ | Neo-Gothic | 1854 - 1855 | 9 |
| 14 | Notre-Dame des Victoires | ★★★☆☆ | Baroque | 1629 - 1740 | 2 |
| 15 | St. Severin | ★★☆☆☆ | Gothic | 1230 - 1495 | 5 |
| 16 | St. Merry | ★★☆☆☆ | Gothic | 1500 - 1565 | 4 |
01. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Cathedral
Cost Free
French Name
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
The construction of this masterpiece of French Gothic architecture began in 1163 and was completed in 1345, making it one of the oldest cathedrals in the world. The cathedral is renowned for its stunning stained glass windows, intricate sculptures, and flying buttresses, which exemplify the Gothic style.
It has been a significant site for numerous historical events, including royal ceremonies and the coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Notre-Dame has faced challenges, including a devastating fire in April 2019 that caused extensive damage. The cathedral remains a symbol of Paris and attracts millions of visitors each year, showcasing its enduring cultural and historical significance.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
02. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Basilica + Panorama
Cost Free or Paid
French Names
Sacré-Coeur
Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Located at the highest point in Paris, the famous basilica saw its construction start in 1875 and finish in 1914.
Renowned for its striking white domes and beautiful mosaics, it features a blend of Neo-Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine styles.
Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Paris from its dome via a paid access through a narrow 280-step staircase.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)
Dome
⚙️ Visitor Info (Official Website)
Apart from the stairs at the Louise Michel park, the ascent to the basilica’s entrance can also be made via the funicular (which operates with the same tickets as the city’s metro and buses).
03. Holy Chapel
Appeal ★★★★★
Type Church
Cost Paid
French Name
Sainte-Chapelle
Located within the Palais de la Cité, this Gothic royal chapel is known for its stunning stained-glass windows. It was originally built to house religious relics and is celebrated for its architectural beauty and historical significance.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
04. St. Marie-Madeleine Church
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Names
Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine
La Madeleine
The construction of this church began in 1764 and was completed in 1842. showcasing a neoclassical architectural style that resembles a Greek temple rather than a traditional church. This unique design features a Corinthian colonnade and lacks a typical cross, emphasizing its classical aesthetic.
The church serves as a parish and is notable for its historical significance, including its use as a temple of glory for Napoleon. Inside, it houses remarkable artworks, including a fresco depicting Christ surrounded by significant biblical figures.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
05. St. Eustache Church
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Eustache
This large church from the 16th century area combines Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It is known for its striking facade and impressive interior, which includes a magnificent organ. The church hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
06. St. Germain-des-Prés Church
Appeal ★★★★☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Abbaye Saint-Germain-des-Prés
This church is recognized as the oldest one in the city, originally built in the mid-6th century by King Childebert I, the son of Clovis, King of the Franks. The church was part of a Benedictine abbey and has undergone numerous renovations throughout its history, reflecting various architectural styles.
Notably, it features elements of Romanesque architecture and is one of the last remnants of Norman art in Paris.
The church has significant historical importance, also serving as a burial site for notable figures.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
07. St. Augustin Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Augustin
This church was built between 1860 and 1871. It is renowned for its architectural style that combines elements of Romanesque and Byzantine influences. The church is significant for its use of iron and steel, marking it as one of the first large structures to utilize these materials extensively.
The interior features a beautiful nave and a striking dome, contributing to its aesthetic appeal.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
08. St. Roch Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Roch
This Baroque church from the 17th century is famous for its grand architecture, elaborate interior, and rich history. It also hosts concerts and cultural events, making it a focal point for both religious and artistic gatherings.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
09. St. Louis en l'Ile Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Louis en l’Île
This church dates back to the 17th century. The church is dedicated to King Louis IX of France, also known as Saint Louis. It showcases a blend of Baroque and Classical architectural styles, characterized by its grand façade and richly decorated interior.
The church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural venue, hosting classical music and organ concerts.
10. St. Nicolas du Chardonnet Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Nicolas-du-Chardonnet
This church, constructed on the site of a former 13th-century church, dates from the 17th century and features a Classical style.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
11. St. Etienne du Mont Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Etienne-du-Mont
This church was constructed in the 16th century, it showcases a unique architectural style that blends Gothic and Renaissance elements.
It houses the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
12. St. Sulpice Church
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Sulpice
This church’s construction began in the 17th century, with its foundations dating back to the 12th century. The architecture showcases a blend of styles, such as Neo-Classical and Baroque, and features notable elements such as two imposing towers and a grand organ. Inside, visitors can admire exquisite artworks, including murals by Delacroix and a remarkable altar.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
13. St. Eugène St. Cécile Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Name
Église Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile
This church was onstructed between 1854 and 1855, it is notable for being the first church in France built with an entirely metal-framed structure.
It features a Neo-Gothic architectural style, characterized by its simple exterior that contrasts with its vibrant and colorful interior, which includes bright orange-yellow vaulted ceilings.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
14. Notre-Dame des Victoires Basilica
Appeal ★★★☆☆
Type Basilica
Cost Free
French Name
Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires
This basilica stands as a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, renowned for its stunning rose windows, intricate sculptures, and historical significance. Constructed over centuries, it has witnessed major events and renovations. The iconic structure remains a symbol of Paris’s religious and cultural heritage.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
15. St. Severin Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Paid
French Name
Église Saint-Sévérin
This church was constructed between the 13th and 15th centuries, showcasing the Flamboyant Gothic architectural style.
Its 13th-century bell tower houses the oldest bell in Paris.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
16. St. Merry Church
Appeal ★★☆☆☆
Type Church
Cost Free
French Names
Église Sainte-Merry
Église Sainte-Merri
This church was built in the 16th century, showcasing Flamboyant Gothic architecture. It is dedicated to Saint Mederic, a 7th-century abbot. The church features intricate stained glass windows and a striking façade.
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Exterior
🏞️ Google Images Overview – Interior
29 Secondary Churches
All Churches
To find other churches in Paris not mentioned on this website, you can check the Wikipedia page listing the religious buildings in Paris:
