Behind their façades, the churches of Paris guard a substantial portion of the capital's artistic heritage. The City of Light alone boasts 85 churches (!), many of which are protected as Monuments historiques, and around 40,000 works are preserved within its religious buildings.
From Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of Paris’s oldest churches, to Saint-Eustache with its striking blend of Gothic and Renaissance, nearly every district has its own architectural jewel. Saint-Sulpice hides Delacroix’s paintings in the Angels’ Chapel, while the surprises with its temple-like appearance, its 52 Corinthian columns and its lack of a bell tower.
These places are worth visiting for more than their religious dimension. Stained glass, paintings, sculptures, painted interiors, architecture and monumental organs turn some churches into genuine museums you can explore on a stroll. Saint-Eustache even houses a work by Keith Haring, proof that ancient heritage and contemporary creation can share the same walls!
Known or more discreet, on the way to the most beautiful churches in Paris to visit, arrondissement after arrondissement.
The Church of Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, a Gothic jewel facing the Louvre
Just outside the Louvre, why not take a look at the Eglise Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, a beautiful church in the 1st arrondissement of Paris? [Read more]
Saint-Roch Church, a Baroque treasure in the 1st arrondissement
During the French Revolution, the Church of Saint-Roch was caught in the crossfire. Centuries later, it has once again become a beautiful, imposing church, containing real treasures, such as the divinely painted choir vault and the relief-like Chapelle de la Vierge. A must-see in Paris's 1st arrondissement! [Read more]
Saint-Eustache Church, the monumental church that dominates the Halles district.
You can’t wander through Les Halles without a stop at Saint-Eustache Church, which towers over the district. Shall we drop by? [Read more]
The Sainte-Chapelle and its 1113 stained-glass windows, a true Gothic jewel in Paris
The Sainte-Chapelle is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful buildings in Paris, with its 1113 colorful stained-glass windows depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments. This 800-year-old Gothic gem becomes a magical place under the sun. [Read more]
The Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church, 800 years of history behind Paris's City Hall
The Eglise Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais is an example of a successful mix of different architectural styles. Classical, Gothic, Renaissance... the building and its impressive façade are a must-see in the 4th arrondissement. [Read more]
L'Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l'Île, a Baroque gem worth discovering on Île Saint-Louis
The Eglise Saint-Louis-en-l'Ile is a beautiful, richly decorated church not to be missed on your stroll around the Île Saint-Louis! [Read more]
Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church, the Marais' stunning Baroque church
The Eglise Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis, in the Marais district, is a place that takes us back into the history of Paris. With its impressive dome and Delacroix painting on the walls, it's a must-see in the 4th arrondissement. [Read more]
All you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, tours, reservations, events
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world. [Read more]
Did you know? A devil sculpture hides on the façade of this Paris church.
Forget angels and saints: a church in the heart of Paris hides a far more demonic creature on its façade. Just behind the Centre Pompidou, Saint-Merri Church conceals one of the most astonishing Gothic secrets. [Read more]
Saint-Séverin Church, one of the great Gothic churches of the Latin Quarter.
The Eglise Saint-Séverin, in the heart of the Latin Quarter, is a fine example of Gothic architecture that takes us back to medieval Paris. [Read more]
The Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, the historic church that sits just steps from the Panthéon
The Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont houses the remains of Sainte-Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, as well as a little marvel rarely seen elsewhere that will delight connoisseurs. [Read more]
This church facing Notre-Dame, one of the oldest in Paris, houses a Byzantine treasure.
In the shade of René-Viviani Square, the church of Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre defies time with quietly captivating discretion. While its façade may look modest, it houses one of Paris's most singular liturgical treasures: a monumental iconostasis. A sacred pause just steps from the bustle of the Seine riverside scene. [Read more]
This hidden chapel in the Latin Quarter was designed by the architect of the Arc de Triomphe.
Did you know that nestled in the heart of the Latin Quarter is an overlooked masterpiece by the architect of the Arc de Triomphe? Serving as the headquarters for the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, the chapel on Rue Lhomond remains largely unknown to the public, yet it houses an extraordinary and remarkable interior. [Read more]
Notre-Dame du Val-de-Grâce church, a royal edifice near the hospital in the Latin Quarter
Did you know that the Val-de-Grâce church was built at the request of Queen Anne of Austria, in gratitude for the birth of her son, Louis XIV? A majestic building in the 5th arrondissement, the church can be visited at the same time as the Musée du Service de Santé des Armées. [Read more]
La Chapelle de La Sorbonne: the little-known architectural jewel of Parisian universities
Built in the 17th century in the Latin Quarter, the Sorbonne chapel embodies the elegance of French classicism, houses the tomb of Richelieu, and bears witness to the intellectual and architectural prestige of the ancient University of Paris. Inaccessible for over 25 years, it is due to reopen to the public in a few years' time. [Read more]
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, the heart of the Latin Quarter
The beautiful church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés has been through destruction and reconstruction. Fortunately, it's still standing today. And it's one of the last vestiges of Romanesque art in Paris! [Read more]
Saint-Sulpice Church, Paris's second-largest church, in the Odéon district
The Eglise Saint-Sulpice is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in Paris, and the second largest church in the city after Notre-Dame-de-Paris. It's well worth an extended detour! [Read more]
This unassuming chapel in Paris’s 6th arrondissement conceals a magnificent Italian Baroque interior.
Behind a rather restrained façade on Rue de Vaugirard, the Church of Saint-Joseph-des-Carmes holds a surprise: a painted dome, trompe-l’œil, gilding and richly decorated chapels transport visitors to 17th‑century Italian Baroque. [Read more]
The Dome Church and Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Church, two faces of Paris's history.
The Dome Church and the Saint-Louis-des-Invalides Church are actually one and the same building at the Invalides in Paris. Here’s the full story. [Read more]
Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse, a discreet chapel that hides a site of worldwide pilgrimage
Nestled on rue du Bac in Paris’s 7th arrondissement, the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal draws millions of pilgrims from around the globe each year. Behind its unassuming façade lies a fascinating story that blends Marian apparitions, religious heritage, and popular devotion. Discover the secrets of this emblematic Paris landmark and the visiting guidelines. [Read more]
Can you visit this Russian cathedral with its golden domes in Paris?
With its five gilded domes gleaming along the banks of the Seine, the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity intrigues as much as it impresses. Many passersby think it is closed to the public. Yet it is indeed possible to enter… if you know the right information. [Read more]
The Church of La Madeleine, an ancient temple in the very heart of Paris.
The Eglise de la Madeleine as we know it today is the one Napoleon I imagined. Except that, at the time, the building was not intended to be a church, but a Temple of Glory dedicated to the Grande Armée. Its Greco-Roman architecture remains fascinating to this day. [Read more]
Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral, the Russian Orthodox Church of Paris
Paris is home to a magnificent Russian Orthodox cathedral in the 8th arrondissement, the Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. It’s not a sight you usually come across in Paris streets, and its richly decorated interior is open to visitors. [Read more]
Saint-Augustin Church, a monumental silhouette in the heart of Haussmannian Paris.
Eglise Saint-Augustin is a stunning church. With its prominent metal frame and many architectural styles, it's unlike any other. What's more, it was completely renovated from 2016 to 2018, and is even more beautiful today. [Read more]
Le Couvent de l'Annonciation, discover this church and its secret cloister in the heart of Paris's 8th arrondissement.
In the 8th arrondissement of Paris, a church with Byzantine charm and an Art Deco cloister are hidden away at the Couvent de l'Annonciation. Founded by the Dominicans in 1613, this discreet and inspiring site is open to visitors free of charge all year round. [Read more]
The Chapelle Expiatoire in Paris, the monument erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette
The Chapelle Expiatoire is one of Paris's hidden monuments. Erected in memory of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, this historic site is well worth a visit! [Read more]
The Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile Church, a striking Neo-Gothic interior in the 9th arrondissement
The Church of Saint-Eugène Sainte-Cécile is a sight to behold. Metal framework, a plethora of flamboyant stained glass windows, starry vaulting... It's one of the most beautiful churches in Paris. [Read more]
Eglise de la Sainte-Trinité: the 9th arrondissement's imposing edifice, recognizable by its bell tower
With its imposing allure and 65-meter steeple, the Church of the Holy Trinity has dominated the Chaussée-d'Antin district for over 150 years. Behind its façade lies a history of Haussmannian modernity. [Read more]
Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church: the building designed by the same architect as Gare du Nord
The Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church, in the 10th arrondissement, boasts striking neoclassical architecture dating from the 19th century, set in the heart of the former Saint-Lazare precinct. A sanctuary with two twin towers that houses unique treasures. [Read more]
Closed for nearly twenty years, this Parisian chapel that has been desacralized is turning into a home.
Situated in the heart of Paris, this chapel has undergone major renovations. It is now open to the public after around twenty years of work: this summer, free activities await you there! [Read more]
St. Margaret's Church, the discreet church of the 11th arrondissement with a rich history
A little-known church for Parisians and tourists alike, the Eglise Sainte-Marguerite is well worth a visit. It is even rumored that Louis XVII is buried in the adjoining cemetery... [Read more]
Notre-Dame-du-Travail church and its incredible metal structure
Built at the beginning of the 20th century to welcome the faithful workers of the 14th arrondissement, the Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Travail reveals a breathtaking structure of iron and steel. [Read more]
In Paris, an astonishing brick chapel tucked away within a convent
While the iconic Parisian cathedrals are widely celebrated, some lesser-known, more recent buildings are equally worth exploring. Today, we're taking you to the 14th arrondissement to uncover a surprising, brick-built chapel nestled within a Franciscan convent. [Read more]
Saint-Pierre-de-Chaillot church, a curious monument between Byzantine art and concrete in the 16th arrondissement
Nestled in the 16th arrondissement, the Saint-Pierre-de-Chaillot church impresses with its Romanesque-Byzantine architecture in rough concrete, and its exceptional frescoes and tympanum. This monumental edifice, at once austere and fascinating, is home to a unique spiritual and artistic heritage, part of Parisian history. [Read more]
Saint-Michel des Batignolles Church, the beautiful red-brick church of the 17th arrondissement.
Walking - pedaling or driving, as the case may be - from Guy Môquet station to La Fourche, you'll notice this beautiful church, which stands out for the color of its brick. [Read more]
Sacré-Cœur de Paris, the must-see basilica atop Montmartre hill
The Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is one of Paris's must-see monuments. But how much do you know about its history and treasures? We'll take you on a tour of this edifice perched atop the Butte Montmartre, and take a look at what's happening there at the moment! [Read more]
This church, one of the oldest and most overlooked in Paris, gave its name to the Chapelle district.
In the north of Paris, near Gare du Nord and the Porte de la Chapelle, a discreet church has left its mark on the map of the capital. As heir to a very ancient sanctuary, it lent its name to the old village and then to the Chapelle district, one of the most historied corners of the 18th arrondissement. [Read more]
The Saint-Pierre de Montmartre church, a jewel of Gothic style in Paris
Église Saint-Pierre de Montmartre is one of Paris' hidden treasures. One of the capital's oldest parish churches, it's well worth a visit. [Read more]
The unusual Saint-Serge de Radonège church in Buttes-Chaumont: A hidden Parisian treasure
In the heart of Paris's Buttes-Chaumont district lies the unusual Saint-Serge de Radonège church. Not visible from the street, in the 19th arrondissement, this church is an architectural nugget waiting to be discovered. [Read more]
Saint-Germain Church in Charonne, a well-preserved village church in the 20th arrondissement
The setting for a number of films, including Lautner's classic Les Tontons Flingueurs, the Eglise Saint-Germain de Charonne has retained its charm as a small church in the center of the old village of Charonne. [Read more]
Saint-Jean-Bosco church, an Art Deco masterpiece in Paris's 20th arrondissement
In the heart of Paris's 20th arrondissement stands the Saint-Jean-Bosco church, an art deco masterpiece dating from the 1930s. Discover this secret and unusual treasure of Parisian heritage. [Read more]
Discover the locations of all these addresses by clicking the map at the bottom of the article
The most beautiful churches in Île-de-France to discover on a leisurely stroll
Île-de-France hides some beautiful churches just a few kilometres from Paris. From Val-d’Oise to Seine-et-Marne, via the Yvelines, discover the region’s most beautiful churches to visit. [Read more]
The most beautiful churches in Île-de-France to discover on a leisurely stroll
