There are over a hundred churches and chapels in Paris. These religious edifices, which often bear witness to the evolution of French history, are astonishingly diverse in their architecture. The most emblematic of these is undoubtedly the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral , enthroned in the heart of the City of Light. But we can't forget the Sacré-Coeur and its astonishing meringue-shaped structure that dominates the capital from the Montmartre hilltop.
Would you like to discover the most surprising churches in Paris and the Ile-de-France region? From well-known treasures to the most secret nuggets, we take you on a journey to discover the unusual churches that can be admired in the Paris region. On the menu: astonishing architecture, fascinating stories and the promise of great cultural discoveries. So you can set off to conquer these treasures of Parisian heritage!
By the way, stay tuned as this selection is enriched by our discoveries. Don't forget to check this page regularly for other surprising places in Paris. Now all you have to do is make your own program!
Did you know: which red-brick church dominates 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]
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-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]
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]
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]
The Saint-Sulpice Church, Paris's second-largest church, located in the Odéon neighborhood
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]
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 the Paris region, this thousand-year-old church stands out with its beautiful Renaissance-style portal.
In Cergy, Val-d’Oise, this church seamlessly blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, telling nearly a thousand years of architectural history in Île-de-France. A true gem of the region’s religious heritage! [Read more]
Yvelines: 13th-century Gothic chapel, now restored, saved by a painter
In Croissy-sur-Seine, in the Yvelines, a 13th-century Gothic chapel nearly vanished from view. The Saint-Léonard-and-Saint-Martin Chapel guards nearly a thousand years of history—marked by royal pilgrimages, mysterious relics, and an unexpected artistic rebirth. [Read more]
This former Protestant church in the Île-de-France region is now recognized as a site of regional heritage.
This former Protestant church surprises visitors with its unusual architecture in the Île-de-France region. Now listed as a site of regional heritage significance, this iconic location reflects the history of Protestantism in the Île-de-France area and remains open to the public during cultural events. [Read more]
This cathedral on the outskirts of Paris has a spaceship-like appearance.
On the outskirts of Paris, this cathedral captures the imagination with its striking modern architecture and its spaceship-like silhouette. A remarkable landmark in Val-de-Marne that challenges the conventional image of Île-de-France’s cathedrals. [Read more]
This cathedral in Seine-et-Marne is home to the only medieval wooden tower in the region.
In the heart of Meaux, the Saint-Étienne Cathedral instantly catches the eye with its strikingly unusual silhouette. Unlike its Parisian counterparts with their symmetric stone towers, its façade features a dark, massive structure. Known as the "Black Tower," it is the only cathedral tower in Île-de-France constructed from wood and slate. [Read more]
The striking design of this church near Paris evokes the image of a fin.
In Val-d’Oise, the Notre-Dame-des-Noues church in Franconville stands out with its contemporary design. Its polygonal shape and striking steeple resemble either a fin or a dorsal fin. This bold religious building symbolizes a fresh wave in sacred architecture across Île-de-France. [Read more]
In the Paris region, this church stands out with its striking retro-futuristic architectural style.
In Massy (Essonne), a suburb of Paris, the Lutheran Saint-Marc Church catches the eye with its striking retro-futuristic design—an uncommon sight in Île-de-France. Built in the latter half of the 20th century, it stands out from traditional places of worship with its bold lines and modernist aesthetic. [Read more]
In Essonne, this cylindrical cathedral stands out as one of the most unusual churches in the region.
In Évry-Courcouronnes, in Essonne, a cathedral both confounds and captivates visitors. With its cylindrical shape, red bricks, and trees planted atop its roof, the Cathedral of the Resurrection Saint-Corbinian stands out as one of the most unusual churches in Île-de-France — a daring symbol of a religious heritage that is decidedly modern. [Read more]
In Seine-et-Marne, a remarkable church that resembles a fortress
In Presles-en-Brie, Seine-et-Marne, the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption stands out with its imposing and fortress-like appearance. Hidden behind thick walls and a sturdy bell tower is a lesser-known fortified church, a silent witness to the turbulent times of the Middle Ages in Île-de-France. [Read more]
This charming rural church in the Île-de-France region has been designated as a Regional Heritage Site.
The Notre-Dame-en-Sa-Nativité Church in Voisins-le-Bretonneux stands as one of the last authentic remnants of rural religious architecture in Île-de-France. Its unadorned bell tower, locally-sourced materials, and still-active cemetery provide a rare glimpse into the heart of the region’s village life for centuries. In 2025, the church was officially designated as a regional heritage site by the Île-de-France Regional Council. [Read more]
An unconventional wooden church straight from the Carpates hidden right here in the Paris region!
In Limours, Essonne, there's a hidden treasure of heritage: a wooden Romanian Orthodox church, the only one of its kind in France, seemingly transported across the Carpathians to find a quiet spot in Île-de-France. Discover its fascinating story! [Read more]
In Essonne, this unusual chapel was decorated by Jean Cocteau... before he was buried here.
In the heart of Essonne, in Milly-La-Forêt, a mysterious XIIᵉ century chapel becomes, thanks to Jean Cocteau, a showcase of simplicity and resurrection - a real heritage jewel to (re)discover. In fact, it was the famous French artist's last home. Here's the story of Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples. [Read more]
Unusual: In Île-de-France, this leaning tower is nicknamed the Pisa of the North (91).
Did you know that in the Île-de-France region, more specifically in Essonne, there is a tower whose tilt is reminiscent of the Leaning Tower of Pisa? Here is the story of the Church of Saint-Martin d'Étampes and its astonishing leaning bell tower. [Read more]
After 40 years of closure, this church near Paris reopens to the public
The Eglise Sainte-Croix in Provins reopens its doors to the public after no less than 40 years of closure. While renovation and conservation work continues, the public can now visit this historic site in the medieval town. [Read more]
Le Skit du Saint-Esprit, the unusual treasure hidden in the Mesnil-Saint-Denis forest in the Yvelines department
Have you heard of the Skit du Saint-Esprit, a small Orthodox monastery nestling in the Bois de Fay at Mesnil-Saint-Denis in the Yvelines? This small edifice, which in fact forms 3 churches, reveals a veritable treasure trove hidden within, a must-see for lovers of the unusual and art history. [Read more]
Have you heard of this unusual church covered in mosaics in Seine-Saint-Denis?
In the town of Épinay-sur-Seine, in Seine-Saint-Denis, this astonishing church may well surprise you with its very special architecture. Introducing Notre-Dame-des-Missions-du-Cygne d'Enghien. [Read more]
The Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame de Mantes, nicknamed "the little sister of Notre-Dame de Paris".
In the Yvelines region, in the heart of the town of Mantes-La-Jolie, the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Mantes is one of the treasures of the Île-de-France region. This impressive church, listed as a Monument Historique, is also nicknamed "Notre-Dame de Paris's little sister". [Read more]
Did you know? There's an unusual troglodyte church in the Val d'Oise, just waiting to be discovered.
Did you know that in the Val d'Oise, the Church of the Annunciation at Haute-Isle is the only troglodyte church in the entire region? Carved directly into a chalk cliff and listed as a historic monument, it's an unusual nugget to discover. [Read more]
In Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, an unusual chapel on the water, open to all
Want to discover churches off the beaten track? Head for Conflans-Sainte-Honorine, in the Yvelines, to meet the boat "Je sers", a veritable chapel on the water since 1936... [Read more]
