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]
Eglise Saint-Sulpice, in the Odéon district - Video
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 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]
