If you had planned to visit Notre-Dame de Paris on September 24, 25 or 26, 2026, a change of plans is in order: the famous Parisian cathedral will be exceptionally closed to the public because of the arrival of Pope Leo XIV. An opportunity then arises: to discover the remarkable churches hidden in the capital, sometimes too little known, whether for a moment of prayer, a Mass, or a visit
Notre-Dame to close for several days for the Pope's visit: dates to note
Notre-Dame will be closed to the public from September 24 to 26 to mark the visit of Leo XIV, with several restrictions around the Île de la Cité. [Read more]
From the top of the Montmartre hill, the basilique du Sacré-Cœur and its immaculate whiteness dominate Paris, while near the Louvre and on the Halles side, Saint-Germain de l'Auxerrois and Saint-Eustache captivate passers-by with their Gothic architectures. And in the maze of Parisian streets, surprising buildings are worth getting to know.
One can thus stumble upon, while wandering a street in the 20th arrondissement, an imposing art deco church that suddenly reveals itself to passers-by, while a more discreet building in the 14th displays a metal structure. And the great discoveries don’t stop at Paris: beyond the périphérique, the necropolis of the kings of France tucked inside the basilica Saint-Denis awaits history enthusiasts.
Ready to dive in? Has your curiosity been sparked? Here are the remarkable churches to discover in Paris and Île-de-France.
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]
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]
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-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]
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]
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-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-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]
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 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 Pantheon in Paris: prices, opening hours, tour and history of this emblematic monument
The Paris Pantheon, an emblematic monument in the heart of the capital, reveals the history of France's great personalities. Originally a church dedicated to Sainte Geneviève, the Panthéon is open all year round, giving you the chance to discover its rich heritage and architectural secrets. [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]
Saint-Louis Church in Fontainebleau, the other royal landmark in Seine-et-Marne
Saint-Louis Church in Fontainebleau watches over the town center, right beside the château, since the reign of Henry IV. Commissioned by Marie de Médicis and later redesigned under Napoleon III, this parish church in Seine-et-Marne is being rediscovered in 2026, after a long restoration campaign. [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]
Saint-Denis Basilica, the necropolis of the Kings of France in Saint-Denis (93), discover its history
How about (re)discovering the Basilique Saint-Denis? Classified as a historical monument, this religious edifice in Saint-Denis (93) is home to the necropolis of the Kings of France, and is a must-see for history buffs and those curious about the region's heritage. We tell you all about it! [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From September 24, 2026 to September 26, 2026
Notre-Dame to close for several days for the Pope's visit: dates to note
