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Churches in Paris
Paris is one of the great cities of Christian architecture. For over a thousand years, the French capital has been home to some of the most extraordinary churches ever built — from the soaring Gothic perfection of Notre-Dame and the luminous stained glass of Sainte-Chapelle, to the neoclassical grandeur of La Madeleine and the Byzantine splendour of Sacré-Cœur. Whether you are a lover of architecture, history, or simply looking for a moment of peace and beauty in a busy city, the churches of Paris will not disappoint.
Catholic Churches in Paris
Paris is home to over 100 Catholic churches, ranging from great medieval cathedrals to intimate neighbourhood chapels. Entry to most Paris churches is free, making them some of the best value attractions in the city.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
The most visited cathedral in the world, Notre-Dame de Paris is the undisputed masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. Built between 1163 and 1345 on the Île de la Cité, it is the spiritual and geographical heart of France — the point from which all distances in the country are measured. Severely damaged by fire in April 2019, Notre-Dame was magnificently restored and reopened to the public in December 2024.
📍 Île de la Cité, 75004 | Metro: Cité | Free entry
Sainte-Chapelle
Built in just six years between 1242 and 1248, the Sainte-Chapelle is one of the greatest achievements of Gothic architecture in the world. Its 15 enormous stained glass windows — covering 600 square metres — create an extraordinary atmosphere of light and colour that leaves every visitor breathless.
📍 8 Boulevard du Palais, 75001 | Metro: Cité | €13
👉 Full guide to Sainte-Chapelle
La Madeleine
Built in the form of a Greek temple with 52 Corinthian columns, La Madeleine is one of the most unusual and striking churches in Paris. Originally commissioned by Napoleon as a Temple of Glory for his army, it was finally consecrated as a church in 1842.
📍 Place de la Madeleine, 75008 | Metro: Madeleine | Free entry
Saint-Eustache
One of the greatest Gothic-Renaissance churches in Europe, Saint-Eustache stands at the edge of Les Halles in the heart of Paris. Molière was baptised here, Louis XIV received his first communion here, and the church possesses one of the finest organs in France.
📍 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 | Metro: Les Halles | Free entry
👉 Full guide to Saint-Eustache
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The oldest church in Paris, with origins dating back to 542 AD. The Romanesque bell tower is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. Saint-Germain-des-Prés is also the burial place of the philosopher René Descartes.
📍 3 Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 | Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Free entry
👉 Full guide to Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Séverin
One of the most beautiful and atmospheric Gothic churches in Paris, Saint-Séverin is tucked away in the Latin Quarter just steps from Notre-Dame. Its extraordinary flamboyant Gothic interior — with a forest of twisted stone columns — is one of the hidden gems of Parisian religious architecture.
📍 3 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin, 75005 | Metro: Saint-Michel | Free entry
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Perched at the summit of Montmartre hill, the white Byzantine-Romanesque Basilica of Sacré-Cœur is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Paris. The views from the steps over the rooftops of the city are among the finest in Paris — and entry to the basilica is free.
📍 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 | Metro: Anvers | Free entry
Tips for Visiting Paris Churches
Free entry : The vast majority of Paris churches are free to visit — only Sainte-Chapelle and the towers of Notre-Dame charge admission
Opening hours : Most churches are open daily from around 9:00am to 7:00pm
Dress code : Shoulders and knees should be covered — bring a scarf or jacket in summer
Photography : Generally permitted but flash photography and tripods are often restricted
Mass times : If you wish to attend a service, check the church's website for current Mass times
Concerts : Many Paris churches host regular classical music concerts — a magical experience
FAQ
Which is the most beautiful church in Paris?
This is a matter of personal taste — but most visitors are most overwhelmed by the Sainte-Chapelle, whose stained glass windows are unlike anything else in the world. Notre-Dame, now magnificently restored, runs it a very close second.
Are Paris churches free to visit?
Most Paris churches are completely free to visit. The main exceptions are the Sainte-Chapelle (€13) and the towers of Notre-Dame Cathedral (price TBC after reopening).
What is the oldest church in Paris?
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, with origins dating back to 542 AD, is the oldest church in Paris. Its Romanesque bell tower dates from the 11th century and is one of the oldest surviving structures in the city.
Which Paris church has the best views?
The Sacré-Cœur Basilica on the summit of Montmartre offers the finest views over Paris of any church in the city — and entry is completely free.
