These Are The 15 Most Beautiful Churches And Cathedrals In Paris
Paris isn’t just a city—it’s a masterpiece. Every street has a story, every corner a touch of art.
But if you really want to feel its soul, step inside its churches. Some are grand, others intimate, but all have a way of making you pause.
I’m sure these 15 churches and cathedrals will stay with you long after you leave. So, let’s get started!
1. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame isn’t just a cathedral, it’s the heart of Paris.
Even with scaffolding from restoration, it still commands attention. Step inside (once it reopens), and let the sheer scale of the nave take your breath away.
The Rose Window? It’s like the sun captured in glass. Even from the outside, the gargoyles and flying buttresses tell stories centuries old.
This isn’t just a visit, it’s a pilgrimage to one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
2. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
High above the city, Sacré-Cœur watches over Paris from Montmartre.
The climb up? Worth it for the view alone. The stark white domes stand out against the sky, and inside, the golden mosaic of Christ soars above you.
Want a moment of peace? Step into the silent adoration chapel. Then wander Montmartre, where artists sketch, cafés hum with life, and Paris feels a little more like a dream.
3. Sainte-Chapelle
Forget stained glass as you know it, Sainte-Chapelle redefined it.
The moment you step inside, you’re wrapped in color. Sunlight filters through 1,113 panes, turning the chapel into a kaleidoscope of blues, reds, and golds.
It was built to house relics, but now it holds something just as precious, pure awe. If there’s one church that feels like stepping into a fairytale, this is it.
4. Saint-Sulpice Church
Bigger than Notre-Dame, yet often overlooked, Saint-Sulpice is a hidden giant.
The twin towers stand tall, though one was left unfinished—giving it a touch of imperfection. Inside, Delacroix’s murals feel more like museum pieces than church paintings.
But the real star? The grand organ. If you’re lucky enough to catch a recital, the sound fills the vast space in a way that’s almost otherworldly.
5. La Madeleine Church
Is it a Greek temple? A church? La Madeleine keeps you guessing.
Napoleon wanted it as a monument to his army, but now it stands as one of Paris’s most striking churches. The neoclassical columns are grand, but inside, the warmth of candlelight and religious artwork soften the space.
Stopping by for a concert—classical music in this setting is an experience in itself.
6. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The oldest church in Paris doesn’t try to impress, it just does.
The bell tower has stood since the Middle Ages, and inside, faded frescoes tell stories of a time long past. But Saint-Germain isn’t just history, it’s surrounded by life.
The nearby cafés, Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore, were favorites of Hemingway and Sartre. Faith, art, and philosophy all meet here.
7. Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
If Paris had a hidden gem, this would be it.
The facade is a mix of Gothic and Renaissance, with details so intricate you could stare for hours. Inside, a rare rood screen separates the choir, its delicate carvings unlike anything else in the city.
But the real surprise? This church houses the tomb of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. Isn’t that fascinating?
8. Saint-Eustache Church
Massive, majestic, and often overlooked, Saint-Eustache is an architectural chameleon.
Gothic, Renaissance, and classical elements all fit into one breathtaking structure. But the best part? The organ. One of the largest in France, its deep, resonant sound fills the cavernous space.
Come for the history, stay for the music, and leave feeling a little bit smaller in the best way possible.
9. Saint-Augustin Church
Not your typical Parisian church, Saint-Augustin combines Byzantine and Romanesque styles under one giant dome.
When you step inside, the mix of stone and stained glass feels both grand and intimate. It’s not the most famous, but it has a quiet charm that makes you linger.
Sometimes, the lesser-known places leave the strongest impression.
10. Saint-Roch Church
Need a quiet escape in central Paris?
Saint-Roch offers a peaceful retreat just steps from the bustling streets. The ornate interior is a surprise, each detail crafted with care.
If you’re looking for a moment of reflection, this is the place. Though understated on the outside, inside it’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
11. Church of Saint-Séverin
Wandering through the Latin Quarter?
Step into Saint-Séverin, a stunning example of Gothic design. The flying buttresses and stained glass create an almost special feel. The courtyard offers a peaceful pause from the city’s energy.
A visit here feels like stepping back in time, into a quieter, more contemplative Paris.
12. Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church
It’s impossible to ignore the grand columns and wide steps of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul.
The interior is just as inviting, with frescoes lining the walls and a spacious feel that encourages you to linger.
Looking for a place to pause and appreciate the beauty of Paris? This church offers just that, a quiet moment in the center of the city.
13. Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis Church
Baroque elegance takes center stage at Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis.
The detailed facade and vast nave pull you in, but the real draw is its deep historical roots. With ties to the Jesuits and a rich artistic legacy, this church is a stunning mix of faith and creativity.
What’s the most fascinating historic place you’ve ever visited?
14. Église Saint-Joseph-des-Carmes
Paris is full of surprises, and Saint-Joseph-des-Carmes is one of them.
You’ll find historic paintings and a grand central altar that exudes quiet elegance. The peaceful atmosphere makes it feel like time slows down here.
It’s a hidden sanctuary in a city that never stops moving.
15. Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais Church
Renaissance architecture meets quiet charm at Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais.
The elegant facade and soaring columns invite admiration, but the real magic happens inside. Known for its organ recitals, this church is a haven for music lovers.
A visit here is a chance to discover a lesser-known treasure where art and spirituality come together.