12 Breathtaking Churches and Cathedrals in Paris That Look Straight Out of a Fairytale

Over 200 churches and religious sites in Paris hold memories of its past and present. Amongst them all, Notre-Dame de Paris, erected in 1163, is one of the world’s most identifiable examples of Gothic architecture—a story so special that even Victor Hugo used it as inspiration for his classic novel.

Sainte-Chapelle, with its beautiful stained-glass windows and Sacré-Cœur Basilica atop Montmartre, encourages visitors to enjoy their impressive beauty. Not only do they serve as places to worship—but each church shares stories of commitment, strength, and fantastic art.

Explore these 12 of Paris’s most captivating churches and cathedrals, where history, charm, and breathtaking beauty come together in perfect harmony.

Notre-Dame de Paris

Despite the devastating 2019 fire, Notre Dame remains a symbol of the heart and spirit of Paris. Everyone has admired this work of Gothic art since construction began in 1163, thanks to its frightening gargoyles, impressive buttresses, and many windows.

Visualize what it would be like standing beneath massive vaulted ceilings lined with shining light from old stained glass. The reconstruction works are designed to recall Notre Dame’s beauty, helping its famous character continue to symbolize resilience and style.

Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Sitting on Montmartre, which is Paris’s highest point, the Sacré-Cœur shines brilliantly against the clear sky. Built in 1914, with features from the Roman-Byzantine era, this basilica gives visitors a fantastic view of Rome.

You can go inside to view the spectacular mosaic of Christ glowing at the top, which adorns a vast area of 475 square meters. Sunrise or sunset gives the church a special ambiance, with colors that reveal why it is known as a sacred place.

Sainte-Chapelle

Going into Sainte-Chapelle is rather like opening a glorious box of delights. In 1248, Saint Louis IX constructed the cathedral to house precious religious relics, and its most outstanding feature is the set of 15 towering stained glass windows that tell stories from the Bible.

When light passes through the glass, the fine artwork stands out and produces a burst of colors filling the chapel. Tucked inside Île de la Cité, it’s an excellent way to step back in time to the era of knights.

Saint-Sulpice

Although best known for its spectacular Baroque look, Saint-Sulpice is also home to many important pieces of art and history. As Rick Steve highlights, its immense pipe organ, among the largest in the world, boasts an astonishing 6,600 pipes and still echoes through the church today.

Some readers of The Da Vinci Code will recognize this building, but the church itself offers far more than fictional intrigue. The church’s magnificent columns and amazing Delacroix paintings create an atmosphere of peace and elegance.

La Madeleine

With its Greek temple design, La Madeleine is both impressive and elegant, showcasing strength and beauty. Construction began in 1764, but its purpose shifted multiple times until it was consecrated as a church in 1842.

When you visit this church, you’ll find yourself surrounded by columns, shining gilded decorations, and an impressive frescoed ceiling. Its imposing exterior makes it easy to spot, but its serene interior is where its real charm lies.

Saint-Eustache

In the heart of the busy Les Halles district stands Saint-Eustache, which combines Gothic, Renaissance, and classical styles into one building.

According to a report by the World Monuments Fund, construction started in 1532 and was completed in 1637 at the request of King Louis I of France. This church boasts stunning ribbed vaults, intricate stained glass, and impressive sculptures.

The organ has more than 8,000 pipes, making it one of the biggest instruments you’ll ever see. Feeling the history of Paris is possible as you look around because Mozart and Louis XIV both found it special as well.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

If you want to see Paris during its medieval period, look at Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris’s oldest abbey church. Since it was founded in the 6th century, the present-day Romanesque buildings mostly come from the 12th century.

The colorful frescoes and painted columns inside are a vibrant surprise to visitors expecting a more austere interior. Not only does it have a rich history, but it’s also charming because it’s located beside the lively Left Bank and its cafés.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont in the Latin Quarter is both impressive and unlike anything else. While the outside is fantastic, the main attraction is what you’ll see inside the Renaissance-style halls.

Notice the lavishly carved rood screen, which makes it the only remaining rood screen in Paris. Visitors often stop to admire the tombs of Pascal and Racine, paying homage to the church’s rich intellectual heritage.

Saint-Denis Basilica

Located North of Paris is a place where nearly every French king and queen is buried. This famous Gothic cathedral was completed by 1300 and set the standard for its kind in terms of architectural design and construction.

Stroll through majestic tombs and marvel at the breathtaking stained glass windows, celebrated as some of the finest masterpieces of early Gothic art.

Église Saint-Augustin

This 19th-century stunner boasts a unique architectural twist, blending Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and is capped with an iron dome.

Église Saint-Augustin is a large church, but it feels inviting with its warm-toned interior and splendid mosaics, designed by Victor Baltard, according to Napoleon.org. Beautiful sculptures and a carved rose window on the church’s exterior suggest the remarkable things you will find inside when you visit.

Église Saint-Roch

Located directly adjacent to the Louvre, Église Saint-Roch is one of the largest and most significant churches in Paris, spanning 126 meters in length. This building’s simple look outside might shock you, but inside, you’ll find stunning Baroque decoration.

Known as the artist’s church, it houses notable works by Greuze and Le Sueur. Its sheer elegance served as a favored chapel during the reign of Louis XIV, and its royal atmosphere still graces the space.

Église Saint-Séverin

The mystery mixed with charm found at this Gothic site in the Latin Quarter is awe-inspiring. Although flying buttresses and gargoyles make Notre Dame seem like medieval times, the bright stained glass by Jean Bazaine makes it look modern.

The column in the ambulatory is a real beauty, adding to why Saint-Séverin is a charming surprise for fans of Gothic architecture.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

Read More:

• 10 Extreme Measures People Took To Travel on the Cheap
• Do You Need  A Passport To Go on A Cruise
• 15 Best Countrıes to Vısıt in Afrıca