15 Paris Churches That Will Leave You Speechless With their Awe-inspiring Beauty
Paris’s churches have been a touchstone for the city’s physical, social, and sacred life for centuries. They have been more than churches; they are symbols of the architecture, art, and devotion that are such a rich part of the city’s heritage.
These sacred landmarks shine throughout the city, from towering spires to intricate stained glass. Their stories reveal faith and artistry in buildings that take your breath away. If you love history, are interested in architecture, or are just looking for unique beauty in its most complex form, these 15 Parisian churches will fill your senses.
Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
This unique church, built in the early 16th century, combines late Gothic and early Renaissance influences. Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is best known for its splendidly carved rood screen, one of only nine remaining in France. Pilgrims also worship the relics of Saint Genevieve, the city’s patron saint.
Key Features: Spiral staircases, rare rood screen, and ornate stained glass.
Saint-Louis-en-l’Île
The impressive interior of the Baroque Saint‐Louis‐en‐l’Île, located on Île Saint‐Louis, is in the heart of Paris. Built between 1664 and 1726, the church houses dramatic altarpieces and gilded sculptures and is a peaceful space away from its appealing neighborhood.
Key Features: Baroque décor with historical artifacts tied to King Louis IX.
Saint-Augustin
Impressive in Neo-Renaissance style, the Saint Augustin church rises over the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Its innovative design, completed in 1871, eliminated flying buttresses, opening the field to a new style of architecture. This church has a modern twist with its unique metal framework but maintains that grandeur.
Key Features: Iron roof frame in the Neo-Renaissance style and striking dome.
Saint-Roch
Saint-Roch, Paris’ artists’ parish, was built between 1653 and 1740. This church, which has great historical and artistic value, is the final resting place of painter Fragonard.
Key Features: Abundant 17th and 18th-century sculptures and paintings constitute artistic heritage.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the city’s oldest church in Paris’ lively Latin Quarter. Once the royal necropolis before the Basilica of Saint-Denis was honored, this Benedictine abbey was dedicated to John the Baptist. But after centuries of restoration, its Romanesque arches, Gothic choir, and starry nave ceilings now win over visitors.
Key Features: Vibrant frescoes and a painted nave ceiling covered with golden stars.
Notre-Dame de Paris
Notre-Dame de Paris is famed worldwide in representing Gothic architecture. The flying buttresses, majestic rose windows, and gargoyles, which are not all from 1163 but are instead a product of the Gothic period, make an iconic site.
The power of the restoration over the last year has brought this landmark back to its original glory. CNN mentions that while it suffered a devastating fire in 2019, it is due to reopen in December 2024 with much symbolism for the city. Its renewed stained glass, intricate carvings, and serene atmosphere now allow visitors to marvel at the name of one of France’s most beloved sites.
Key Features: The west façade, gargoyles, and rose windows—represent the pinnacle of Gothic design.
Sainte-Chapelle
The Sainte-Chapelle, located on the Île de la Cité, is famous for its stained glass. However, this royal chapel was built in just seven years by King Louis IX, who once housed sacred relics such as Christ’s crown of thorns. Above, its upper chapel is a gaudy display of 15 great windows, which contain more than 1,100 biblical scenes in bold colors.
Key Features: Gothic architecture at its highest with over 600 square meters of stained glass that takes worshippers into dream light and color.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Sacré-Cœur Basilica is the highest building in Paris, standing at Montmartre. This Roman-Byzantine marvel, made with calcite-rich stone and a blinding white façade, offers abundant city views. The apse inside houses the largest mosaic of Christ in Majesty. Visitors can also climb the dome for an unbeatable panorama.
Key Features: The views from the highest point in Paris, white domes, stunning mosaics.
Saint-Sulpice
Saint Sulpice is second in size only to Notre Dame, but it’s a Baroque gem with an untamed mystique. Its grand, mismatched towers and dramatic architecture were completed over 130 years, beginning in 1646 during the regency of Queen Anne of Austria, Louis XIV’s mother.
Fans of “The Da Vinci Code” will enjoy spotting the church’s role in fictional conspiracies. You will want to see works by Eugène Delacroix in the Chapel of Angels or the massive organ, one of the world’s most remarkable.
Key Features: Massive scale, Delacroix paintings, and an iconic pipe organ with 6,600 pipes.
Saint-Eustache
Saint-Eustache, near Les Halles, is a grand mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its dimensions, completed in 1637, are staggering—more than 105 meters long and 43.5 meters high. Inside, marvel at the church’s pipe organ, the largest in France with 8,000 pipes.
Key Features: Renaissance details, gothic grandeur, and the largest organ in France.
Sainte-Clotilde Basilica
With the Neo-Gothic creation, the Sainte-Clotilde Basilica was built from 1846 to 1857. Cologne Cathedral was the source of inspiration for the architect Francois-Christian Gau, who built symmetry and soaring spires into the church. Sainte-Clotilde is a highly underrated gem with detailed sculptures, rose windows, and a serene atmosphere.
Key Features: 70-meter spires, exquisite statues, and Neo Gothic design.
Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis
Commissioned by the Jesuits and filled with intricacies of detailing in devotion to religion, this gem in the Marais is a Baroque masterpiece. Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis was built between 1627 and 1641 and hosts a painting by Eugène Delacroix, “Christ in the Garden of Olives.“
Key Features: Baroque opulence and historic artwork.
Saint-François-Xavier
Completed in 1873, Saint-François-Xavier has an understated elegance that belies the treasures within, such as Tintoretto’s painting “The Last Supper.”
Key Features: Masterpiece paintings, Neo-Gothic architecture.
Saint-Eugène-Sainte-Cécile
This church, finished in 1855, launched an architectural revolution in Paris. St. Eugene St. Cecile was the city’s first church to use cast iron. The starry ceilings, slender columns, and Neo-Gothic design are a feast for the eyes.
Key Features: The groundbreaking use of iron and stunning ceiling details.
Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois
Known as the “Parish of the Kings of France,” Saint-Germain-l’Auxerrois is located near the Louvre, profoundly connecting it with Parisian royal history. With its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, it is a lesser-known but no less unforgettable highlight.
Key Features: It has intricate details and historical significance and is close to the Louvre.
Paris is famous not just for its cuisine and art; many visitors are drawn to the city. These 15 churches showcase the city’s sacred spaces, which are equally remarkable. They’re full of divine intersections of history, faith, and artistry—from awe-inspiring stained glass to gargoyles perched high above.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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