The Most Beautiful Churches and Cathedrals in Paris

Paris might be well-known for its pastries, fashion, and romantic streets, but we can’t overlook the history that lies within its churches and cathedrals. 

Whether you’re a history buff, architecture nerd, or just in it for some spectacular photos, these sacred spots are worth a detour (or an entire day). 

We’ve visited the City of Light many times and gathered up our list of the most beautiful churches and cathedrals in Paris, each with its own personality and story. We hope, the next time you’re there, you’ll step inside one or two. 

In some instances, you’ll feel the atmosphere shift and find it a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of one of Europe’s most fascinating cities. 

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

Tucked away behind the Panthéon, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is one of those places you could easily miss – but please don’t. It’s stunning inside, with a unique rood screen (a sort of stone balcony) that you’ll rarely see in other churches. The blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles makes it feel like you stepped into a living piece of art.

In addition to all that rare beauty, fans of Midnight in Paris will also recognize the steps outside where Owen Wilson’s character gets whisked back in time to meet the likes of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein. 

Inside, be sure to seek out the shrine of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris, to admire the gorgeous stained glass. All in all, Saint-Étienne is a peaceful, under-the-radar gem that we hope you’ll add to the top of your list.

Sainte-Chapelle

The only way to describe Sainte-Chapelle is to say it’s like walking into a kaleidoscope. Built in the 13th century by Louis IX to house his collection of Passion relics (including the Crown of Thorns), it’s all about the stained glass here. There are 15 huge windows that tell over a thousand biblical stories.

The chapel itself isn’t very big, but the effect is massive. Sunlight pours through the colored glass and paints the whole room in hues of reds, blues, and purples. It’s breathtaking, especially if you catch it on a sunny day. If you visit Paris during the high season (June to August, and December), the line to get in can be quite long. So, if you can, try to book ahead.

Saint-Eustache

Right near Les Halles, Saint-Eustache will truly surprise you. Mixing Gothic architecture with Renaissance detailing, it somehow feels both grand and intimate at the same time. When you visit, you might hear someone practicing on the pipe organ, one of the largest in France.

Saint-Eustache has a storied past. Louis XIV received his First Holy Communion here, and Mozart chose it for his mother’s funeral. The church is also known for supporting the arts, so you could even stumble upon a concert or installation. Trust us when we say Saint-Eustache is an experience unto itself. 

Saint-Sulpice

If you’ve read The Da Vinci Code, you probably already know a little about Saint-Sulpice. It’s Paris’s second-largest church, and the interior is full of surprises. Check out the huge Delacroix murals, especially in the Chapel of the Holy Angels. They’re dramatic and full of movement.

The church also has a fascinating gnomon (a scientific instrument that tracks the sun) and a beautifully restored pipe organ. The façade is a bit quirky because of its uneven towers, but that just adds to its charm. A good word for Saint-Sulpice is multi-faceted; it has stories to tell if you hang around long enough.