11 Amazing Catholic Churches in Paris

Paris, the City of Light, is a mosaic of history, culture, and spirituality. It houses some of the most magnificent Catholic churches in the world, testimony to the city’s rich religious and artistic heritage. This guide will take you through the 11 Amazing Catholic Churches in Paris, revealing their architectural importance, the masterpieces they contain, and the sacred relics that make them unique.

The Catholic Mass Times app will be of great help when looking for mass confession or adoration schedules. These are beautiful practices among Catholics, and all the churches that appear below share an inexplicable beauty through which one can do nothing but worship God.

Catholic Churches in Paris:

1. Basilica of the Sacred Heart

Image published by Manon from Sortiraparis, My from Sortiraparis, Rizhlaine from Sortiraparis, 2023.

• Architectural importance: The Roman-Byzantine design of the basilica departs from the predominant Gothic style in Paris. Its white stones, which exude calcite when in contact with rain, ensure its enduring whiteness.
• Artworks: The mosaic of Christ in Majesty, depicting Christ with outstretched arms, is one of the most striking elements of the basilica.
• Others: Sacred Heart also stands out for its grand organ, considered one of the most impressive in Paris.
• Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France

2. Sainte-Chapelle

Image by Tom Bricker

• Architectural importance: This chapel is famous for its Rayonnant Gothic style, evident in its slender pillars, the considerable height of its windows, and the overall sense of lightness and space.
• Artworks: The stained glass windows encompass 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments that narrate the history of the world until the arrival of the relics in Paris.
• Relics and saints: The Sainte-Chapelle was built to house King Louis IX’s collection of Passion relics, including Christ’s Crown of Thorns, one of the most important relics of medieval Christianity.
• Address: 10 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris, France

3. Notre Dame Cathedral

4. Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Image by Mbzt – Personal

• Architectural importance:This chapel, located on Rue du Bac in Paris, is relatively modest in its architectural design compared to the grandeur of other Parisian churches. It is part of the Daughters of Charity complex.
• Artworks: The interior is serene and simplistic, fostering an atmosphere of contemplation and prayer. Its main artistic feature is the altar and the statue of the Virgin Mary, which is central to the chapel’s spiritual significance.
• Relics and significance: This chapel is famous primarily for being the site of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830. The most significant relic is the chair used by St. Catherine during the apparitions. The chapel is also the origin of the Miraculous Medal, which the Virgin Mary is said to have given to St. Catherine during one of her visions. This medal has become a symbol of Marian devotion worldwide.
• Address: 140 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France

5. Church of Saint Sulpice

Image by Zairon

• Architectural importance: This church stands out for its mismatched towers, a unique architectural feature. The interior is an excellent example of the French classical style.
• Artworks: The Great Organ of Saint Sulpice, one of the largest in the world, is a highlight. It is famous for its striking murals painted by Eugène Delacroix, which add to its artistic heritage.
• Other: The church’s gnomon, an astronomical measuring device, adds an intriguing scientific aspect to its religious significance.
• Address: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris, France

6. Church of Saint Eustache

Image by Pavel Krok

• Architectural importance: Blending Gothic and Renaissance elements, Saint-Eustache stands out for its imposing structure and rich sculptures.
• Artworks: The church’s pipe organ, with 8,000 pipes, is one of its major attractions, along with its numerous sculptures and paintings.
• Other: The beautifully decorated Chapel of the Virgin is a serene space within this grand church.
• Address: 2 Imp. Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris, France

7. Church of Saint Germain des Prés

Image published by Manon de Sortiraparis, Graziella de Sortiraparis, 2021.

• Architectural importance: The church reflects various architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, due to its long construction period.
• Artworks: The ancient frescoes and the tomb of philosopher René Descartes are significant.
• Relics and saints: The church has been a center for religious studies and a burial place for Merovingian kings.
• Address: 3 Pl. Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris, France

8. Church of Saint Gervais Saint Protais

Image by Diliff

• Architectural importance: The church’s facade is a notable example of French Renaissance architecture, while the interior remains largely Gothic.
• Artwork: The Chapelle des Lombards stands out, with its Baroque style adorned with exquisite paintings and decorations.
• Others: The church is known for its great musical tradition, as it houses one of the oldest and most famous organs in Paris.
• Address: 13 Rue des Barres, 75004 Paris, France

9. Church of Saint Étienne du Mont

Image published by Manon from Sortiraparis, 2021.

• Architectural importance: The church stands out for its unusual design, combining Gothic and Renaissance styles. The rose window is particularly striking, an architectural element uncommon in Paris.
• Artwork: The church’s stained glass windows and finely carved wooden pulpit are notable features.
• Relics and saints: Saint-Étienne-du-Mont houses the shrine of Saint Genevieve, where her tomb and the reliquary containing her remains are located.
• Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France

10. Church of the Madeleine

• Architectural importance: The design of La Madeleine, inspired by the Maison Carrée temple in Nîmes, is an iconic example of neoclassical architecture.
• Artwork: The church’s interior is characterized by its grandeur and simplicity, with a magnificent altar and impressive frescoes.
• Others: Although it is more of a historical and architectural landmark than a place of relics, its importance in the religious and social landscape of Paris is undeniable.
• Address: 1 Place de la Madeleine 75008, Paris, France

11. Church of Saint Vincent de Paul

Image by Zairon.

• Architectural importance: Its design reflects the transition from classical to neo-Renaissance styles. The church’s double colonnade and dome are notable features.
• Artwork: The frescoes by Hippolyte Flandrin and the sculptures inside the church significantly contribute to its artistic value.
• Relics and saints: The church is a pilgrimage site for devotees of Saint Vincent de Paul, with his preserved heart being a central point of veneration.
• Address: Square Cavaillé-Coll, 75010 Paris, France

These 11 churches are not just architectural marvels; they are repositories of history, art, and faith. Each church, with its unique blend of sacred relics, artistic treasures, and architectural wonders, offers a window into the soul of Paris and its deep-rooted Catholic heritage. Whether you are a pilgrim, an art enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, these churches promise a journey through time and spirituality, echoing the enduring legacy of faith in the heart of France.