The Most Beautiful Churches in Paris

Churches in Paris are not just places to worship, they are historical monuments that are built centuries ago. The churches and basilicas in Paris are so majestic and beautiful that they inspire wonder. As per the research Paris is home to 200 churches. These places of worship are rich with French history. If you are visiting Paris there is so much to do on the trip. One should know the most famous and oldest churches in Paris so you can plan your trip. 

Here are the Most Beautiful Churches in Paris

1. Notre-Dame de Paris

 

The Notre-Dame de Paris
The Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre Dame de Paris is a medieval Catholic cathedral on the Ile de la Cite. This church took more than 200 years to build. It was the highest building in Paris for a long time. Its French Gothic architecture is widely considered to be one of the finest examples. Even though it was ruined during the French Revolution, it was restored in later years. Notre Dame de architectural style is characterized by its stained-glass rose windows, stunning flying buttresses, and intricately carved sculptures. It is a testament to the medieval craftsmen’s ingenuity and devotion.

2. Saint-Eustache Parish

 

The Saint-Eustache Parish
The Saint-Eustache Parish

Saint Eustache is a church in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. This church is the second largest church in the city, just behind Notre Dame. The church’s present building was built between 1532 and 1632. It was constructed over a century. Saint Eustache is an example of a mixture of multiple architectural styles. Its structure is Flamboyant Gothic, while its interior decoration and other details are Renaissance and classical. The church’s unusually large proportions make it more similar to a cathedral than a church. Measuring 346 feet long and with a huge organ featuring 8,000 pipes, it’s served as a setting for famous composers to showcase their works.

3. Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral

 

Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral
The Saint-Alexandre-Nevsky Cathedral

Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located at 12 Rue Daru in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. It was built from 1847 to 1861, making it the first Russian Orthodox place of worship in France. This church is dedicated to Alexander Nevsky, a Russian war hero who lived between 1220 and 1263. The exterior of the cathedral, with an orthodox style, is particularly complex with its gold-plated crosses.

4. Sainte-Chapelle

 

Sainte Chapelle is a royal chapel in the Gothic style, within the medieval Palais de la Cite. It was the residence of the Kings of France until the 14th century. Sainte-Chapelle reflects on the among the highest achievements of the Rayonnant period of Gothic architecture. The church was damaged during the French Revolution and restored in the 19th century. Sainte Chapelle has one of the most extensive 13th-century stained glass collections anywhere in the world. These stained glass windows depict over 1,000 scenes from the Bible. However, the church was constructed in only 7 years.

5. Sacre Coeur Basilica

 

The Sacre Coeur Basilica
The Sacre Coeur Basilica

Sacre Coeur Basilica is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica in Paris. The church construction began in 1875 and was Completed in 1914. It is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The church is popular in Paris on the hill. It rests on the Butte Montmartre which offers stunning views of the city. Sacre Coeur features one of the largest mosaics in the world and it even has a crypt that visitors can explore. On 8 December 2022, the church was approved as a national historic monument by the National Commission of Patrimony and Architecture. Sacre Coeur is the second most popular tourist destination in the capital after the Eiffel Tower.

6. St-Sulpice Church

 

Saint Sulpice Church is a Catholic church in Paris. It is considered one of the most famous churches on the left bank of Paris. The church was built in the 17th century. Its current structure is the second church to be built in that place. The original church was destroyed because it was too small. The second construction began in 1646 and was completed in 1870. Saint Sulpice is one of the largest churches in Paris France. It is known for its grand French architecture. Its highlights are the gnomon and its great organ. This church is famous for having mismatched towers.

7. Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres

 

Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres

Saint Germain des Pres is a Roman Catholic parish church in Paris’s Saint-Germain-des-Pres quarter. Originally it was the church of a Benedictine abbey founded in 558. The Vikings destroyed the church, rebuilt it, and renamed it in the 8th century for Saint Germain. Saint Germain des Pres is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. It is characterized by its sturdy, simple forms, thick walls, round arches, and small windows. One amazing feature of the church is its square bell tower that stands apart from the main building. This place is home to trendy cafes, boutiques, and publishing houses.

 

 

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