Location: Paris
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Things to do in Paris, Ile-de-France: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
Lingering over pain au chocolat in a sidewalk café, relaxing after a day of strolling along the Seine and marveling at icons like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe… the perfect Paris experience combines leisure and liveliness with enough time to savor both an exquisite meal and exhibits at the Louvre. Awaken your spirit at Notre Dame, bargain hunt at the Marché aux Puces de Montreuil or for goodies at the Marché Biologique Raspail, then cap it all off with a risqué show at the Moulin Rouge.
Restaurants in Paris
1. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71,255 reviews
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Reviewed By ashwathramr - Kochi (Cochin), India
A must visit landmark Cathedral in Paris, I turned up at 7:45 AM.. early and entered inide at 8 : 00 AM, the exterior architecture is amazing magnificent , the cathedral is stunning with ornate and intricate statues and two bell tower , he facade of the Cathedral is well designed in Gothic architectural style, the interiors of the cathedral is impressive with high column and glass works ,as i walked inside the cathedral i was just lost in the era of the Gothic Period. This is one of the best cathedral that i ve ever visited in my life. You can capture some of the stunning views of the cathedral . My suggestion to visit the cathedral is enter the cathedral in the morning early hours , when the crowd is less, the entry is free, but you have to stand in line to enter and security check is there. the touristic crowd and group tour pours in so visit at early is always the best to enjoy your visit to this marvelous masterpiece.. At evening hour the views of the cathedral is also stunning...there is a huge open space in front of the cathedral for capturing beautiful views.
2. Sainte-Chapelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,113 reviews
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Reviewed By KVirgils - London, United Kingdom
Glorious and uplifting to walk around this beautiful chapel Every time I visit I marvel at the windows especially if you visit when the sun is shining !
3. Pantheon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,467 reviews
With the Pantheon, architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot met Louis XV’s wish to glorify the monarchy in the form of a church dedicated to Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. The edifice was deconsecrated during the Revolution in 1791 and renamed the Pantheon. During the turbulent years of the 19th century, as regimes changed, it alternated in its role as a religious and patriotic monument. Since 1885, the year of Victor Hugo’s death and burial in the Pantheon, it has been the last resting place for the great writers, scientists, generals, churchmen and politicians who have made the history of France. The crypt houses the tombs of more than 70 illustrious figures including Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Emile Zola, Alexandre Dumas, Pierre and Marie Curie etc.Open:> 1st April to 30th September: from 10 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.> 1st October to 31st March: from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. Admission fees: Adults : 8,5€; Concessions (18 to 25) = 5,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By Btravellor - Bellingen, Australia
With Foucault's Pendulum in the centre of the soaring building and the tombs of such notables as Marie Curie, Voltaire and Victor Hugo in the crypts. Along with the history of this building and the history of modern France it is a must see
4. Basilique du Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38,638 reviews
This Montmartre landmark, a 19th-century basilica built by the French government following the Franco-Prussian War, features a large medieval dome that provides excellent views of the city.
Reviewed By Safari649767 - Hollywood, United States
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a Roman Catholic church and minor basilica, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, in Paris, A popular landmark and the second most visited monument in Paris,the basilica stands at the summit of the butte Montmartre, the highest point in the city. Must visit place while in Paris.
5. Eglise Saint-Pierre de Montmartre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 382 reviews
This 12th-century church is one of the oldest in Montmarte.
Reviewed By athyoz - Liverpool, United Kingdom
I echo the sentiments of the previous reviewer. This church is tucked away on the left as you walk around from Sacre Coeur to the Place du Tertre. It's history is fascinating. It is one of the oldest Christian buildings in Paris and was built on top of a Roman Temple. It was also the place where St Ignatius Loyola announced the founding of the Society of Jesus. It also has close connections with St Denis and the French monarchy. It has a pleasant interior and impressive stained glass. With free entrance, it is worth 20 minutes or more of anyone's time.
6. Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 848 reviews
This 16th-century cathedral is a mixture of Renaissance, Baroque and Gothic architecture.
Reviewed By 998fredm - Summerville, United States
Eglise Saint-Etienne-du-Mont de Paris includes a variety of architectural styles, incorporated over its many years of construction. Beautiful artifacts throughout the church that make for a very interesting visit. A typical Paris church that gives one a sense of peace and tranquility. If you love churches, architecture, and history, a must visit.
7. Eglise Saint-Eustache
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 709 reviews
This huge cathedral represents a transition between Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
Reviewed By nickJ4005HT - Richmond, Canada
If you take the Paris Metro and get off at Chatelet Les Halles you will find a modern underground shopping mall, Forum des Halles, the second most visited shopping mall in the Paris region with 42 million visitors. Les Halles used to be a fresh food market but it was demolished in 1971 and replaced by Forum des Halles. One flight of stairs from Forum will take you directly to vicinity of Eglise St. Eustache. The origins of Saint Eustache date back to the 13th century. A modest chapel was built in 1213, dedicated to Sainte-Agnès, a Roman martyr.The small chapel was funded by a merchant at Les Halles.The church became the parish church of the Les Halles area in 1223 and was renamed Saint-Eustache in 1303. The name of the church refers to Saint Eustace, a Roman general of the second century AD who was burned, along with his family, for converting to Christianity. The church is beautiful with stain glasses and is an example of a Gothic structure with Renaissance and and classical details. With 8,000 pipes, the organ is the largest pipe organ in France, surpassing the organs of Saint Sulpice and Notre Dame de Paris.
8. Saint-Sulpice
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,268 reviews
Designers like Versace and Sonia Rykiel have their boutiques in this trendy Parisian neighborhood.
Reviewed By ayubq2013 - Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Saint Sulpice is a bit off the beaten tourist track, but it was virtually next door to our hotel. We crossed it several times on our way to the more popular attractions and one day we decided to venture in. We are glad we did. This Roman Catholic church used to be the second largest church in Paris, only slightly smaller than Notre Dame. After the Notre Dame fire earlier this year, it is effectively the largest church in Paris now. It is grand, with a plaza and fountain in front, and peaceful; we did not see too many tourists. The church is dedicated to Sulpitous the Pious. Construction is said to have begun in 1646 and continued in fits and starts, depending on availability of resources. Various features were added over a period of over a century. The baroque interior is beautiful. The church is famous for its organ music, housing two historical organs, the great organ and the choir organ. It has a tradition of talented organists dating back to the 18th century. Sunday organ programmes are still held regularly. We were not fortunate enough to hear the organ, but we witnessed a very elaborate tuning process of the organs.
9. La Madeleine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,232 reviews
A beautiful church built by Napoleon in honor of his troops.
Reviewed By adalbert3 - Newport Beach, United States
Sitting up high with its 52 Corinthian columns and Greek Temple appearance, it is easy to understand that initially it was planned to be a memorial to Napoleon's Grand Army. When Napoleon fell, it became a Catholic church. It may be that because the exterior is so imposing that when you walk inside, the combination of dim light and the beautiful statue of Mary Magdalene behind the Main Altar create a sense of calm and comfort. Things not to miss---the Pediment above the entrance showing the Last Judgment, the Baptism of Christ sculpture by Francois Rude, the Statue of Mary Magdalene by Charles Marochetti (up close), the History of Christianity by Jules-Claude Ziegler in the Nave of La Madeleine (the frescoe is showing the main figures of the Christian religion & as a testament to the time, it included Napoleon right in the center), the bronze doors following the theme of the ten commandments and the statues of the various saints on the Colonnade. This church has a funny way of making you want to come back---it does not have the high level of ornamentation that you find in some cathedrals (however, it does have some beautiful sculptures) but it definitely has it's own personality. Check out my photos for more details.
10. Abbaye de Saint-Germain-des-Pres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 398 reviews
One of the oldest churches in the city, this cathedral's interior is highlighted by a series of colorful frescoes.
Reviewed By gillespradere - Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
Very few people know the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Pres is one of the oldest in France, originally the church of a powerfull abbey. As early as 558, King Childebert, son of King Clovis, founded the Saint-Germain-des-Pres abbey in the middle of meadows. It was consecrated by the bishop of Paris, Saint Germain, who will be buried there and gave his nam to the abbey in the 8th century. The abbey was at its peak in the early 9th century. It then housed more than 120 monks and had a significant production of copied manuscripts, before it was pillaged by the Normans in 885. The church was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries and the monastery in the 13th century by Pierre de Montreuil, sheltered by a new enclosure surrounded by a moat. Very richly endowed from its foundation, the abbey owned or controlled several thousand hectares on the left bank. It also held the lucrative right to fish in the Seine downstream of the city.
