The 9 Best Churches and Cathedrals in Paris

Can you imagine going to the capital of France and not checking out Notre Dame Cathedral? You would be missing out on one of the best things to see in Paris. That's why I recommend you set aside time to see its churches and cathedrals, as there are many options and some of them are free. Among my favourites is the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur which towers over the Montmartre district.

If your itinerary allows, you should also head to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and discover theoldest church. You're probably wondering which are the best options, which ones you can enter and whether you need to queue. I'll tell you all about it so you can be prepared.

Paris is not only the Capital of Love, it is also a remarkable city for its spectacular cathedral. Notre Dame Cathedral is an emblem that since 1345 has witnessed historical events and local transformation. The coronation of Napoleon Bonaparte took place here, and it is also famous for its gorgolas.

If you are wondering how to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral, it is best to start with its exterior. This way, you can explore its gothic architecture and learn about its amazing legends. Get ready to descend into the crypt, an underground space with relics, archaeological remains, tombs and objects from other eras.

You can also book the virtual reality tour of Notre Dame, an experience that allows you to travel back in time and discover the changes it has undergone. You will have an hour to see it from different angles and find out what it was like before the fire in 2019.

Although the fire was violent, they managed to save the towers, vaults and the main façade. They also preserved Christian relics such as the Crown of Thorns, the tunic of Saint Louis and the organ of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

Interesting details

• How to visit: it can be seen inside and out on your own or with guided tours. However, after the fire of 2019 it closed its doors temporarily and it is important to check the availability of the interior tour. You can always take a virtual reality tour.
• Price: You can take advantage of tours of the exterior and the crypt from €37 per person, the interior is generally free and climbing the towers is around €9.
• Location: the Île de la Cité, in the heart of Paris.
• How to get there: You can take metro line 4 and get off at the Cité station. Or take the Paris RER to Notre Dame station.

Another place steeped in history is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, also known as Sacré Cœur. Inside you can see the largest mosaic and the largest bell in France. And if you like mysteries, you can go down into the crypt to discover ancient tombs.

It is one of the tallest buildings in the capital and is considered one of the most outstanding viewpoints in Paris. Climbing its dome is an unforgettable experience at a height of 130 metres, but to get there you must be prepared to make a demanding climb up the steps. Although, without a doubt, it is absolutely worth it.

Seeing the Parisian neighbourhoods from above will leave you speechless. And something I recommend combining with this visit is a tour of Montmartre, where it is located, to admire the façade of the basilica and learn about its history. On the tour, you can also enjoy the street performances and pass by the Parisian cabaret areas.

Interesting details

• How to visit: you can take a tour of the surrounding area to see the façade and learn about its history, but it is also possible to visit the interior and listen to the mass. Please note that during religious ceremonies, no photography or noise is allowed.
• Price: Entrance to the basilica is free, if you want to go up to the dome or down to the crypt you must pay a fee of approximately €8.
• Opening hours: daily from 6.30am to 10.30pm.
• Location: Rue de Chevalier de la Barre.
• How to get there: if you take the metro you can use line 2 to Anvers station or line 12 to Abbesses station. However, the easiest way is to take the Montmartre Funicular which takes you directly to the basilica using a normal metro ticket.

Sainte Chapelle is a Gothic chapel not to be missed during your trip to Paris. It is a favourite with tourists and locals alike because of its connection to the former French monarchy. It was also a landmark in its time because it was built in just seven years.

You can't miss its spectacular history, which begins in 1245. And to immerse yourself in every interesting fact, you can book a guided tour of the Sainte Chapelle. This way, you may get priority access. You will also learn about its stained glass windows, which depict more than 1,100 biblical scenes.

Note that it is divided into two levels and that in the lower chapel there is a collection of statues of the twelve apostles. In addition, centuries ago it was a restricted area used only by the royal palace staff.

Interesting details

• How to visit: you can buy a ticket and visit on your own, or book a guided tour.
• Price: Tickets start at €23 per person and you can find guided tours from €66 per person.
• Opening hours: Open every day of the year except 01 January, 01 May and 25 December. The opening hours from April to September are from 9:00 to 19:00, while from October to March it is open from 9:00 to 17:00. The last opening to the public is thirty minutes before closing time, so make sure you don't miss your visit.
• Location: on the Île de la Cité, near Notre Dame Cathedral.
• How to get there: you can take metro line 4 to Cité.

Marveled by the churches of Paris? Get ready to see Saint-Denis Cathedral. Here are buried former kings and queens of France, such as the famous Queen Marie-Antoinette of France.

Upon entering you will probably be fascinated by the choir, but you definitely have to go down to the crypt, where the tombs I mentioned are located. Specifically, it houses the tombs of 43 kings and 32 queens. In addition, there are the remains of the 10 most loyal servants of the monarchy.

There is usually quite a long queue to get in, but you can visit during the week or in the off-season (October to March) to try to keep the queues down. Always consider buying tickets for Saint-Denis Cathedral in advance to get a priority pass.

Interesting details

• How to visit: you can visit the interior and the crypts.
• Price: Tickets start at €13.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6.15pm, Sundays from 12pm to 6.15pm. Please note that opening times may vary slightly depending on the season.
• Location: 1 Rue de la Légion d'Honneur.
• How to get there: The easiest way to getthere is by car or with an excursion, as it is on the outskirts. However, you can get there using bus line 13 to the Basilique de Saint-Denis station. Or combine the Paris RER with the T1 tram.

If you like Gothic and medieval façades, there is also the Church of Saint Severin, nicknamed the "little Notre Dame". It stands out for its countless gargoyles and because a piece of the main façade, which dates from 1500, is still preserved. It is recommended for those who want to enjoy historical tours in Paris and feel admiration for relics.

Pay special attention to its stained glass windows and the decorations on the altar, as well as the particular twisted column, which is a characteristic element of this type of architecture.

If you are planning to visit Paris with children, it is understandable that you are looking for plans for the whole family. In such a case, you can take advantage and book a private tour of the Saint-Séverin church for children, which passes by other iconic locations such as Notre Dame. The guide will probably adapt the language and content so that the little ones have a great time.

Interesting details

• How to visit: You can see it from the outside and there are guided tours of the area. You can also go inside and see its details or take advantage of the classical and religious concerts open to the public.
• Price: Admission is free, but there are tours for children from €250.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 7.30pm and Sundays from 9am to 8pm.
• Location: 1 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin.
• How to get there: there are different bus options and you can take metro line 4 to Saint-Michel station or line 10 to Mabillon station.

The Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is the oldest church in Paris. It is often overlooked, but I advise you not to make that mistake. It was founded in the 6th century by the Merovingian king Childebert I as a Benedictine monastery, hence its large number of Gothic frescoes and paintings.

It is also home to the tomb of the philosopher René Descartes and other important French figures. A tour of the spectacular Saint-Germain-des-Prés district is also a must, as it is the perfect complementary activity to understand the history of the church.

Interesting details

• How to visit: you can take advantage of a guided tour of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district and see it from the outside or go inside the church. Admission is usually allowed for some masses.
• Price: Admission is free and tours of Saint-Germain des Prés start at €124 per person.
• Opening hours: Monday and Sunday from 9.20am to 8pm, Tuesday to Friday from 7.30am to 8pm and Saturday from 8.30am to 8pm. Masses are held in Latin on Wednesdays at 7.30am and in Spanish on Sundays at 5pm.
• Location: in the Saint-Germain des Prés district.
• How to get there: you can take metro line 4 to Saint-Germain des Prés or line 10 to Mabillon.

I want you to remember your trip forever and the only way to do that is to point out unique places like the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont. Here are kept the relics of Saint Geneviève, the patron saint of Paris. It also preserves the jubé, a type of religious relic that was a classic in church architecture between the late Romanesque and Gothic periods.

Tours of the Latin Quarter of Paris pass through this church and I recommend you take advantage of them to have a professional guide tell you all about its architecture and the sarcophagus belonging to the patron saint. And don't be surprised if you come across a wedding, it's quite a popular place to get married.

Interesting details

• How to visit: you can enjoy a guided tour of the Latin Quarter of Paris and see the façade from the outside. However, if you have enough time you can go inside and enjoy a visit on your own.
• Price: Admission is free and tours of the neighbourhood are available from €30 per person.
• Opening hours: Open daily at 8.45am except Tuesdays. Closing times may vary.
• Location: Place Sainte-Geneviève, near the Latin Quarter.
• How to get there: You can take metro line 10 to Cardinal Lemoine or use the various bus routes.

Paris is not only about gothic temples, but also about neoclassical ones such as the Madeleine Church. It is impressive and stands out for its 52 Corinthian columns that will transport you to the Roman Empire. It also has three domes that allow natural light to enter.

On the main altar you can see the impressive sculpture of the Assumption of Mary Magdalene and a representation of the Last Judgement. It is also popular for its religious and classical music concerts. For example, they often organise re-enactments of Mozart's "Requiem" and pieces on their historic organ.

Interesting details

• How to visit: you can take the opportunity to attend one of the best concerts in Paris held inside, visit it on your own or go to one of the masses open to the public.
• Price: Admission is usually free and concerts start at €25.
• Opening hours: generally every day from 9.30am to 7pm.
• Location: Place de la Madeleine.
• How to get there: you can take metro lines 8, 12 and 14 to Madeleine station. You can also take the Parisian RER line A to Auber station.

Close to Les Halles market is another jewel of Parisian architecture and religious culture. This is the Church of St. Eustache, which I'm sure will take your breath away with its façade, which combines Gothic and Renaissance elements. Its main attraction is the largest organ in France which has been used by composers such as Berlioz and Liszt.

In addition, it often hosts concerts and opera performances outside mass hours, always maintaining an atmosphere of respect for the solemnity of the church.

Interesting details

• How to visit: You can visit on your own and attend masses.
• Price: Admission is free.
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00, opening hours may change according to the season.
• Location: at 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache.
• How to get there: you can take metro line 4 to Les Halles station or line 1 to Châtelet station.