10 Hidden Gem Churches in Paris That Will Leave You Speechless
1. Sainte-Chapelle
La Sainte-Chapelle is hands down the most stunning church in Paris. It was built in the 13th century by King Louis IX to house sacred Christian relics. It was part of the royal palace, intended as a private chapel for the king and the royal family.
This Gothic masterpiece is famous for its towering stained glass windows. When the sunlight filters through, the chapel is bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors. It’s tucked away on the Île de la Cité and often missed by tourists.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, built between the 12th and 14th centuries. Famous for its stunning rose windows, towering spires, and flying buttresses, it has been a symbol of Paris for over 800 years.
The cathedral has also played a major role in French history, from Napoleon’s coronation to the liberation of Paris in WWII. Though it suffered significant damage in the 2019 fire, the enormous restoration efforts are now nearly complete.
3. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Sacré-Cœur Basilica, located atop Montmartre hill, is famous for its brilliant white domes and panoramic views of Paris. Completed in 1914, its Romano-Byzantine architecture stands out in the city.
The interior features France's largest mosaic, and the basilica is a major site for pilgrims, as it symbolizes peace and devotion.
4. Saint-Sulpice
This massive baroque church might not be as famous as Notre-Dame, but Saint-Sulpice is stunning in its own right. It's Paris’s second-largest church, known for its mismatched towers and baroque interior.
It was built in the 17th century and houses a grand organ considered one of the finest in the world. The church also features murals by Delacroix and was famously featured in The Da Vinci Code.
5. Saint-Eustache
Saint-Eustache blends Gothic and Renaissance styles and is known for its massive vaulted ceiling and grand organ. Completed in 1637, it has a history tied to royals and famous French figures. Inside, the soaring ceilings, sculptures, and stained glass make it a must-see. And often-overlooked Parisian gem.
6. Église de la Madeleine
Église de la Madeleine, designed to resemble a Roman temple, stands out with its Neoclassical style. From the outside, it looks like a Roman temple with its huge columns and triangular pediment.
Completed in 1842, it was initially intended to honor Napoleon’s army. The interior is equally grand, with a lavish nave and beautiful sculptures. It offers a different vibe from other Parisian churches.
7. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Saint-Germain-des-Prés, founded in the 6th century, is the oldest church in Paris and a remarkable symbol of the city’s medieval history. It was originally part of a powerful abbey.
It boasts an impressive Romanesque architecture with a beautifully preserved bell tower. Over the centuries, it has been a hub for intellectuals and philosophers, including Descartes, who is buried here.
8. Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
8. Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is one of Paris’s hidden architectural gems. It blends Gothic and Renaissance styles. Completed in the early 17th century, it’s famous for its stunningly intricate rood screen, the only one of its kind remaining in Paris. The church is the resting place of Saint Geneviève, the city’s patron saint, and philosopher Blaise Pascal.
9. Saint-Séverin
Saint-Séverin is located in the heart of the Latin Quarter. It's one of the finest examples of Flamboyant Gothic architecture in Paris. The church is famous for its twisted central pillar and vibrant stained glass windows, some dating back to the 14th century. The ambulatory features modern stained glass windows that add a contemporary touch.
10. Église Saint-Augustin
Église Saint-Augustin is a hidden architectural marvel in Paris that blends Romanesque, Byzantine, and Renaissance styles into one impressive structure. Completed in 1871, it was one of the first buildings in Paris to use an iron frame, a technique that allowed for its soaring 80-meter-high dome.
It's located at the intersection of two grand boulevards (Malesherbes and Haussmann) in the busy 8th arrondissement. Inside, you'll find beautiful stained glass, mosaics, and artwork that are often overlooked by tourists.