The 9 Best Churches and Cathedrals in Paris

Can you imagine going to the capital of France and not taking a look at the Notre Dame Cathedral? You would miss 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 are free. Among my favorites is the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur that towers over the Montmartre neighborhood.

If your itinerary allows it, you should also go to Saint-Germain-des-Prés and discover theoldest church. You are probably wondering which are the most outstanding options, which ones you can enter and if it is necessary to queue. I'll tell you all about it so you can go 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 will be able to explore its gothic architecture and learn about amazing legends. Get ready to descend into the crypt, a subway 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 of 2019.

Although the fire was violent, they managed to save the towers, vaults and the main facade. In addition they also preserved the relics of Christianity such as the Crown of Thorns, the tunic of St. Louis and the Organ of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

Details of interest

• How to visit: you can seeit 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 always have the possibility to take a virtual reality tour.
• Price: you can take advantage of tours of the exterior and the crypt from 37 € per person, generally access to the interior is 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 Sacré Coeur, also known as Sacré Cœur. Inside you can see the largest mosaic and bell in France. And if you like mysteries, you can take advantage and go down to 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 of Paris. Climbing its dome gives you an unforgettable experience at 130 meters high, but to get there you must be willing to make a demanding climb up its stairs. Although, without a doubt, it is absolutely worth it.

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

Details of interest

• How to visit: you can take advantage of a tour of the surroundings to see its facade 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: the 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 about 8 €.
• Hours: daily from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm.
• Location: Rue de Chevalier de la Barre.
• How to get there: if you go by metro you can use line 2 to Anvers station or line 12 to Abbesses station. However, the easiest way is to opt for the Montmartre Funicular which takes you directly to the basilica and use a normal metro ticket.

Sainte Chapelle is a Gothic chapel that you can't miss during your trip to Paris. It is among the favorites of tourists and locals alike because of its connection to the former French monarchy. In addition, it was a landmark in its time because it was built in only seven years.

You can't miss its spectacular history that begins in 1245. And to immerse yourself in every fact of interest you can book a guided tour of the Sainte Chapelle. This way, you may have priority access. In addition, you will 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.

Details of interest

• How to visit: you can buy a ticket and visit on your own, or book a guided tour.
• Price: the entrance fee starts at 23 € per person and you can find guided tours from 66 € per person.
• Hours: open every day of the year except January 1st, May 1st and December 25th. 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. In addition, the last opening to the public is thirty minutes before closing time; get it so you don't miss your visit.
• Location: on the Île de la Cité, near the 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 the 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 tombs of 43 kings and 32 queens. In addition, there are the remains of the 10 most loyal servants of the monarchy.

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

Details of interest

• How to visit: you can visit the interior and the crypts.
• Price: tickets start at 13 €.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:15, Sundays from 12:00 to 18:15. Please note that the opening hours may vary slightly depending on the season.
• Location: at 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 tramway.

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

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

If you plan 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 emblematic locations such as Notre Dame. The guide will probably adapt the language and content so that the little ones will have a great time.

Details of interest

• How to visit: you can seeit 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 €.
• Hours: Monday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm and Sunday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• Location: at 1 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin.
• How to get there: there are different bus options and you can use 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 often goes unnoticed, 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.

Here you will also find the tomb of the philosopher René Descartes and other important French figures. In addition, you cannot miss a tour of the spectacular Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, as it is the perfect complementary activity to understand the history of the church.

Details of interest

• 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 enter the church. Entrance is usually allowed for some masses.
• Price: admission is free and tours of Saint-Germain des Prés start at 124 € per person.
• Opening hours: open Monday and Sunday from 9:20 am to 8:00 pm, Tuesday to Friday from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm and Saturday from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm. There are Latin masses on Wednesdays at 7:30 am and Spanish masses on Sundays at 5:00 pm.
• 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 be able to remember your trip forever and the only way 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 late Romanesque and Gothic.

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 facade 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 neighborhood are available from 30 € per person.
• Hours: open daily at 8:45 am except Tuesdays. Closing times may vary.
• Location: Place Sainte-Geneviève, near the Latin Quarter.
• How to get there: you can use metro line 10 to Cardinal Lemoine or the different bus routes.

Paris is not only Gothic temples, you also have neoclassical examples such as the Madeleine Church. It is impressive and stands out for its 52 Corinthian columns that will transport you to the Roman Empire. In addition, it has three domes that allow natural light to enter.

In the main altar you will see the impressive sculpture of the Assumption of Mary Magdalene and a representation of the Last Judgment. It is also popular for religious and classical music concerts. For example, they often organize recreations of Mozart's "Requiem" and pieces on their historic organ.

Details of interest

• 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 its masses open to the public.
• Price: admission is usually free and concerts are offered from 25 €.
• Hours: generally every day from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm.
• Location: Place de la Madeleine.
• How to get there: you can use metro lines 8, 12 and 14 to Madeleine station. You can also take line A of the Parisian RER to Auber station.

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

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

Details of interest

• How to visit: You can visit on your own and attend masses.
• Price: admission is free.
• Hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 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.