Churches in Paris With Famous Artwork Inside

Parisian churches are not just places of worship; they are also magnificent art galleries, housing masterpieces by renowned artists that often go unnoticed by visitors rushing between major museums. Beyond their architectural grandeur, these sacred spaces offer a unique opportunity to encounter profound religious art, often for free.

Here are some churches in Paris with must-see artwork inside:

Churches in Paris With Famous Artwork Inside

Art Tips for Viewing in Churches:

• Look Up! Many of the most impressive works are in frescoes on ceilings, domes, or high altarpieces.
• Use Binoculars: For distant details on altars, sculptures, or high frescoes.
• Mind the Light: Natural light varies. Visit on a sunny day for stained glass. Some works are permanently in shadow.
• Respectful Photography: Be discreet. Avoid flash. Some churches may prohibit photography during services.
• Silence: Maintain a respectful silence, especially during services.
• Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees.

Entry Notes:

• Entrance to most churches is free.
• Some may charge a small fee for specific chapels or to ascend towers/domes.
• Check official websites for current opening hours, mass times (during which visiting might be restricted), and any temporary closures.

1. Sainte-Chapelle

• Architectural Highlight: A dazzling example of Rayonnant Gothic architecture.
• Must-See Artwork: The 15 magnificent stained-glass windows are the star. They cover 6,458 sq ft (600 sq m) and depict over 1,113 scenes from the Bible, creating an immersive, jewel-toned kaleidoscope when the sun streams through. This is arguably the finest collection of 13th-century stained glass in the world.
• Art Tip: Visit on a sunny day (late morning to early afternoon is often best) to fully appreciate the luminosity of the stained glass. Take your time to absorb the intricate details and vibrant colors.
• Entry Note: Requires a ticket (€13-€19, often bundled with the Conciergerie). Included in the Paris Museum Pass. Book online in advance for timed entry to skip lines.
• Location: 8 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris (Île de la Cité).

2. Église Saint-Sulpice

• Architectural Highlight: Paris’s second-largest church, known for its imposing classical facade with two mismatched towers.
• Must-See Artwork: Three monumental wall paintings by Eugène Delacroix (a master of Romanticism) in the Chapel of the Holy Angels (Chapelle des Saints-Anges). These are:
  • Jacob Wrestling with the Angel
  • Heliodorus Driven from the Temple
  • Saint Michael Slaying the Dragon
• Art Tip: The Delacroix murals are a hidden gem. Look closely at the “Jacob Wrestling with the Angel” for its dynamic composition and powerful figures. They are often less crowded than Delacroix’s works in the Louvre.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés).

3. Église Saint-Eustache

• Architectural Highlight: A massive Gothic church (often called “the cathedral of Les Halles”) with Renaissance influences.
• Must-See Artwork:
  • “The Departure of the Fruits and Vegetables” (Le Départ des Fruits et Légumes) by Raymond Mason: A striking contemporary sculpture commemorating the former Les Halles market.
  • “The Pilgrims of Emmaus” by Rubens: A notable Baroque painting.
  • Murals by Thomas Couture: Impressive frescoes.
  • Stained Glass: A mix of beautiful historic and vibrant modern stained-glass windows (including works by Jean-Claude Raymond).
• Art Tip: Spend time absorbing the scale and detail of the church, as well as the unique contemporary sculpture.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris (Les Halles).

4. La Madeleine (Église de la Madeleine)

• Architectural Highlight: Resembling a grand Roman temple, with 52 Corinthian columns surrounding its exterior.
• Must-See Artwork:
  • “The Assumption of Mary” by François Rude: An impressive pediment sculpture above the main entrance.
  • “Saint Teresa of Ávila in Ecstasy” (Sculpture by Carlo Marochetti): A dramatic marble sculpture.
  • “The Baptism of Christ” by Henri Lemaire: A large, central sculpture above the altar.
  • Numerous other large-scale sculptures and a magnificent mosaic in the apse.
• Art Tip: Approach the church from the Place de la Concorde for the most imposing view of its facade. The interior sculptures are grand and expressive.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris.

5. Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés

• Architectural Highlight: Paris’s oldest church, with a distinctive Romanesque bell tower dating to the 11th century.
• Must-See Artwork: The vibrant 19th-century murals by Hippolyte Flandrin that adorn the nave and choir. These colorful, almost Byzantine-style frescoes depict biblical scenes and figures.
• Art Tip: The murals create a striking contrast with the ancient Romanesque architecture.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: 3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris.

6. Saint-Louis des Invalides (part of Les Invalides complex)

• Architectural Highlight: Classical architecture culminating in the iconic golden Dome des Invalides, which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte.
• Must-See Artwork:
  • Napoleon’s Tomb: A monumental sarcophagus beneath the dome, surrounded by allegorical figures and battle scenes.
  • Dome Frescoes: The interior of the dome is adorned with magnificent frescoes by Charles de La Fosse, depicting Saint Louis receiving Christ’s crown of thorns.
• Art Tip: The scale of the dome and the intricate details within it are truly impressive.
• Entry Note: Requires a ticket (combined with the Army Museum). Included in the Paris Museum Pass.
• Location: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris.

7. Église Saint-Séverin

• Architectural Highlight: A beautiful example of Flamboyant Gothic (late-Gothic) architecture, known for its striking twisted column in the ambulatory.
• Must-See Artwork: Features a series of both medieval and more contemporary stained-glass windows, including a modern abstract series by Jean Bazaine that adds a unique touch.
• Art Tip: Seek out the twisted column for a unique architectural photo. Observe the evolution of stained glass styles within the same church.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: 1 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris (Latin Quarter).

8. Église Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois

• Architectural Highlight: A beautiful Gothic church with a magnificent central porch and impressive stained-glass windows, located directly opposite the Louvre.
• Must-See Artwork: Contains a beautiful collection of stained-glass windows (some original medieval, others 19th-century restorations), intricate sculptures, and a famous wooden altarpiece from the 16th century.
• Art Tip: Its ornate facade and well-preserved interiors make it a rewarding visit.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: 2 Place du Louvre, 75001 Paris.

9. Sainte-Clotilde Basilica

• Architectural Highlight: A grand neo-Gothic basilica with imposing twin spires.
• Must-See Artwork: Known for its impressive stained-glass windows by Eugène-Stanislas Oudinot, and striking sculptures within its nave and chapels. It also boasts a notable organ.
• Art Tip: Appreciate the grand scale and the rich detail of the neo-Gothic revival.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: 23 Rue Las Cases, 75007 Paris.

10. Basilique Notre-Dame des Victoires

• Architectural Highlight: A beautiful Baroque-style basilica in the 2nd arrondissement.
• Must-See Artwork: Famous for its interior adorned with thousands of ex-voto paintings, small artworks offered as tokens of gratitude for answered prayers. This unique collection creates a visually stunning and spiritually moving display of faith.
• Art Tip: The sheer volume and personal nature of the ex-voto offerings create a powerful cumulative effect.
• Entry Note: Free.
• Location: Place des Petits Pères, 75002 Paris.

These churches offer an enriching artistic and spiritual journey through Paris, providing a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling museums.