Top 10 Churches in Paris (Besides Notre-Dame)

Paris, a city renowned for its architectural grandeur and rich history, boasts an extraordinary collection of churches that stand as testaments to centuries of faith, art, and pivotal historical moments. While Notre-Dame rightfully holds a special place, countless other sacred sites offer equally captivating experiences, revealing different facets of Parisian spirituality and design.

Here are 10 remarkable churches in Paris that deserve your attention beyond Notre-Dame:

Top 10 Kirchen in Paris (außer Notre-Dame)

1. Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre)

Architectural Highlights: A dazzling white Roman-Byzantine masterpiece, dramatically perched atop Montmartre hill. Its onion domes and towering campanile are instantly recognizable. The interior is adorned with one of the world’s largest mosaics, depicting Christ in Majesty.
Historic Moments: Built as a national penance for the sins of the Paris Commune, its construction began in 1875. It stands as a symbol of hope and resilience.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere inside, contrasting with the lively tourist bustle outside. It’s a place of perpetual adoration of the Holy Eucharist.
Standort: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris (Montmartre).
Vibe: Iconic landmark, incredible panoramic views of Paris from its steps.

2. Sainte-Chapelle

Architectural Highlights: A jewel-box of High Gothic architecture, built by King Louis IX to house Christ’s Crown of Thorns. Its undisputed highlight is the extraordinary collection of 15 prächtige Buntglasfenster, covering 6,458 sq ft (600 sq m), depicting over 1,113 scenes from the Bible. The light streaming through them creates an ethereal, kaleidoscopic glow.
Historic Moments: Consecrated in 1248. Served as a royal chapel and housed precious Christian relics.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Overwhelmingly beautiful and awe-inspiring, creating a sense of divine radiance.
Standort: 8 Bd du Palais, 75001 Paris (Île de la Cité, within the Palais de la Cité complex).
Vibe: Intimate, dazzling, a must-see for anyone interested in stained glass.

3. Kirche Saint-Sulpice

Architectural Highlights: Paris’s second-largest church (after Notre-Dame), an imposing example of classical French architecture, particularly the grand facade with its two mismatched towers. The interior features a magnificent organ (one of the largest in the world) and impressive murals by Eugène Delacroix (in the Chapel of the Holy Angels).
Historic Moments: Begun in the 17th century, it took over a century to complete. It played a role in the “Da Vinci Code” novel (though its historical accuracy is minimal).
Spiritual Atmosphere: Grand, vast, and contemplative. The sheer scale can feel humbling.
Standort: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
Vibe: Majestic, understated elegance, a haven of peace in a busy neighborhood.

4. Église Saint-Eustache

Architectural Highlights: A towering Gothic church with Renaissance influences, often called “the cathedral of Les Halles” due to its former proximity to the central market. Its sheer size, intricate stained glass, and a famous large organ (one of the largest in France) are highlights. The interior is filled with impressive sculptures and paintings.
Historic Moments: Begun in 1532, it took over a century to build. It hosted the baptisms of Richelieu and Molière, and the funerals of Mozart’s mother and Anne of Austria.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Grand, imposing, and deeply historical. Its scale creates a sense of solemnity.
Standort: 2 Impasse Saint-Eustache, 75001 Paris (Les Halles).
Vibe: An unexpected architectural marvel in a modern district, surprisingly peaceful inside.

5. Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Architectural Highlights: The oldest church in Paris, dating back to the 6th century. Its Romanesque bell tower (one of the few remaining in Paris) and nave are particularly notable. The interior was heavily redecorated in the 19th century with vibrant murals.
Historic Moments: Founded in the 6th century by Childebert I. It was a powerful Benedictine abbey. The tower is believed to be the resting place of Saint Germanus of Paris.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Ancient, serene, and historically resonant. You can feel centuries of history within its walls.
Standort: 3 Place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris (Saint-Germain-des-Prés).
Vibe: A peaceful haven in a chic, bustling neighborhood, full of character.

6. La Madeleine (Église de la Madeleine)

Architectural Highlights: Resembling a Roman temple, this neoclassical church is unique among Parisian churches. It has no cross on its roof but is surrounded by 52 Corinthian columns. Its monumental facade is impressive, and the interior is richly decorated with sculptures and mosaics.
Historic Moments: Commissioned by Napoleon as a “Temple to the Glory of the French Army.” It was later consecrated as a church.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Grand, awe-inspiring, more like a classical monument than a traditional church, yet still a place of worship.
Standort: Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris (near Place de la Concorde).
Vibe: Imposing, elegant, and centrally located, often blending into its surroundings as a grand public building.

7. Saint-Louis des Invalides (Teil des Komplexes Les Invalides)

Architectural Highlights: The main church within the vast Les Invalides complex, known for its elegant classical architecture and the stunning Invalidendom (Dôme des Invalides), which houses the tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. The golden dome is a prominent feature of the Parisian skyline.
Historic Moments: Built under Louis XIV as a chapel for veterans. Napoleon’s remains were brought here in 1840.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Grand, solemn, and patriotic, especially within the dome.
Standort: 129 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris.
Vibe: A powerful symbol of French military history and national pride.

8. Kirche Saint-Séverin

Architectural Highlights: A beautiful example of late-Gothic (Flamboyant Gothic) architecture, particularly known for its stunning twisted column in the Ambulatory and its beautiful stained-glass windows (including some modern ones).
Historic Moments: One of the oldest churches on the Left Bank, dating back to the 11th century, it has been rebuilt and expanded over centuries. It’s intimately connected to the intellectual history of the Latin Quarter.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Intimate, reflective, and often quieter than major landmarks. The twisted column is a unique architectural marvel.
Standort: 1 Rue des Prêtres Saint-Séverin, 75005 Paris (Quartier Latin).
Vibe: A hidden gem in the bustling Latin Quarter, full of intricate details.

9. Église Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois

Architectural Highlights: A beautiful and historic Gothic church located directly opposite the Louvre Museum. Its most distinctive feature is its magnificent central porch and its stunning stained-glass windows.
Historic Moments: Served as the parish church of the French kings when they resided at the Louvre. It infamously rang its bells to signal the start of the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in 1572.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Ancient, solemn, and quiet, offering a stark contrast to the crowds across the street at the Louvre.
Standort: 2 Place du Louvre, 75001 Paris.
Vibe: Often overlooked due to its famous neighbor, but a rewarding visit for its history and art.

10. Basilika Sainte-Clotilde

Architectural Highlights: A stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture, characterized by its impressive twin spires that rise prominently on the Left Bank. The interior is known for its beautiful stained glass and a grand organ.
Historic Moments: Consecrated in 1857. It was the first church in Paris to be built in the Gothic Revival style.
Spiritual Atmosphere: Serene, elegant, and grand.
Standort: 23 Rue Las Cases, 75007 Paris.
Vibe: A quieter, elegant church located in a chic residential neighborhood, offering a sense of local Paris.

Each of these churches tells a unique story of Paris, through its architecture, art, and the historical events it has witnessed, offering a profound journey through the city’s soul.