8 Catholic sites you need to see in Paris

Forget the images and Parisian lifestyle conveyed in the popular TV show Emily in Paris — the true allure of Paris lies in its profound spiritual heritage. For the Catholic pilgrim, the City of Light is a treasure trove of sacred sites, each echoing centuries of faith and divine encounter. While, understandably, many hearts now turn toward the newly reopened Notre Dame as a symbol of hope and resilience, the city offers so much more: hidden chapels, awe-inspiring basilicas, and monuments of remembrance that will fill your spiritual heart with joy.

Whether you’re seeking solace, inspiration, or a deeper connection with tradition, these sacred spaces beckon you to explore the spiritual depths of Paris, and discover a little more about the capital's history.

Standing majestically on the Île de la Cité, Notre Dame is much more than an architectural wonder — it is a living chronicle of Parisian faith. Founded in the 12th century, this iconic Gothic cathedral has witnessed centuries of prayer, celebration, and mourning. Despite the tragic fire that tested its resilience, the spirit of Notre Dame endures, offering visitors a palpable sense of hope and renewal. Catholics flock here not only to admire its soaring arches and intricate sculptures but also to feel connected to the countless souls who have found solace within its hallowed walls.

Of course, the cathedral is home to some of the Church's most precious relics, including the Crown of Thorns, remnants of the True Cross, along with a 9 cm nail used during Christ's crucifixion.

Hidden within the medieval heart of Paris, Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic artistry. Constructed in the mid-13th century by King Louis IX to house sacred relics (initially it was home to the Crown of Thorns), its most striking feature is a series of 1113 breathtaking stained glass windows. These vibrant panels cast a kaleidoscope of colored light across the chapel’s interior, evoking the divine mystery of creation and the beauty of faith. A visit to Sainte-Chapelle offers a moment of meditative wonder, inviting pilgrims to reflect on the transcendent interplay of light and spirituality.

You can learn more about the fascinating history of the chapel that was built in an impressively speedy seven years here!

Perched atop the historic Montmartre hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica is a beacon of peace and panoramic beauty. Completed in the early 20th century, its distinctive white domes and expansive interior make it one of Paris’s most beloved landmarks.

For Catholics, the basilica is not only a place of prayer but also a testament to the perseverance of faith — rising high above the city as a symbol of hope after times of turmoil. The quiet majesty of Sacré-Cœur provides a perfect retreat from the urban clamor, encouraging personal reflection and communal prayer.

As a shrine of Adoration of the Eucharistic and divine Mercy, you could always hop on a plane to get to the Basilica in time to join in the celebrations on Divine Mercy Sunday that falls on April 27 in 2025.

Resembling a classical temple more than a traditional church, Église de la Madeleine -- or Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine -- offers a striking blend of neoclassical elegance and spiritual reverence. With its imposing columns and sculptural details, the church was designed to evoke the grandeur of ancient antiquity while serving as a modern house of worship. For the Catholic visitor, it represents a harmonious convergence of art, history, and faith — a place where the beauty of creation meets the devotion of its congregation.

The church was initially planned by Louis XV; however, the French Revolution put a stop to building work with Napoleon Bonaparte having other ideas for its use as a majestic monument, demonstrating France's force and power. However, when the emperor was exiled from France in 1814, the construction of the building as a church recommenced, and was completed in 1842. And just recently, an extensive project to clean the church has finished, leaving it gleaming as in its former glory.

As one of the largest churches in Paris, Saint-Sulpice is renowned for its vast interior and rich artistic heritage. Its stunning murals, intricate carvings, and one of the city’s most celebrated pipe organs create an atmosphere perfect for contemplation and prayer. A center of spiritual life for centuries, Saint-Sulpice invites visitors to lose themselves in its history and artistry, finding in its quiet corners a space to listen for the whisper of the divine amidst the rhythms of daily life.

The church was witness to the marriage of famous French writer Victor Hugo -- author of Les Miserables and Notre Dame de Paris (later more famous as The Hunchback of Notre Dame) -- to Adèle Foucher. And like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the church also survived a fire in 2019. However, this blaze caused minimal damage in comparison, with the doors, a staircase and a stained-glass window being burnt in what was later discovered to be an arson attack.

Tucked away in a serene part of the city -- not too far from La Madeleine --, the Chapelle Expiatoire stands on what was the former cemetery of La Madeleine where King Louis XVI and his wife Queen Marie-Antoinette were buried after their executions. It was only when the king's brother took the throne in 1814 that the remains of the guillotined king and queen were reburied at the Saint-Denis Basilica.

Dedicated to their memory, and to others killed in the Revolution, the chapel was built as an act of contrition and remembrance, its peaceful gardens and modest interior offer a stark, reflective contrast to the grandeur of Paris’s other churches. For the Catholic pilgrim, this chapel is a poignant reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring power of forgiveness — a space to honor the past while looking forward with hope.

An architectural gem that marries Gothic ambition with Renaissance innovation, Église Saint-Eustache is a testament to the evolution of Parisian spirituality. Its intricate stonework, soaring vaults, and the distinct melodies of its pipe organ transport visitors to a bygone era of devout artistry.

This church, in the heart of the city's shopping district, is often less trodden by the casual visitor. Yet, it offers a rich experience where the historical and the sacred converge, inviting Catholics to appreciate the delicate interplay between art and devotion. As Paris' second largest church, St. Eustache played a pivotal role in the city's spiritual life after the fire of Notre Dame. However, like so many of the old churches in Paris, it too, was victim to two fires in the 19th century, notably during the Semaine sanglante -- a week-long battle between the Paris Commune and the French Army.

No spiritual tour of Paris would be complete without a visit to the Chapelle de la Médaille Miraculeuse, the sacred site where the Blessed Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830. This modest chapel, nestled within a quiet part of the city, is the birthplace of the Miraculous Medal — a cherished symbol of divine protection and hope. Pilgrims visit to receive the medal’s promise of grace and to be reminded that the divine often reaches us in the simplest, most intimate ways.

(And as an important side note: the chapel is conveniently situated next to La Grande Epicerie shop; selling gourmet foods, including pastries, that are pricey but irresistible. However, a quick raspberry tart will give you all the energy you need to complete your spiritual tour of Paris!)