Paris Churches Share a Collective Memory

Paris churches share the collective memory and history of Paris. Here we find biographies of each neighborhood (arrondissement) of the city, collections of art, miraculous objects and tombs. Architectural designs, similarities and differences, and the stories told by the stained glass are two of the factors that draw me into a church every time I see one.

The list of Paris churches below is not comprehensive…..

but represents some of my favorites. In the search bar you can search Paris Churches to find those not listed here.

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Basilica of Sacre-Coeur

The Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, possibly one of the highest Paris churches, stands 200 feet above the River Seine. Its Byzantine-Romanesque white facade makes it a beacon on the hill. Read more…

 

 

 

 

 

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Basilica of Saint-Denis

The Basilica of Saint-Denis was originally an Abbey church and later because a cathedral. The funeral sculpture of the kings’ sarcophagi is splendid. Here you will find not less than 42 kings, 32 queens and 63 prince and princesses buried. Read more….

 

 

 

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Notre Dame de Lorette

 

The church of Notre Dame de Lorette is neo-classical in the style of a Roman temple. It has  four Corinthian columns in the portico and a triumphal arc in the nave. This project of architect Hippolyte Lebas also has murals painted directly on the walls. Read more….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Notre Dame de Paris

Notre Dame is what springs to mind when someone mentions Paris churches. Construction occurred between 1164 and 1375. This Gothic cathedral suffered from vandalism during the 1789 Revolution and more recently in 2019 a horrific fire. Victor Hugo’s novel (1831) Notre Dame de Paris was instrumental in prompting plans for restoration. Read more…..

 

 

 

 

 

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Panthéon Paris

The Panthéon Paris is built on the site where King Clovis in 507 AD constructed a basilica. His plan was for it to eventually hold his remains. In the 1750s an abbey church dedicated to Saint Genevieve was built but was not completed until 1789. Read more…

 

 

 

 

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Sainte-Chapelle

Sainte-Chapelle is modeled after Charlemagne’s Palatine Chapel at Aachen Germany. That church is modeled after The Holy Sepulchre Church in Jerusalem. The Paris church is a crystal marvel of light. It is breath-taking! 1113 scenes (panels) in the 15 floor to ceiling panels of stained glass depict biblical stories.  Nearly two-thirds of these panels are original, dating from 1248. Read more….

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint-Etienne-du-Mont

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont is located across the street from the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter. Originally it was part of the abbey of Sainte-Geneviève, founded by Clovis in the 6th century. It gained recent popularity from the Woody Allen film Midnight in Paris. Read more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint-Eustache

Saint-Eustache, being located close to the Louvre and the Palais Royale, was known as the Parochial and Royal Paris church from the 17th century up until the Revolution. Read more….. 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois

The Church of Saint-Germain l’Auxerrois appears to be a massive church, flanking the majestic bell tower on both sides. However, that bell tower and its lovely clock, are actually part of the town hall  (mairie) for the first arrondissement. Visit this church for its magnificent stained glass! Read more…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint-Gervais et Saint Protais Church

Located in the Marais, Saint-Gervais et Saint Protais Church is built on a site that has been a location of worship since the 4th century. St. Gervais (for short) is dedicated to twin martyrs who were murdered in Milan during Nero’s reign. Read more…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint-Julian le Pauvre

Saint-Julian le Pauvre is one of two of the oldest churches in Paris. It is Paris’ only surviving 12th century church. In 1889 this originally Catholic church became home to a Melchite Greek denomination. Read more….

 

 

 

 

 

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Saint-Pierre de Montmartre

Saint-Pierre de Montmartre, one of Paris’ oldest churches, is tucked behind Sacré Coeur. Thus, there are those that would argue the point of it being one of Paris’ oldest churches. Their reasoning is that at that time, the Montmartre area was not actually a part of Paris. Read more…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Church of Saint-Sulpice

The Church of Saint-Sulpice is second in size only to Paris’ Notre Dame. In the 6th arrondissement, walking distance from Luxembourg Gardens, it has a beautiful fountain in front dedicated to four bishops. Read more….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Eglise de la Trinité

Located in the 9th arrondissement, Eglise de la Trinité (Church of the Trinity) was built between 1861 and 1867. It reflects both Italian Renaissance and Gothic styles. The quartiers around train stations provide intriguing architectural finds! Read more…