Paris holds many treasures, and its churches are among the most captivating. While Notre Dame stands as the city’s most famous cathedral, the 2019 fire put its visitation on pause. Still, Paris’s rich history unfolds through many other remarkable churches, each with its own story and charm. Exploring these less crowded, yet remarkable churches offers a unique way to connect with the city’s past and its architectural evolution.
Notre Dame remains an icon, its construction beginning more than 860 years ago and spanning over two centuries. Its architecture blends centuries of styles, with one of the most famous additions being the 19th-century spire crafted by Viollet-le-Duc. The spire was adorned by copper statues of the twelve apostles, including St. Thomas, the patron saint of architects, who faced the spire as if admiring his own work. Thankfully, the statues and the symbolic rooster atop the spire survived because they were removed for cleaning during the fire. Today, these original pieces are preserved at the architectural museum at Trocadéro. The plan is to restore Notre Dame and remove scaffolding by 2024, aligning with the Paris Olympics, though the exact timing remains uncertain. Until then, visitors can experience other historic churches that hold stories waiting to be discovered.
Beginning with Saint-Augustin, one finds a church born under Napoleon III’s reign during the Second Empire. Its location on a small, oddly shaped plot squeezed between grand Haussmannian boulevards gives it a compact and distinctive look. Napoleon III, inspired by his exile in London, saw this church as a visual anchor similar to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Its dome stands tall but seems crammed into its site. What sets Saint-Augustin apart is its innovative use of ironwork integrated into the stone structure. The exposed iron skeleton supports the church while also presenting visual beauty. Electrification came early here, with one of Paris’s first electric organs and electric lighting enhancing the space. Walking inside reveals a surprising spaciousness, a hidden vastness contrasting its outward appearance, with a blend of stone, wood, and iron that creates a feeling somewhere between regal and steampunk. Despite its grandeur, Saint-Augustin often escapes many visitors’ attention, yet it remains a gem for those willing to venture off the usual paths.
Near Saint-Augustin, the neighborhood hosts exciting spots for visitors who want a break. Noir, a specialty coffee shop located nearby, serves high-quality drinks in a city where good coffee can sometimes be hard to find. Here, you can enjoy flat whites, cold brews, and pastries like the salted chocolate chip cookie or a lemon cake. It’s a pleasant stop after visiting the church and before moving on to the next site.
Honorable mentions include Sacré-Cœur, a more recent church offering stunning interior space and views, Saint-Germain-des-Prés for its medieval charm and beautifully painted blue ceilings, and Sainte-Chapelle for its legendary stained glass windows. These are well-known, but their beauty and history enrich any itinerary.
Saint-Eustache stands as the second largest church in Paris after Notre Dame, located in the Les Halles area. This neighborhood once held the city’s infamous central wholesale food market, known for its bustling activity and less-than-clean reputation. The butcher’s guild in this area had significant influence, including on the construction of Saint-Eustache. The church’s architecture is a fascinating mix. Its outside showcases flamboyant Gothic style, featuring flying buttresses and an unfinished classical tower. Inside, classical and Renaissance elements dominate. Through the southeast corner entrance, visitors walk into the choir, which can feel disorienting at first because the layout doesn’t match typical church plans. When available, visiting during a light show can transform the experience. Saint-Eustache also connects to history, where Louis XIV took his first communion and Mozart held his mother’s funeral. It holds stories as complex as its architecture.
A respectful visit to these churches requires some simple courtesies. Hats are not allowed inside, so men should remove hats and keep them under their arm or in a bag. Flash photography is discouraged to avoid disturbing people attending services or reflecting quietly. Taking photos and filming quietly is welcomed.
After two grand churches, it’s time for lunch. Melt deli offers a satisfying stop with its range of sandwiches. Originally a single location, it now serves several neighborhoods. The pulled pork, brisket, and wagyu beef sandwiches are popular choices, and the spicy chicken sandwich has become a favorite. The deli’s flavor and quality make it an ideal break, especially after exploring large churches.
To round out this tour, Saint-Étienne-du-Mont provides an intimate yet historic experience near the Pantheon. This church started as a place dedicated to Saint Genevieve, Paris’s patron saint. Legend credits her with turning away Attila the Hun’s attack by prayer, diverting him to Orléans. Genevieve’s burial site now forms part of the Pantheon complex, where the nation honors its most eminent figures. The church itself has a layered history, transitioning from religious use to national shrine status over time. Visitors can see her relics preserved within a reliquary, adding a sacred dimension to the visit. The building’s architecture and its connection to Paris’s spiritual and cultural history make it a must-see for those who appreciate depth and meaning in historic spaces.
Paris’s churches reveal the city’s soul beyond the crowded tourist spots. Each church, from Saint-Augustin to Saint-Étienne-du-Mont, offers a blend of architecture, history, and local life. Exploring them provides a rich and varied understanding of Paris that goes deeper than the famous landmarks alone. Combining these visits with local cafés and eateries makes for not only a cultural journey but a journey of taste and place.
By visiting these hidden gems, travelers connect with the layers of Parisian history, art, architecture, and daily life. The churches stand as silent witnesses to centuries of change, faith, and creativity, while nearby cafés ground the experience in the present moment. This blend of old and new makes a tour of Paris’s churches a rewarding path to take.
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