From Notre-Dame de Paris to Notre-Dame de la Garde basilica, France is filled with churches and cathedrals, each more magnificent than the last. Let me show you my selection of the most beautiful French churches.
18) Saint-Michel Basilica
Saint-Michel Basilica, located in Bordeaux, is decorated with sculptures and stained glass windows, giving it a distinctive aesthetic.
Its radiant yellow color sets it apart from the other churches on this list, emphasizing its uniqueness.
Another notable feature is its bell tower, housed in the main building, which is quite uncommon, I must say.
17) Sainte-Marie Majeure Cathedral
This cathedral is incredible. Its gorgeous Romanesque-Byzantine style stands out from the panorama.
It perfectly embodies this Romano-Byzantine architecture, with its towering domes, arched arches, wide-open spaces, colorful mosaics and columns.
It truly resembles a movie set!
16) Notre-Dame de Rouen Cathedral
One of the most beautiful French gothic cathedral, Notre-Dame de Rouen makes a strong impression with its sculpted façade, colorful stained glass windows and its asymmetrical style.
15) Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
Notre-Dame de Fourvière, in Lyon, located on the hill of the same name, mixes neo-Byzantine and neo-Romanesque styles, showcasing the building’s unique charm.
The building’s interior, covered with mosaics and stained glass windows, provides an incredible experience when visiting the basilica.
14) Saint-Étienne de Metz Cathedral
The cathedral’s gothic architecture offers a magnificent view after nightfall, under the floodlights.
The building’s impressive height is complemented by its sculptures and magnificent stained glass windows, each feature more incredible than the last.
Also, with its arches so high, we can feel its immensity. In short, it has an elegance and character that leaves a lasting impression.
13) Saint-Corentin Cathedral
Saint-Corentin cathedral, at Quimper, is really imposing with its slim arches and complex vaults.
The façade’s sculptures add some character to this amazingly stunning church, and the interior is lightened up with those stained glass windows. It’s definitely worth alook!
12) Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral
Notre-Dame de Reims, located in the middle of the city, with its gothic architecture shining beautifully, and even more so once the night falls and it’s illuminated with a thousand lights!
Its stained glass windows are among the most breathtaking in the world, offering a magnificent view of the cathedral’s interior.
All of it gives a majestic impression of its serene design.
11) Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral
This cathedral is most famous for its majestic, gothic architecture with asymmetrical towers, which are quite unique.
Certainly it contains one of the most beautiful and ancient stained glass windows you can see, creating a marvelous atmosphere of light and color.
The labyrinth carved into the floor of the nave adds a mythical touch to the building, enough to fill you with wonder during your visit.
10) Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral
Notre-Dame d’Amiens Cathedral is an elegant gothic building with typical architecture from that period.
The sculptures are magnificent, and between the gargoyles, the saints statues and the biblical story, there is plenty to look at!
Don’t forget the stained glass windows inside, it’s really impressive how the lights fill out the space.
9) Sainte Chapelle
Sainte-Chapelle of Paris, it’s an amazing church known for the breathtaking beauty of its stained glass windows.
The gothic architecture brings the outside light in, magnifying the building and accentuating its sacred aspect. The relic of Christ’s Crown of Thorns adds a divine dimension to this incredible place.
8) Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral
The most famous of France’s cathedral, hit by a terrible fire in 2019, is one of the most famous monuments of the world. And not without reasons.
First of all, the two massive towers and unique rose window on its façade are pure reflections of its artistry.
Inside, the lights play, crossing the stained glass windows in a truly enchanting fashion. Also, there’s an impressive vault that rises up so high. Let’s not forget the gargoyles and chimeras that watch over the city from the cathedral’s heights.
It’s one of the symbols of Paris, a place filled with history and beauty.
7) Saint Sernin Basilica
With its distinctive pink color, like the rest of the city, but also by its Romanesque aesthetic, Saint Sernin’s crypt is full of history that will make you travel through time.
From the outside, with its octagonal bell tower and its red stones, it has a unique charm.
And inside, it’s amazing : the high vaults, the massive columns and sculpted capitals are pure art.
6) Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Lourdes
Surrounded by nature, the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception of Lourdes is magnificent. Perched above the Massabielle cave, with its néo-gothic style and slender spires, it has an exalted look.
With its stained glass windows and mosaics, the interior is as beautiful as the outside.
It’s a place full of peace and spirituality, and within the context of the city, it gives off a very special aura.
5) Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica
Perched on la Garde hill, high above Marseille, it is renowned for watching after the citizens, hence the nickname “Good Mother”.
Its bell tower features a golden statue of the Virgin Mary and the Child, as well as a classical cupola in the neo-Byzantine style.
Its interior decoration, richly filled with golden mosaics, is astonishing.
It offers an impeccable view of both the city and sea from its amazing perch. It’s really something special!
4) Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
Mont Saint-Michel abbey defiesthe laws of nature.
It is perched on a rock, linked to the continent by one single road that disappears once the tide comes in.
Its medieval architecture is breathtaking and an unforgettable sight.
It has retained its typical style despite numerous modifications throughout the centuries.
3) Sacré Coeur Basilica
Its style is a mix between Romanesque-byzantine and Art-nouveau, making it truly unique. With its white color against Paris’ skyline and its rounded domes, it has an almost fairytale feel.
Inside, it’s spacious and peaceful, with soft filtering light through the stained glass windows. Then there’s the immensely large mosaic of the Christ in majesty, one of the largest in the world, which catches the eye.
Let’s not forget the view from the square in front of the basilica : the entirety of Paris lies at your feet.
2) Saint-André Basilica
Saint André basilica, in the middle of Bordeaux’s town center, has the distinctive feature of having a bell tower separated from the main building, like Saint-Michel basilica, mentioned earlier.
Its gothic architecture, coupled with its imposing height and its buttresses make it an imposing, yet welcoming historical landmark.
1) Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral
Located in the heart of the city center, Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame cathedral stands out for its size and gothic style, with its high vaults and green roof.
The incredibly detailed façade is dominated by a spire rising to stunning heights, making it one of the highest in the world.
The stained glass windows are among the finest in Europe, while its astronomical clock is a true masterpiece of engineering and art.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
