THE CHURCHES

DON’T MISS A VISIT TO THESE HISTORIC CH U RCHES W ITH A RICH & VARIED HISTORY, SEVERAL OF W HICH ARE THE MOST PROMINENT LANDMARKS IN PARIS.

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CAT HE DRA L An iconic Parisian landmark immortalised by Victor Hugo in his famous novel, e Hunchback of Notre Dame, this impressive French-Gothic cathedral has towered over the banks of the Seine since its completion in the 13th century. Visit the stunning glass stained rose windows, vaulted interiors, fascinating crypts and its famous bell tower, then climb to the top of the church to enjoy sweeping panoramic views of Paris.

6 parvis Notre-Dame, place Jean-Paul-II, 75004 Paris +33 1 42 34 56 10 | notredamedeparis.fr

BASI L ICA Nestled atop Montmartre, this fascinating Medieval landmark is recognisable by its four domes. e Basilica was built from 1876 to 1914 in a Romanesque-Byzantine style with limestone that whitens when it rains. Welcoming over 10 million pilgrims and visitors every year, its dome o ers breathtaking aerial views of Paris and its huge square tower contains the ‘Savoy’, the largest bell in France weighing 19 tonnes.

35 rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris +33 1 53 41 89 00 | sacre-coeur-montmartre.com

C HU RC H is magni cent Neo-classical church which lies to the north of Place de la Concorde took 85 years to build due to the political unrest in France during the late 18th century and the early 19th century. Originally designed as a tribute to the Grand Army of Napoleon, the building was almost converted into a railway station in 1837, before nally becoming a Catholic church in 1845. Superb music concerts are regularly staged here. Place de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris +33 1 44 51 69 00 | eglise-lamadeleine.com

H O LY C H AP EL Once a royal chapel for the Palais de la Cité and the seat of French royalty in the 13th century, this breathtaking Holy Chapel was consecrated over 750 years ago. Built by Louis IX to house some of the most important relics of the Medieval world, you’ll nd towering stained glass windows, a fragment of the True Cross and Christ’s Crown of orns. As it is one of the most visited sights in Paris, it’s best to purchase a ticket in advance to avoid the lengthy queues.

8 boulevard du Palais, 75001 Paris +33 1 53 40 60 80 | monuments-nationaux.fr

C HU RC H Established in the 18th century following 135 years of construction, this Catholic church boasts one of the grandest facades in Paris. As the second largest church in Paris after the Notre-Dame-de-Paris, the church’s double-tiered colonnade provides a grand entrance for the magni cent interiors that lie within. Discover the Saint-Sulpice’s dramatic frescoes by Delacroix, the brass gnomon and the Meridian line which the author Dan Brown made famous in his bestselling novel, the Da Vinci Code.

2 rue Palatine, 75006 Paris +33 1 42 34 59 98 | stsulpice.com

C HU RC H As the oldest church in Paris with a tumultuous history, it was originally built as an abbey in 512, over the centuries was ransacked by Vikings, destroyed by re, used as a warehouse during the French revolution, and eventually restored to its former glory in the 19th century. A medley of architectural styles attests to the church’s rich history, where 6th-century pillars support gothic vaulted ceilings and Romanesque arches. Visit the tomb of philosopher, René Descartes.

3 place Saint-Germain des Prés, 75006 Paris +33 1 55 42 81 10 | eglise-sgp.org