10 Most Beautiful Churches In France

France is home to a lot of beautiful things, churches being among them. French cathedrals are, in fact, among the world’s most impressive.

France might not be on the list of the most heavily Christian countries on earth, but it hasn’t stopped the French from building stunning churches. 

10 Most Beautiful Churches In France

Let’s take a look at 10 of the most beautiful churches in France.

1. Mont Saint-Michel Abbey (Le Mont-Saint-Michel, France)

Perched majestically atop Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, France, this 11th-century Gothic abbey church welcomes over 3 million visitors annually. 

With buildings on top of each other, the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey could be considered among the oldest “megastructures” on earth.

Mont Saint-Michel Abbey used to be a prison during the Ancien Régime. The prison was shut in 1863 and the abbey became the residence of the bishop of Coutances until it was declared a monument historique in 1874.

2. Church of Saint-Jean (Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, France)

One of the most fascinating churches in existence, the 7th-century Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean was built undergound, hand-carved into a rock cliff in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne in the French region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

Originally built to house religious artifacts, the Church of Saint-Jean is the largest subterranean church in Europe. 

If you are anywhere near, don’t miss it. You never know when you’re going to see anything like it again!

3. Chartres Cathedral (Chartres, France)

Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, the High Gothic Chartres Cathedral is deemed “the high point of French Gothic art” and a “masterpiece” by UNESCO, which designated it a World Heritage Site in 1979.

But do you know that this church is the fifth one to have stood on its site? All previous ones were damaged by either war or fire. 

The present cathedral was restored in 2009 and with its incredible stained-glass windows, it is definitely one of the most stunning cathedrals in Europe. 

The Chartres Cathedral is unmissable. You can also visit at night to enjoy the fantastic laser light show.

4. Amiens Cathedral (Amiens, France)

The largest cathedral in France, Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Amiens – more commonly known as the Amiens Cathedral – is another UNESCO World Heritage monument. 

The construction of this massive Gothic church in Picardy’s capital started in 1220 and took only half a century to finish – a feat considering how big it is.

Gargoyles, turrets, and towers abound in the Amiens Cathedral, with 126 pillars supporting its vaulted roof. 

If you want the best views of the Amiens town, climb up the 307 narrow steps to reach the church tower. 

5. Notre Dame de Paris (Paris, France)

Notre Dame de Paris, meaning “Our Lady of Paris,” is a medieval cathedral situated in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. Its construction began in 1163 and was completed by 1260. 

Today this church is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. 

With its large historic organ and massive church bells, you shouldn’t miss this architectural wonder when you’re in the French capital. But try to go early to avoid the long queues.

6. Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Paris, France) 

The 19th-century Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, commonly known as Sacré-Cœur Basilica or simply Sacré-Cœur, is located at the summit of Paris’ highest point – the butte Montmartre.

This Romano-Byzantine church is the most visited monument in Paris after the Eiffel Tower. The basilica features a large medieval dome that provides stupendous views of the city so the trek up is well worth your time and energy! 

When in Sacré-Cœur, try to slow down or stop altogether to listen to the nuns perfoming hymns. And please beware of pickpockets.

7. Strasbourg Cathedral (Strasbourg, France)

Said to be among the finest examples of Rayonnant Gothic architecture, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, or simply Strasbourg Cathedral, is a stunning church in Strasbourg in the Grand Est region of France.

Known for its distinctive reddish-brown color, thanks to the rose sandstone used to build it, this impressive cathedral is Strasbourg’s most famous landmark. 

Strasbourg cathedral’s construction began in 1015 and was completed in 1439. Today it is the sixth-tallest church in the world.

What makes this church so remarkable is the famous astrological clock inside, which is the oldest mechanical automat that still works. A sure winner, Strasbourg Cathedral will not disappoint!

8. Rouen Cathedral (Rouen, France)

Rouen is speckled with religious structures of gigantic magnitude – all should be visited, but if you must pick just one, then by all means choose the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Rouen or the Rouen Cathedral.

Famous for its three towers, each in a different style, Rouen Cathedral was built and rebuilt over a period of more than 800 years. It is a marvelous attraction to visit when in Rouen in the Normandy region of France, made famous by Monet’s painting of the façade.

Trust me, it’s just much too stunning to miss!

9. Bourges Cathedral (Bourges, France)

Cathédrale Saint-Étienne de Bourges, commonly known as Bourges Cathedral, is a typical Gothic cathedral: impressive, imposing, and breathtaking. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992, this cathedral is famous for its immense size and large collection of 13th-century stained glass windows.

Located in the lovely, lively town of Bourges in the French region of Centre-Val de Loire, you will love walking in and out of the Bourges Cathedral. The surrounding gardens will provide the perfect Instagram pictures!

10. St. Front’s Cathedral (Périgueux, France)

Cathédrale Saint-Front de Périgueux (St. Front’s Cathedral of Périgueux) is situated in Périgueux in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southwestern France. 

Commonly known as the Périgueux Cathedral, this Byzantine Romanesque church was modeled after St. Mark’s Basilica in Venice, Italy. It was built in the 4th and 5th centuries, featuring a statue of Joan of Arc inside and stained-glass windows which are some of the most beautiful you’ll ever see. 

St. Front’s Cathedral has interesting domes that give it a Moorish feel. You can’t go wrong with a visit if you’re in the area.