Churches in Paris, France

Sainte-Chapelle

This is a Gothic masterpiece that was built by Louis IX as a shrine for his holy relics.  It was completed in 1248 and is considered to be the most beautiful church in Paris (we could not agree more).  I visited this church (while David was at work) and was so taken with its breathtaking beauty, that I suggested to David that he visit this church too.  So on our last day in Paris, David visited Sainte-Chapelle and was also very impressed.  

What makes this church so spectacular are the 15 stained-glass windows that soar 50 feet to a star-covered vaulted roof.  The effect of light and colour is truly breathtaking.  The 13th century stained-glass windows are the oldest in Paris and depict Biblical scenes from Genesis through to the Crucifixion.  The other beautiful feature is the rose window, which depicts St John's vision of the Apocalypse in 86 panels. This really is the most beautiful church we have ever visited and we highly recommend that people see this when visiting Paris.

Notre-Dame

The Cathedral of Notre-Dame (Our Lady) is located on the Ile de la Cite.  The Ile de la Cite is an island on the Seine and many say Paris was born here.  This tiny land mass is the geographical heart of the country, with French distances being measured from Point Zero, just outside Notre Dame.

The Notre-Dame is just as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside. Some of the features on the outside include the three elaborately carved portals at the entrance, the 226 feet high twin towers and the 295 feet Spire.  On the inside, there are beautiful stained glass windows (including three great rose windows), the Statue of the Virgin and Child, and France's largest organ.  

Sacre-Coeur

Sacre-Coeur (Sacred Heart) was built as a memorial to the French soldiers killed during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71).  Sacre-Coeur is one of the most photographed images of the city and it is perched on a hill in an area called Montmartre.  Montmartre is the highest point in Paris and offers panoramic views of Paris.  Unfortunately on the day we visited Sacre-Coeur, it was overcast and so the views of Paris were not that great.  We were allowed inside the church, but unfortunately we were not allowed to take any photographs of the interior.  

Hotel des Invalides - Dome Church

Louis XIV had the Hotel des Invalides constructed for wounded soldiers of the late 17th century.  There are still a few old soldiers housed here and they share their home with the most famous French soldier of them all, Napoleon Bonaparte.  Napoleon's body rests in the crypt directly below the dome of the beautiful and impressive Dome Church.  The dome itself, stands at 351 feet high and towers over the Hotel des Invalides.  The interior of the church is gorgeous and the circular painting on the ceiling is the Glory of Paradise, painted in 1692 by the French artist Charles de la Fosse.