Discover some of our favourite churches in France, with our detailed history and visitor guides
Of course, there are many thousands of churches in France: many are spectacular and others are small buildings in the centre of a village, some preserve their original roman or gothic style, others have been rebuilt or restructured. We can't hope to visit all the churches in France, but when we do come across one as we explore that merits a detour to be visited, we include it here...
Aquitaine
Ainhoa church of Notre-Dame (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)
The church in Ainhoa is a traditional Basque church with rows of balconies around the walls
See Ainhoa church of Notre-Dame guide
Basilica Notre-Dame in Penne d'Agenais (Lot-et-Gronne)
The basilica Notre-Dame in the village of Penne d'Agenais is a 19th century church in the roman-byzantine style with views over the valley of the Lot
See Basilica Notre-Dame in Penne d'Agenais guide
Church Sainte-Croix in Oloron-Sainte-Marie (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)
The Church Sainte-Croix is an interesting roman style church built in the 12th century
See Church Sainte-Croix in Oloron-Sainte-Marie guide
Hendaye church Saint-Vincent (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)
The Church Saint-Vincent in Hendaye has a charming interior of tiered balconies and red walls
See Hendaye church Saint-Vincent guide
Saint-Jean-de-Luz church (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)
The church of Saint John the Baptist in Saint-Jean-de-Luz has a remarkable interior with a baroque altar and tiered balconies
See Saint-Jean-de-Luz church guide
Sauveterre church of Saint-André (Pyrenees-Atlantiques)
The church of Saint-André in Sauveterre is an interesting and charming roman style church built in the 12th century
See Sauveterre church of Saint-André guide
The Subterranean Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean (Charente)
The Monolithic Subterranean Church of Saint-Jean in Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is a magnificent underground church hewn from the rock.
See The Subterranean Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean guideAuvergne
Clermont-Ferrand basilica (Puy-de-Dome)
The basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most important romanesque churches in the Auvergne
See Clermont-Ferrand basilica guideBrittany
Dinan basilica of Saint-Sauveur (Cotes-d'Armor)
The basilica of Saint-Sauveur in Dinan incorporates romanesque elements from the 12th century and gothic elements from the 15th century
See Dinan basilica of Saint-Sauveur guide
Dinan church of Saint-Malo (Cotes-d'Armor)
The Church of Saint-Malo in Dinan is a large 15th century church with interesting architectural features
See Dinan church of Saint-Malo guide
Guingamp Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours (Cotes-d'Armor)
The Basilica in Guingamp is an interesting mix of archtectural styles and includes an ancient statue of the black Virgin
See Guingamp Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours guideBurgundy
Paray-le-Monial basilica (Saone-et-Loire)
Paray-le-Monial basilica is an impressive 12th century church in the romanesque style
See Paray-le-Monial basilica guide
Vézelay basilica (Yonne)
The basilica in Vézelay is a monumental example of roman style architecture, with 12th century carvings among its highlights
See Vézelay basilica guideLoire Valley
Basilica of Saint-Martin in Tours (Indre-et-Loire)
The basilica Saint-Martin is an imposing neo-byzantine church in the town of Tours
See Basilica of Saint-Martin in Tours guide
Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church (Indre-et-Loire)
The collegiate church of Candes-Saint-Martin has numerous medieval statues incorporated in the facade and porch
See Candes-Saint-Martin collegiate church guideMidi-Pyrenees
Sanctuary of Rocamadour (Lot)
The Sanctuary in Rocamadour is a historic pilgrimage site
See Sanctuary of Rocamadour guideNormandy
Lisieux Basilica (Calvados)
The basilica in Lisieux is a 20th century church built in tribute to Saint-Therese, who lived in the town
See Lisieux Basilica guideParis region
Basilica de Sacre Coeur (Paris)
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is one of the most famous Paris landmarks, and stands in Montmartre on the highest hill in the city so also has exceptional views
See Basilica de Sacre Coeur guide
Basilica of Saint-Denis (Paris)
In the Basilica of Saint-Denis, where many of the French kings are buried, you can admire one of the very first gothic style cathedrals to be built
See Basilica of Saint-Denis guide
Eglise de la Madeleine (Paris)
The Eglise de la Madeleine is a most unusual church, being built under orders from Napoleon to resemble a traditional Greek temple
See Eglise de la Madeleine guide
Sainte-Chapelle (Paris)
Sainte-Chapelle, on the Ile de la Cité in Paris, is an important gothic chapel with remarkable stained glass windows
See Sainte-Chapelle guidePays de la Loire
Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin (Maine-et-Loire)
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Angers combines 1500 years of religious architecture with an impressive display of religious artwork
See Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin guidePoitou-Charentes
Melle Church of Saint-Hilaire (Deux-Sevres)
The church of Saint-Hilare in Melle is a very impressive example of 12th century architecture
See Melle Church of Saint-Hilaire guideProvence
Basilica of Saint-Michael the Archangel in Menton (Alpes-Maritimes)
The basilica of Saint-Michael the archangel in Menton is a baroque style church built in the 18th century
See Basilica of Saint-Michael the Archangel in Menton guideRhone-Alpes
Collegiale Saint-Barnard of Romans-sur-Isère (Drome)
The collegiale church in Romans-sur-Isere is a 12th-13th century church with medieval artworks
See Collegiale Saint-Barnard of Romans-sur-Isère guide
Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette (Isere)
The church and mountainous setting of Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette are the second most important pilgrimage destination in France
See Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette guideSee more tourist attractions in France