City: France
Top Things to do in France
Things to do in France, France: The Best Churches & Cathedrals
– in Europe (green & dark grey)
– in the European Union (green)
Restaurants in France
1. Cathedrale Sainte-Cecile
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4,251 reviews
Reviewed By soloflyer2018 - Brisbane, Australia
The magnificent brick building with its amazing Gothic entrance is very hard to describe because it is so huge and apparently the largest brick Cathedral in that part of the world. But... when you enter inside that is when your breath is taken away...it is beautiful. Although it is a French Cathedral the Art is Italian and it is spectacular. I actually visited more than once because I could not absorb everything. The history, the color, the Art ,amazing and a definite "must see" in Albi.
2. Eglise St-Clement
3. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71,255 reviews
This famous cathedral, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture on which construction began in the 12th century, stands on the Île de la Cité and is the symbolic heart of the city.
Reviewed By ashwathramr - Kochi (Cochin), India
A must visit landmark Cathedral in Paris, I turned up at 7:45 AM.. early and entered inide at 8 : 00 AM, the exterior architecture is amazing magnificent , the cathedral is stunning with ornate and intricate statues and two bell tower , he facade of the Cathedral is well designed in Gothic architectural style, the interiors of the cathedral is impressive with high column and glass works ,as i walked inside the cathedral i was just lost in the era of the Gothic Period. This is one of the best cathedral that i ve ever visited in my life. You can capture some of the stunning views of the cathedral . My suggestion to visit the cathedral is enter the cathedral in the morning early hours , when the crowd is less, the entry is free, but you have to stand in line to enter and security check is there. the touristic crowd and group tour pours in so visit at early is always the best to enjoy your visit to this marvelous masterpiece.. At evening hour the views of the cathedral is also stunning...there is a huge open space in front of the cathedral for capturing beautiful views.
4. Sainte-Chapelle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27,113 reviews
The Sainte-Chapelle is the finest royal chapel to be built in France and features a truly exceptional collection of stained-glass windows. It was built in the mid 13th century by Louis IX, at the heart of the royal residence, the Palais de la Cité. It was built to house the relics of the Passion of Christ. Adorned with a unique collection of fifteen glass panels and a large rose window forming a veritable wall of light,the Sainte-Chapelle is a gem of French Gothic architecture. Designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open:> 1st March to 31st October: Monday to Friday: from 9.30 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m.> 1st November to 29th February: Monday to Friday: from 9 a.m. to 12.45 a.m. and to 2.15 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last admission 30 minutes before closing time. The best time to visit is in the morning from Tuesday to Friday. Closed:> 1st January, 1st May and 25th December and in case of negative temperatures.
Reviewed By KVirgils - London, United Kingdom
Glorious and uplifting to walk around this beautiful chapel Every time I visit I marvel at the windows especially if you visit when the sun is shining !
5. Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14,746 reviews
This huge cathedral, Strasbourg's most famous landmark, is an intimidating example of 13th-century Gothic architecture.
Reviewed By garryh702 - Port Coquitlam, Canada
From your first glimpse of the magnificent structure from blocks away to the breath-taking view when you enter the square surrounding this gigantic almost-eerie Gothic monument, it is truly overwhelming and awe-inspiring. My opinion is that it surpasses it's namesake - Notre Dame in Paris. Inside, the huge rose window, the pipe organ, the astrological clock all are simply amazing - especially when you consider they are all 5 or 6 centuries old.
6. Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,335 reviews
Standing atop Fourvière Hill, this basilica, constructed in the late 19th century, has an ornate interior to contrast its grave exterior.
Reviewed By Moko2000
This is a very beautiful church and the mosaics and ceiling are amazing and the view over Lyon is amazing as well. You can either take the tram or walk up. Its very easy to reach from old town
7. Cathedrale Saint-Gatien
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By 590JackK - Lebanon, United States
While there are many sites to behold in the city of Tours, be sure to visit this cathedral. It took four hundred years to build, and was listed as an historic monument in 1862. Everything about it is astonishing to see, from the portals of the facade to the stained glass windows. The two towers each hold something significant in them: the north the royal stairs; the south the cathedral's bells. Aside from other Parisian-style gothic architecture, there are also the tombs of Charles VIII and Anne de Bretagne's children, all in the south chapel. There are plentiful cathedrals to visit when visiting this region; I'd make this one of them.
8. Cathedrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,266 reviews
Amiens Cathedral is one of the finest examples of late Gothic art in Europe. It is also the Cathedral of records since it is the largest in France and the spire rises to a height of 112.70 meters. The towers provide splendid views of the city and of the last medieval steeple still be seen on a Cathedral. Re-opening of the Cathedral Treasury. Cathedral designated world heritage site by UNESCO. Open: > April, May, June, September: Guided tour at 3 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. except Saturday and Sunday, Unaccompanied tour from 2.30 to 5.15 p.m. > July, August: Guided tour at 11 a.m., Unaccompanied tour from 2.30 p.m. to 5.15 p.m. > October to March: Guided tour at 3.45 p.m. Closed: > Tuesdays. > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. > Last Sunday in September. Admission fees: Adults : 7,50 €; Concessions (18 to 25) = 4,50 €; Free admission: minors under 18*; Free admission: 18-25 years old* (citizens of one of the 27 countries of the EU or are non-European permanent residents of France) * excluding school groups
Reviewed By 187147George - Paris, France
This beautiful cathedral has a summer 22.00 light and music show for around 35 minutes The transformation on the cathedral facade is exceptional and extremely well performed. I would definitely recommend this free show
9. Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,468 reviews
This stunning Gothic structure is considered by some to be the town's most important architectural landmark.
Reviewed By Keeley2305 - Toddington, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit if you are in the city of Rouen, free entry Beautiful historic cathedral with plenty of information in other languages aside from French. The tomb of Richard the lionheart is inside, and statue of Joan of arc Tour guides can be found around the cathedral who can be very informative
10. Cathedrale De Bourges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,090 reviews
Reviewed By MattNys - Antwerp, Belgium
France being the walhalla of Cathedral lovers, if you have to choose a few, put Bourges at the top of your list. Beautiful city, fantastic Cathedral, I have never seen such a fine stained window art and there are so many windows to see. If you have the time, book a tour with a guide that knows the stories of each window, You will not be bored. If you don't have the time, just walk around in awe.
