The Catholic Pilgrim's Guide to Paris, France
LIFE
Paris, the capital of France, is a global cultural and historical center situated on the Seine River in the Île-de-France region. This metropolis of over 2 million residents sits in the Paris Basin, surrounded by gentle hills and fertile plains, with no major mountain ranges nearby—though the distant Vosges mountains lie to the east and the Massif Central to the south.
The city's Catholic legacy spans nearly two millennia, beginning when Christianity arrived in the 3rd century AD through St. Denis, the first Bishop of Paris who became the city's patron saint after his martyrdom. Founded originally by Celtic tribes in the 3rd century BC as Lutetia, Paris evolved into a major Christian center that would profoundly influence Catholic intellectual and spiritual life throughout European history. From medieval scholasticism at the University of Paris to modern Catholic renewal movements, the city has been a beacon of Catholic thought, devotion, and pilgrimage for centuries.
1. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Local Name (French): Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris
Colloquial Name: Notre-Dame (English/French)
🏛️ Type: Cathedral, Minor Basilica, Relic Shrine
📖 Description / Highlights:
One of the most iconic churches in the world, Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture and a symbol of Catholic devotion. Construction began in 1163 and continued into the 14th century, resulting in its iconic flying buttresses, intricate rose windows, and ribbed vaults. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it houses the revered Crown of Thorns and other important relics. The cathedral rose to literary fame through Victor Hugo's The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, and suffered a devastating fire in 2019. After extensive restoration, it triumphantly reopened in December 2024. Welcoming over 12 million visitors annually, Notre-Dame remains a global beacon of faith, history, and beauty.
🧭 Directions:
📍 Address: 6 Parvis Notre-Dame – Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France
🧿 What3Words: ///marginal.whispers.busters
🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8529, 2.3499
🌐 Website
2. Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Local Name (French): Basilique du Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre
Colloquial Name: Sacré-Cœur (English/French)
🏛️ Type: Minor Basilica, Pilgrimage Site
📖 Description / Highlights:
Perched atop Montmartre, Paris' highest point, this magnificent neo-Byzantine basilica is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Built between 1875 and 1914 as a symbol of repentance and spiritual renewal following France's 1870 defeat, it features stunning white stone that gleams against the Parisian skyline. The basilica houses a breathtaking mosaic of Christ, a grand Cavaillé-Coll organ, and maintains perpetual Eucharistic adoration that has continued unbroken since 1885. Its belfry contains the Savoyarde, France's largest bell, while the dome offers panoramic views of the entire city.
🧭 Directions:
• 📍 Address: 35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 75018 Paris, France
• 🧿 What3Words: ///offshore.willing.grades
• 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
• 📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8867, 2.3431
🌐 Website
3. Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse
Local Name (French): Chapelle Notre-Dame de la Médaille Miraculeuse
Colloquial Name: Miraculous Medal Chapel (English) / Chapelle de la Médaille, La Chapelle de la Rue du Bac (French)
🏛️ Type: Marian Shrine, Apparition Site
📖 Description / Highlights:
This sacred shrine marks one of the most significant Marian apparitions in modern history. In 1830, the Virgin Mary appeared to St. Catherine Labouré here, instructing her to create the Miraculous Medal. The chapel houses the incorrupt body of St. Catherine, relics of St. Louise de Marillac, and the heart of St. Vincent de Paul. The serene, prayer-filled atmosphere attracts over 3 million pilgrims annually who come to venerate the saints and pray before the chair where Our Lady appeared.
🧭 Directions:
• 📍 Address: 140 Rue du Bac, 75007 Paris, France
• 🧿 What3Words: ///painting.cups.crazy
• 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
• 📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8509, 2.3234
🌐 Website
4. Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Local Name (French): Chapelle Saint-Vincent-de-Paul
Colloquial Name: St. Vincent de Paul Shrine (English/French)
🏛️ Type: Saint Shrine, Reliquary
📖 Description / Highlights:
Located just steps from the Miraculous Medal Chapel, this 19th-century shrine houses the wax-covered body of St. Vincent de Paul, founder of the Vincentian communities. Pilgrims come to venerate this great saint of charity, known for his tireless service to the poor and sick. The shrine also features relics of Vincentian martyrs and saints.
🧭 Directions:
• 📍 Address: 95 Rue de Sèvres, 75006 Paris, France
• 🧿 What3Words: ///crowd.wonderfully.savers
• 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
• 📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8488, 2.3218
🌐 Website
5. Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
Local Name (French): Basilique Notre-Dame-des-Victoires
Colloquial Name: Our Lady of Victories (English) / Notre-Dame des Victoires (French)
🏛️ Type: Minor Basilica, Marian Shrine
📖 Description / Highlights:
Built in 1629 by order of Louis XIII, this basilica is known for thousands of ex-voto plaques and special chapels honoring the Martin family. Relics of Sts. Zélie and Louis Martin—parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux—draw pilgrims seeking family and Marian intercession.
🧭 Directions:
• 📍 Address: 6 Rue Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, 75002 Paris, France
• 🧿 What3Words: ///grain.ridge.dishing
• 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
• 📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8668, 2.3408
🌐 Website
6. Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Local Name (French): Église Saint-Étienne-du-Mont
Colloquial Name: St. Étienne (English/French)
🏛️ Type: Parish Church, Saint Shrine
📖 Description / Highlights:
This stunning blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture is the resting place of St. Genevieve, patron saint of Paris. It also houses tombs of Pascal and Racine, and the only remaining rood screen in Paris. A sacred and cultural treasure.
🧭 Directions:
• 📍 Address: Place Sainte-Geneviève, 75005 Paris, France
• 🧿 What3Words: ///city.puzzles.recipient
• 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
• 📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8466, 2.3479
🌐 Website
7. Église Saint-Sulpice
Local Name (French): Église Saint-Sulpice
Colloquial Name: Saint-Sulpice (English/French)
🏛️ Type: Parish Church, Seminary Church
📖 Description / Highlights:
One of Paris's largest churches, Saint-Sulpice features a grand pipe organ, Delacroix paintings, and an astronomical gnomon. The church gained modern fame in The Da Vinci Code but is revered for its deep spiritual and artistic heritage.
🧭 Directions:
• 📍 Address: 2 Rue Palatine, 75006 Paris, France
• 🧿 What3Words: ///weeks.motion.softer
• 🗺️ Google Maps: View Map
• 📌 GPS Coordinates: 48.8507, 2.3348
🌐 Website