Are you fascinated by religious architecture and history? Here are the must-see religious buildings in France:
1Palace of Versailles
VersaillesThe Palace of Versailles, located in the city of Versailles, is approximately 25 km away from Paris. This grand castle complex is one of the largest in Europe and served as the primary residence for French kings from the mid-17th century until the French Revolution. 2Panthéon
ParisThe Panthéon, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, is a significant historical monument. Originally, it was constructed as a church dedicated to Sainte-Geneviève in the 18th century. The architect behind this grand structure was Jacques Germain Soufflot. His vision was to create a classical building with the lightness of a Gothic cathedral. However, due to structural reasons, the open walls were made more massive during construction. 3Benedictine Palace
FécampVisit this Neo-Gothic/Neo-Renaissance architectural jewel which houses a museum of religious art and also produces the famous Bénédictine liquor. 4Annonciade Museum
Saint-TropezThe former chapel dating to the wake of the 16th century now serves as a museum of the modern art. A must do for every art connoisseur. 5Val de Bénédiction Charterhouse
Villeneuve-lès-AvignonA beautiful monastery, and one of the largest in France. Today it provides shelter for young playwrights and artists rent-free for up to a year. 6Le Secq des Tournelles Museum
RouenLe Secq des Tournelles Museum is a unique destination in Rouen, France. It is a museum dedicated to ironwork and is housed in a former church. This gives the museum a unique atmosphere, combining the historical and religious significance of the building with the artistic and practical aspects of the ironwork on display. 7Museum of Fine Arts and Archeology
TroyesThe Abbey of Saint-Loup was not only a religious center but also a hub of intellectual activity. It developed a renowned library and a scriptorium, contributing significantly to the literary culture of the time. The famous poet Chrétien de Troyes is believed to have been a distinguished guest of this abbey, further enhancing its cultural significance. 8Agen Cathedral
AgenAgen Cathedral, located in Agen, Lot-et-Garonne, Aquitaine, France, is a Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to Saint Caprasius. This historic site is a significant part of the city's cultural and religious heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history. 9Église Sainte-Anne
DijonThe Sainte-Anne Church in Dijon is a unique architectural structure. It is a circular church with a copper dome, built in the 18th century. The church is dedicated to Saint Anne and is associated with the Bernardines monastery of Dijon, which dates back to the 17th century. This combination of religious and architectural history makes it a fascinating place to visit. 10Musee des Beaux-Arts
LyonMusee des Beaux-Arts (The Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon) is a municipal museum of fine arts in Lyon and is one of the largest art museums in France. The museum is housed in a former Benedictine convent of the 17th and 18th century. The Musee des Beaux-Arts holds diverse collections consisting of objec 11Maubuisson Abbey
Saint-Ouen-l'AumôneThe Maubuisson Abbey, located in the municipality of Saint-Ouen-l'Aumône in the French department of Val-d'Oise, is a former abbey for female Cistercians. This historical site offers a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the region, making it a significant point of interest for tourists. 12Flaran Abbey
Valence-sur-BaïseFlaran Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey, is situated in Valence-sur-Baïse, in the French department of Gers. This historical site offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural styles of the Romanesque and Gothic periods. The abbey is one of the best-preserved in the southwest of France, making it a significant landmark for those interested in history and architecture. 13Église Notre-Dame des Jacobins
AgenThe Église Notre-Dame des Jacobins is a historical monument located in Agen, France. This 14th-century construction is situated between Rue Richard-Cœur-de-Lion and Rue Alexis-Pain. The church was originally built by the Dominican order, also known as the Jacobins, and has since become a significant part of the city's history and culture. 14Musée de la Chartreuse
DouaiThe Musée de la Chartreuse, located in Douai, France, is an art museum housed in a former Carthusian monastery. This unique setting provides a historical backdrop to the museum's extensive collection of art, adding an extra layer of interest for visitors. 15Expiatory Chapel
ParisThe Expiatory Chapel, or Chapelle expiatoire, is situated in the 8th arrondissement of Paris, France. This location is easily accessible and is surrounded by other notable Parisian landmarks, making it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the city. 16Museum of Sacred Art
DijonThe Museum of Sacred Art in Dijon, a municipal museum dedicated to Catholic sacred art, was inaugurated in 1980. It is located within the Sainte-Anne Church of Dijon and was established by Canon Jean Marilier. This museum offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and cultural significance of Catholic sacred art.- 17
Hospice Sainte Bernadette
LourdesCurrently a museum, the hospice was the first place where Bernadette came to learn. Visit the oratory where she received her communion. 18Mikvé Médiéval
MontpellierThe Mikvé of Montpellier is a significant historical site, located in the heart of the city's old Jewish quarter. This medieval building was used for Jewish ritual baths, a practice integral to Jewish religious and social life. The Mikvé offers a unique glimpse into the city's rich Jewish history and the architectural practices of the time. 19Bellini Chapel
CannesArtworks of the 20th-century artist Emmanuel Bellini are displayed in this chapel. He used it as a studio. 20Collégiale de La Romieu
La RomieuThe Collegiate Church of Saint Peter of Romieu, or La colegiata de San Pedro de Romieu in French, is a historical complex located in the village of La Romieu, in the northern department of Gers, France. This complex comprises a cloister, a church, two towers, and the remnants of an old palace. It offers a unique blend of architectural styles and historical significance, making it a noteworthy site for visitors interested in history, architecture, and culture. 21Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes
LourdesThe Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes is a significant Catholic religious center located in the city of Lourdes, France. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Lourdes and serves as a pilgrimage destination for many believers worldwide. The sanctuary is known for its healing waters and offers various services, including devotional activities and accommodation for sick pilgrims and their helpers. 22Centre d'Art la Chapelle Jeanne d'Arc
ThouarsThe Jeanne-d'Arc Chapel, located in Thouars in the French department of Deux-Sèvres, is a neo-Gothic chapel that has been repurposed as a national contemporary art center. This transformation has allowed the chapel to maintain its historical significance while also serving as a platform for modern art. 23Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux
Châlons-en-ChampagneThe Cloister Museum of Notre-Dame-en-Vaux is a sacred art museum situated in Châlons-en-Champagne, a city in northeastern France. It is specifically located on Nicolas Durand street. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the city, offering visitors a chance to explore a wide range of sacred art pieces. 24Musée des Augustins
HazebrouckThe Musée des Augustins is a municipal art museum in Hazebrouck, founded in 1927. It is housed in a former Augustinian monastery dating back to 1616. This historical building adds a unique charm to the museum, making it a fascinating place to explore for those interested in both art and architecture. 25Cloître et cathédrale
ElneThe Elne cloister is a significant medieval monument situated in the French city of Elne, within the Eastern Pyrenees region. Historically, it served as the residence for the cathedral's canons, making it a site of religious and historical importance. 26Place des Cocotiers
NoumeaLa place des Cocotiers is a significant public square located in the heart of Noumea's city center. It serves as a meeting place for many locals and is surrounded by shops and administrative buildings, including the city hall. The square is pedestrian-friendly and is bordered by several major one-way streets. The square's center, marked by the Celeste fountain, serves as the zero point for the kilometer marking of New Caledonia's roads. 27Rashi Synagogue
TroyesThe Rashi Synagogue, located at 5 rue Brunneval in Troyes, Grand Est, France, is named after the medieval Jewish Rabbi and biblical commentator Rashi. Rashi, who was born and died in Troyes, is a significant figure in Jewish history, making the synagogue a site of historical and cultural importance. 28Bishops' Palace
Saint-LizierThe Bishops' Palace, also known as Palais des Évêques, is located in Saint-Lizier, Ariège. It is home to the collections of the Ariège Departmental Museum. This historic site offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of the region through its extensive collections. 29Castle Cassan Abbey
RoujanCassan Abbey, also known as Cassan priory, Abbaye de Cassan, Le prieuré de Cassan, château de Cassan, or château-abbaye de Cassan, is an 18th-century building in France. It is recognized as a historical monument and is situated in the Roujan commune, within the Hérault département of the Occitanie region. 30Musée de la Tour Abbatiale
Saint-Amand-les-EauxThe Musée de la Tour Abbatiale is situated in the heart of Saint-Amand-les-Eaux, specifically in the tower of the former abbey church. This location is conveniently located on the city's Grand'Place, making it easily accessible for tourists.