The number of cathedrals and churches in France is almost endless - in the capital Paris alone there are more than 300 churches to discover. Nevertheless, we dared to make a list of the 10 most beautiful churches in France - the choice was difficult!
When you think of churches in France, a few monumental places of worship immediately spring to mind - the magnificent Nôtre Dame in Paris, the Liebfrauen Minster in Strasbourg or the cathedral in Marseille. Most of them look back on centuries, if not millennia of history and outdo each other with architectural splendour and precious treasures.
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Nôtre Dame in Paris
Along the Seine after the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the impressive Nôtre Dame Cathedral rises on its island in the Seine. With its masterfully crafted façade, the massive place of worship is one of the most important Gothic buildings in France. Napoleon, among others, was crowned King of France here.
Its highlights include the famous gargoyles on the roof, the enormous window rosette and the monumental interior in which every visitor feels like a dwarf.
Nôtre Dame in Nice
The gorgeous holiday city of Nice also has its Nôtre Dame Basilica and it is almost as impressive as its "big sister" in Paris.
Also emblazoned between its 30-metre-high towers is an ornate window rose window depicting the Assumption of Mary into Heaven - a creation of some of France's finest master glaziers at the time.
Thanks to its fantastic acoustics, the Basilica Nôtre Dame in Nice is also often used for concerts. The orchestra, choir and organ come into their own fantastically within the monumental architecture.
Saint Nicolas Cathedral in Nice
Another church in Nice is one of our 10 most beautiful churches in France: the colourful Saint-Nicolas Cathedral. It is one of the most photographed sights in Nice and the largest Russian Orthodox church outside Russia.
The cathedral is a listed building and is administered by the Kremlin in Moscow. If you look closely, you will discover countless loving details that make Saint-Nicolas Cathedral so special. Inside, precious wood panelling, precious paintings, icons and masterful goldwork impress.
Article: Saint-Nicolas Cathedral in Nice
Photo gallery: Saint-Nicolas Cathedral in Nice
Liebfrauen Minster in Strasbourg
Strasbourg's Cathedral of Our Lady rises on Cathedral Square, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. The landmark of Alsace, together with the entire old town of Münster, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its single 142-metre tower, the cathedral was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years.
It remains one of the largest sandstone buildings in the world. The seemingly unfinished façade impresses with an incredible wealth of detail that houses precious treasures, including an 18-metre-high astronomical clock from 1840.
Article: Liebfrauen Minster in Strasbourg
Cathédrale de la Major in Marseille
To the north of Marseille 's wonderful Old Port, the municipal cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals built after the Middle Ages, is resplendent. The origins of the Cathédrale de la Major date back to the 5th century. The enormous interior extends under a 70-metre-high dome, one of the highest in the world.
It owes its present appearance to none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon had the imposing church built as a symbol of the upswing and prosperity of France. However, the originally planned mosaic decoration is still missing today - there was not enough money.
Article: Cathédrale de la Major in Marseille
Photo gallery: Cathédrale de la Major in Marseille
Saint Jean Cathedral in Lyon
The imposing Saint Jean Cathedral is one of the most magnificent and oldest buildings in the old town of Lyon. A church is said to have stood here as early as the 2nd century. Today's bishop's seat of Lyon houses, among other things, one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe.
Once a year, during the Festival of Lights, Saint Jean Cathedral, like so many magnificent buildings in the old town of Lyon, shines with dazzling colours.
Article: Saint Jean Cathedral in Lyon
Photo gallery: Saint Jean Cathedral in Lyon
Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica in Lyon
Lyon has also made it twice onto our list of the 10 most beautiful churches in France. Because the snow-white basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière is also a jewel of French church architecture.
The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière is also of great historical importance, because Mont Fourvière was once the site of the Roman camp that gave rise to Lyon. One of the world's first funicular railways once led up its hill. The view of Lyon is just as beguiling as the picturesque rose garden below the majestic church.
Article: Basilica de Nôtre Dame de Fourvière in Lyon
Photo gallery: Basilica de Nôtre Dame de Fourvière in Lyon
Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux
The mighty Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux on the Way of St James is one of the largest churches in France, is a listed monument and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its first consecration was by Pope Urban II and dates back to 1096.
Its two pointed towers, flanking the mighty entrance portal, rise more than 80 metres into the sky. Royal weddings have already taken place in its 124-metre-long single nave.
Article: Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux
Photo gallery: Saint-André Cathedral in Bordeaux
Saint Sernin Basilica in Toulouse
The huge basilica of Saint Sernin in Toulouse was consecrated by Pope Urban II in 1096. It is the largest Romanesque church in France, also part of the Way of St James and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its distinctive octagonal bell tower, it is one of the most photographed sights in Toulouse.
Inside, there are valuable art treasures, some of which are around 1000 years old. Saint Saturninus also found his last resting place here. The church is dedicated to this first bishop of Toulouse, who died as a martyr in 250.
Article: Basilica of Saint Sernin in Toulouse
Photo gallery: Basilica Saint Sernin in Toulouse
Lille Cathedral
The architecture of Lille Cathedral presents an interesting mix of neo-Gothic and modern. Its foundation stone was laid in 1854 and construction continued until 1999. Particularly worth seeing are the enormous west wall with an imposing window rose and the numerous stained glass windows, which conjure up a mystical atmosphere in the sunlight.
