The Most Beautiful Basilicas in France

The Most Beautiful Basilicas in France

France has many a gorgeous church, but a basilica is a special monument with specific privileges give to it by the Pope himself; only then can such a structure officially take on this terminology. 

More than this, there are major basilicas and there are minor basilicas. In total, there are 167 minor basilicas scattered across this land, a few of which we will take a closer look at today. 

Basilica of Saint Cecilia Cathedral in France 

This basilica is one of Southern France’s most important religious buildings. Situated in Albi, it holds the official seat of the Archbishop of Albi himself, which makes it a very protected and highly esteemed space. 

It took over 200 years to complete the building of this basilica, which was originally intended to be that of a fortress. Construction began in 1287, and it is thought to be the largest brick-made building on the face of the Earth. 

Saint Cecilia Cathedral – by Krzysztof Golik – Wikimedia Commons

In 2010, the Saint Cecilia Cathedral was dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, joining the ranks of many more within French country. 

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Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port in France 

Saint-Nicolas-de-Port is a small town in Grand Est, and home to a beautiful basilica on French soil. The snowy white interior makes for fairytale energy, and the church is supposedly home to many relics that were brought into France from Italy by Saint Nicolas himself. 

Architecturally it is wondrous, featuring stained glass windows from the Renaissance era. This cathedral was only dubbed an official minor basilica in 1950, but has been a historical monument of France since 1840. 

Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port – by Antoine Taveneaux – Wikimedia Commons

Bourges Cathedral in France 

This next basilica was also made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recent years, and is situated in Bourges, France. Some people call it the St Etienne Cathedral, but when it comes to tourist maps it tends to use Bourges Cathedral instead. 

This monster of a church was built sometime between the 12th and 13th centuries. It is considered to be a masterpiece of gothic architecture, which is what a lot of people come to see for themselves. 

Bourges Cathedral – by sybarite48 – Wikimedia Commons

The design of the church is somehow both incredibly aggressive and incredibly whimsical, all at the same time. There is so much to look at in terms of detail, glass work and sculptures, you’ll find yourself spending the better part of your day just getting between the spaces. 

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur in France 

I would be kidding myself if I didn’t include the Sacre Coeur Basilica in this roundup of gorgeous churches. It’s one of the most objectively beautiful buildings on the face of the Earth, albeit one of the most commercialized monuments in France thanks to modern tourism. 

The Sacre Coeur is the crown of Paris, situated atop the Montmartre Hill for all to catch glimpses of from different parts of the city. 

Basilica of Sacré-Cœur – by Gerd Eichmann – Wikimedia Commons

The architectural style is unique in France, known as Romano-Byzantine. Previously, these styles of churches were really only seen in countries like Turkey. The exterior is as worth exploring as the interior, and a lot of people actually only come just to walk the facade. 

The surrounding neighborhood of Montmartre is one of the most exciting and charming regions in Paris, so make the time for a full day trip out here if you schedule allows for it. 

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The Abbey at Mont St-Michel in France 

Mont St Michel is both a city and an island within the Normandy region of France. When the tide is out, the Abbey is landlocked and anyone can stroll over for a visit. When the tides come in, the perspective of the island sets in and the Abbey becomes water locked, appearing to float on the horizon like some sort of magical kingdom. 

Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey – by W. Bulach – Wikimedia Commons

This is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in all of France, and if you have a bucket list, Mont St Michel should be on it. 

The Abbey is home to the Benedictine monks who believe that the church was actually built under the guidance of Archangel Michel. 

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Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon in France 

The Laon Cathedral is a small yet striking structure in Laon, Hauts-de-France. It is one of the earliest explorations of gothic architecture on the European continent, and is often compared to its sister monument, the very impressive Notre Dame over in Paris. 

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon – by Uoaei1 – Wikimedia Commons

Laon Cathedral was completed sometime during the 13th century, and it’s made almost entirely of white stone. This makes it one of the most photogenic church interiors in the world, boating light that few other spaces like it can. 

The pink stained glass is the perfect compliment to the white walls, as is the very grand organ that has become somewhat of an attraction all on its own.