While the Notre Dame Cathedral remains closed, we recommend these seven monuments as an alternative for French teachers planning their upcoming trips to Paris.
Your students will still be able to admire the Notre Dame from the outside while also exploring a lesser known corner of Paris and its surroundings.
1. Basilique Saint-Denis
Although it may not appear as impressive as the Notre Dame, the Basilica of Saint Denis was the first structure to be completed in the Gothic style and was built almost 20 years prior to the Notre Dame.Located about six miles north of Paris in the quaint suburb of Saint Denis, the Basilica shares an almost identical interior to the Notre Dame.
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am-5.15pm, Sun 12pm-5:15pm, until 6:15pm (spring & summer)
Closed: Jan 1st, May 1st, Dec 25th
2. Saint-Jacques Tower
This lovely Gothic tower is all that remains from the 16th-century Church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Boucherie, which was destroyed over 200 years ago during the French Revolution.
Located in the fourth arrondissement, the top of the tower provides some seriously underrated views of Paris, so don’t shy away from climbing those 300 steps. Visit at sunset for some incredible photos!
Hours: June 1st to Nov 3rd – Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm
3. Sainte-Chapelle
On the Île de la Cité hides the Gothic royal chapel of Sainte-Chapelle, built in the 13th century.
What greets you as you enter makes you catch your breath and that’s only before you head to the second floor where the adorned stained glass sits in dramatic contrast to the profound age of the core architecture.The Sainte-Chapelle is an example of true Gothic architecture showing the importance of religion in the lives of the people during the time period it was built.
Hours: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm, 9am-7pm (April 1st to Sept 30th)
Closed: Jan 1st, May 1st and Dec 25th
4. Sacré-Cœur Basilica
Standing high and mighty overlooking the city of Paris, the Basilica of the Sacre Coeur is truly majestic. Although not considered old by European standards it also tells a story, having been built in 1875 in the wake of the Franco Prussian War and the Paris Commune.The Sacre Coeur’s rebellious symbol is in tune with the hipster culture of the Montmartre neighborhood. Hike up the steep hill or take the metro but if you want to visit the Cathedral itself, there is no way of getting around those 300 steps!
Hours: Mon-Sun 6am-10:30pm
5. Church of Saint-Eustache
Serving its local community of Les Halles since the 16th century this parish exemplifies inner and outer beauty – adorned with Gothic, Renaissance and Classical detail.The intimate side chapels of the church feature the artistic masterpieces of Rubens, Raymond Mason and Keith Haring’s. Another highlight is the organ, one of the largest and most impressive of France. If you visit on a Sunday afternoon, enjoy a free organ recital!
Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-7pm, Sat 10am-7:15pm; Sun 9am-7:15pm
6. Chartres Cathedral
Escape the busy city streets of Paris and head 45 minutes southwest to Chartres, France. Its medieval heritage is seen in the Gothic and Romanesque style of the town’s Cathedral, built in the 12th century.Highlights include its brilliant stained-glass windows and its impressive collection of relics, one of them the Sainte Voile (Holy Veil) said to have been worn by the Virgin Mary.
Be sure to wander through the town’s medieval streets and the promenade along the Eure River.
Hours: Mon-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm
7. Panthéon of Paris
With a façade modeled after the Panthéon of Rome, the Panthéon of Paris serves a different purpose. Located near La Sorbonne in the Fifth Arrondissement, the once basilica is now a non-religious “Temple to the Nation.”The remains of some of France’s most notable figures are found in the crypt, including Pierre and Marie Curie, Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Victor Hugo.
This visit is great on a hot summer day as the lower levels of the Panthéon are known for staying exceptionally cool.
Hours: Mon-Sun 10am-6pm, until 6:30pm (spring & summer)
Closed: Easter, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, May 8th, Whitsuntide, Whit Monday, July 14th, August 15th, November 1st, November 11th
Experience these sites on our Paris & Provence Tour
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