Christian Private Tour of Paris Churches & Landmarks

Christian Tour – Paris Churches Private Tour and Historic Landmarks

Christian Tour in Paris : Enjoy a private tour with a licensed Christian guide, exploring churches of Paris, Notre Dame cathedral, Sacred Heart basilica, Saint Germain, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. Discover during your Christian tour, sacred art, Gothic architecture, and historical districts. Emy is a licensed tour guide and Christian. There are more than a hundred of churches in Paris, Catholic, Protestant, Orthodox… Come and see our beautiful, discreet, old, modern, huge and famous churches. Churches, a basilica, or a cathedral, they tell us spirituality and history. They bring us sacred masterpieces within amazing architecture. They also tell us a lot about Christian kings of France.

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Private Christian Tour in Paris with a Licensed Guide

Bienvenue! I am Emelyne Bonnes, a licensed tour guide in Paris and Christian. I has been honored to guide Christian (Catholic, Mormon, Baptist, Episcopalian, Anglican, Presbyterian, Orthodox…) families, couples, organists and pilgrim groups accompanied by Roman Catholic priests through the beauty, history, landmarks and Holy churches of Paris, creating meaningful and spiritual Parisian experiences.

Experience the churches of Paris, the Sacred Heart Basilica and more
Explore Notre Dame de Paris and its surroundings with a private guide
Discover the relation between the Church, kings of France and the Republic
Enjoy religious art at the Louvre and Gothic architecture in Paris
Participate to Ecumenism, movement since late XIXe for Christian Unity
Exchange in the context of inter-religious dialogue – Vatican Council II

As a Christian private tour guide, Emy thoughtfully caters to the specific needs and interests of Christian travelers through careful planning and attention to detail.

Paris Churches Private Tour and Historic Landmarks

Enjoy a private tour of Paris churches with a licensed guide, exploring Christian heritage, art, and architecture at Notre-Dame, Sainte Chapelle, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and more. Indeed, Paris is a Catholic bastion. Catholicism is the main religion in France. However, the protestants and the orthodox of France are numerous, in Paris. Incorporating seasonal festivals or special services into the itinerary provides travelers with the opportunity to witness Paris’s vibrant religious traditions firsthand.

Visiting Paris churches and spiritual hidden gems
Learning about French history and Christianity
Discovering the Saints and Christian theologians
Going to a mass during the week or on a Sunday
Experience Christian celebrations in Paris churches
Uncovering the war between Catholics and Protestants
Taking a spiritual retreat within Paris or outside…

Understanding the Needs of Christian Travelers in Paris

Scheduling visits during important Christian holidays offers a unique perspective on the connection between faith and culture in the city. To effectively cater to Christian travelers, it’s essential to understand their preferences and requirements. Conducting thorough research on common interests and expectations will enable PARIS BY EMY to create a tailored experience that resonates with its guests. Considering the historical and religious significance of Paris adds depth and meaning to your journey.

Embark on a fascinating private and personalized tour that takes you through Paris’s iconic churches, key historical landmarks, and sites connected to the monarchy and the French Republic.

Cost: From €360 for 1 up to 6 persons – USD $375
Paris private tour: Licensed tour guide fluent in English
Duration: Typically 3 hours, depending on selected options
In option: Comprehensive Driving Tour upon budget
Availability: Offered year-round with flexible start times
Pick-Up/Drop-Off: Convenient pick-up from your hotel or a central Paris location

PARIS BY EMY offers Paris private tours for Christian travelers and anyone seeking to explore sacred sites like Notre Dame Cathedral.

Come & See Churches of Paris on a Christian Private Tour

Whether it’s attending a Mass at a historic cathedral or participating in a prayer gathering, fostering a sense of community adds depth and meaning to the journey. Paris, the capital of France, has a profound Christian heritage deeply rooted in its history. From majestic cathedrals to hidden chapels and significant religious landmarks, the city offers a wealth of spiritual experiences for visitors. These churches of Paris are sacred spaces for worshippers. While visitors may be drawn to their beauty, remembering that they serve as active centers of faith is essential. Quiet reverence is a simple yet powerful way to show respect. The churches of Paris inspire the soul, reflecting the deep ties between the Church and the Kings of France while also witnessing the birth of the Republic through the Revolution.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral A Gothic Marvel

The Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its awe-inspiring Gothic architecture, stands as one of the most iconic landmarks in Paris. This masterpiece took nearly two centuries to complete. It holds intricate stone carvings, towering spires, and rose windows. Visitors can marvel at its interior, ascend to the top for a panoramic view of the city.

2. Sacred Heart Basilica of Paris

Perched atop the picturesque Montmartre hill, the Sacré-Cœur Basilica offers a stunning panorama of Paris. This white-domed basilica, constructed in the late 19th century, is a symbol of hope and spiritual devotion. Inside, visitors can admire its grandeur and experience a sense of tranquility in its serene ambiance. A climb up its dome rewards visitors with a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline.

3. Sainte-Chapelle Paris Church

Hidden within the Palais de la Cité, the Sainte-Chapelle boasts extraordinary stained glass windows. Built in the 13th century, King Louis IX commissioned it to house relics from the Passion. Go into a world of vibrant colors as sunlight filters through the stained glass, depicting biblical stories.

4. Saint-Sulpice: A Grand Paris church

Saint-Sulpice, a monumental church located in Saint Germain, has an impressive façade and magnificent organ. This 17th-century church offers a serene escape from the bustling city, inviting visitors to admire its artistic treasures. As you wander through its chapels, you can appreciate the skill and dedication that went into creating this masterpiece. Delacroix is one of them.

5. Architectural Madeleine Paris church

La Madeleine Church, resembling a Greek temple, is a striking sight near the Opera Garnier. Initially designed as a temple to honor Napoleon‘s army, it became a Catholic church. Its grand columns, portico, and interior make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a moment of reflection.

6. Sainte-Trinité Paris Church

Église de la Sainte-Trinité, nestled in the bustling 9th arrondissement, is a testament to architectural harmony. This neoclassical church, designed by Théodore Ballu, combines elements of Greek and Roman architecture with a touch of French influence. Its stunning rose window, dome, and decorations make it a captivating place of worship among different architectural styles in Paris.

7. Basilica of Saint-Denis: The Gothic Paris Church

Located just outside the city limits, the Basilica of Saint-Denis is the birthplace of Gothic art. This medieval masterpiece, the final resting place of French monarchs, showcases the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. Its intricate stained glass windows, magnificent tombs, and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for architecture aficionados.

8. Saint-Eustache Paris Church

Saint-Eustache Church, situated in the vibrant Les Halles district, is a harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Its impressive façade, towering nave, and grand organ contribute to its architectural allure. The church’s musical heritage is noteworthy, as it hosts regular concerts, enchanting visitors with the power of music.

9. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church in Paris

Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, located in the charming Left Bank neighborhood, is one of the oldest churches in Paris. Its Romanesque architecture and rich history make it a must-visit for those seeking a tranquil retreat. Explore its medieval chapels, stroll through its charming surroundings, and feel the centuries of history come alive.

10. Saint-Etienne-du-Mont Paris church

Saint-Etienne-du-Mont church, located near the Panthéon in the Latin Quarter, is a captivating blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. It has a stunning rood screen, and the final resting place of Blaise Pascal. Explore its intricacies, admire its artistic details, and delve into the intersection of faith and knowledge.

Saint Eustache Paris church

Hidden Christian Gems of Paris with a Private Guide

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal is a significant site of prayer and pilgrimage, attracting devotees from around the world. In 1830 it was privileged with the extraordinary events of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin to Sister Catherine Labouré that marked it forever.

Medieval Christian Art in Paris with a private Tour Guide

Musée de Cluny, also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages, houses an extraordinary collection of medieval Christian art and artifacts. Explore the museum’s treasury of sculptures, tapestries, and illuminated manuscripts, which offer insights into the spiritual life of the Middle Ages.

The Pantheon: A Historical Marvel Tour

The Pantheon, initially built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, now serves as a secular mausoleum honoring notable French citizens. This architectural masterpiece showcases the grandeur of classical design and invites visitors to contemplate the intertwining of history, spirituality, and human achievements.

The Latin Quarter : Academic Start

The Latin Quarter, home to the prestigious Sorbonne University, offers a captivating mix of academia and Christian history. Visit the historic Saint-Étienne-du-Mont Church, where the shrine of Saint Genevieve attracts pilgrims seeking spiritual solace and inspiration.

January 3 is the feast of Saint Genevieve of Paris. You can make a “real” pilgrimage to her tomb by going to the Saint-Etienne du Mont church which is located right next to the Pantheon. If we approach the window, we see a damaged oblong stone: it is the base of his primitive sarcophagus, found in the crypt of the church of the Sainte-Geneviève abbey. Her relics are very rare, because her body was burned by the Revolutionaries in 1793.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés: Spiritual Enlightenment

Saint-Germain-des-Prés has long been a hub of spiritual and intellectual pursuits. Visit the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris, and absorb the serene ambiance that inspired renowned thinkers and artists throughout the centuries.

Le Collège des Bernardins is a jewel of Cistercian architecture in Saint Germain des Près district. Training, debates, research seminars, exhibitions and artistic performances complement each other to promote an authentic, cultural and intellectual dialogue between the Church and society. In a papal bull of 1245, Pope Innocent IV strongly encouraged the Cistercians to study theology and major disciplines in Paris. In 2001, under the leadership of Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger, this building, classified as a Historic Monument in 1887. It was finally purchased from the city by the Diocese of Paris.

Pilgrimage Routes: Spiritual Journeys in and around Paris

Paris is a starting point for various pilgrimage routes, such as the Pèlerinage de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle (Camino de Santiago). Explore these spiritual paths that lead to sacred destinations, enabling pilgrims to connect with their faith on a profound level while traversing beautiful landscapes.

The Marais: A Haven of Jewish and Christian Coexistence

The Marais is a vibrant neighborhood where Jewish and Christian communities have coexisted for centuries. Visit the historic Jewish quarter and explore the remarkable churches Saint-Paul-Saint-Louis. It reflects the harmonious integration of these two religious traditions.

Rejoyce the Churches of Paris

Discover the churches of Paris on a private tour with a licensed and Christian guide, exploring the grandeur of Notre Dame to the beauty of the Sacred Heart Basilica, the Église Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Sainte-Chapelle and more. The relationship between the Church, kings of France, and the Republic is a complex tapestry woven. France’s rich history intertwines the realms of monarchy, religion, and republicanism, each leaving a profound impact on the cultural and political nation landscape.

Christian Tour – Paris Churches, Royal and Republican Landmarks

Paris is not just the City of Lights; it’s a city where faith, history, and art intertwine seamlessly. For travelers who want more than just the Eiffel Tower or a stroll along the Seine, a Christian tour of Paris offers a unique lens into the city’s spiritual and historical heart. From majestic cathedrals to hidden chapels, from royal palaces to revolutionary landmarks, this tour allows visitors to experience the layers of Parisian heritage in a way few get to see. Ready to walk in the footsteps of kings, revolutionaries, and saints?

Despite the longstanding alliance between the Church and monarchy, the seeds of republicanism began to sprout during the Enlightenment period with Voltaire among others. Ideas of democracy, liberty, and secularism challenged the traditional authority structures, paving the way for revolutionary fervor.

The Revolution of 1789 and Paris Churches

The French Revolution ushered in an era of radical change, marked by the rejection of monarchy and the embrace of republican ideals. The revolutionaries sought to dismantle the authority of both the Church and the crown, viewing them as oppressive symbols of the ancien régime.

Parisian churches bore witness to the revolution upheaval, with many experiencing desecration and repurposing for secular ends. The revolutionary fervor unleashed a wave of iconoclasm, challenging the traditional role of religion in French society.

Separation of Church and State in 1905

In the aftermath of the revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte sought to reconcile with the Catholic Church through the Concordat of 1801. This agreement restored some of the Church’s privileges while reaffirming state control over religious affairs, laying the groundwork for a new era of church-state relations.

Subsequent governments pursued policies of secularization, aiming to diminish the influence of religion on public life and promote a more inclusive society. Laws such as the 1905 Law of Separation of Church and State formalized the secular nature of the French Republic.

Notre-Dame Cathedral private Christian Tour in Paris

Location : Ile de la Cité – City Island

No visit to a Christian tour in Paris would be complete without Notre-Dame. This iconic cathedral has witnessed centuries of history, from royal coronations to religious ceremonies. Its Gothic spires reach toward the heavens, while the intricate sculptures tell stories of biblical significance. Though the 2019 fire left scars, Notre-Dame remains a symbol of resilience and faith. Walking its nave, you can almost hear whispers of the past —kings of France, revolutionaries, and devout parishioners who filled this sacred space over the centuries.

Sainte-Chapelle private Christian Tour

Location : Ile de la Cité – Notre Dame City – City Island

Hidden within the medieval Palais de la Cité, Sainte-Chapelle is a jewel of Gothic architecture. Known for its breathtaking stained glass windows, this chapel was built to house sacred Christian relics, including what was believed to be Christ’s crown of thorns. Now the relics of Christ are in Notre Dame cathedral. When sunlight pours through its stained glass, the entire chapel glows like a kaleidoscope, casting colored reflections onto the stone floors. Visiting Sainte-Chapelle is like stepping into a spiritual painting, where faith and royalty converge.

Saint-Sulpice Church of Paris private Christian Tour

Location : Saint Germain district

Famous for its massive organ and striking frescoes, Saint-Sulpice offers a more understated but equally captivating Christian experience. Legends of secret societies and hidden symbols add an air of mystery to this Baroque masterpiece. Unlike the tourist-heavy Notre-Dame, Saint-Sulpice offers a more contemplative visit—perfect for those who love art, history, and spiritual reflection in equal measure.

Palais Royal: Learn about its significance and its connection to the monarchy

Location : Louvre Rivoli historic landmark

Once the residence of Cardinal Richelieu and later a royal palace, Palais Royal has been at the heart of French political and cultural life for centuries. Louis XIV, the Sun King lived there. It has witnessed royal intrigues, revolutionary plotting, and even the birth of Parisian cafes. Today, it stands as a serene courtyard with elegant arcades, blending royal grandeur with modern accessibility.

The Palais Royal’s gardens and arcades are not just beautiful—they tell a story. Statues of mythological figures, geometrically designed gardens, and historic colonnades offer visitors a glimpse into France’s regal past. The Palais Royal is a living reminder that Parisian architecture is not just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling.

Place de la Concorde: Where the monarchy met its end during the Revolution

Location : La Madeleine Opera historic landmark

This famous square is infamous for its role in the French Revolution. It was here that King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette met their tragic end. Walking through Place de la Concorde, you feel the weight of history beneath your feet. The square is a stark reminder of how monarchy, power, and revolution can collide dramatically, shaping the course of a nation.

Today, Place de la Concorde is a bustling hub surrounded by fountains, statues, and grand avenues. It’s a space where history and modern life coexist—a perfect spot to pause and reflect on the dramatic shifts that have shaped France.

The Panthéon: Pay homage to the great men and women who shaped the Republic

Location : Latin Quarter historic landmark

Originally built as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, the Panthéon was transformed into a mausoleum for France’s most illustrious citizens. This shift from religious to secular underscores the dynamic relationship between faith and governance in French history.

The Panthéon is the final resting place of some of France’s greatest minds: Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, and Marie Curie. Each tomb tells a story of intellectual and cultural triumph, reminding visitors that France honors not just its kings, but its thinkers and visionaries.

The Panthéon’s dome dominates the Parisian skyline, while inside, murals depict France’s historical and spiritual milestones. Every corner is imbued with symbolism—ideal for those who love history, architecture, and the intersection of art and faith.

Exploring Paris Churches and Historic Landmarks during a Private Christian Tour

From majestic cathedrals to hidden chapels, from royal palaces to revolutionary squares, Paris invites you to explore stories that have shaped not only the city but the world. Whether you are a history buff, a spiritual seeker, or a casual traveler, this tour will leave you with memories, insights, and a profound connection to Paris’ rich tapestry of faith and history.

The Reformation During a Private Christian Tour in Paris

Uncover the Religious War Between the Catholics and the Protestants in Paris. These conflicts, which took place in the 16th and 17th centuries, shaped the city in profound ways. The religious wars in Paris weren’t just battles fought on the streets; they were conflicts that touched every aspect of life, from politics to economics.

The young Jean Calvin (1509-1564) came to Paris at the age of 14 to study at the Collège de la Marche and then at the Collège de Montaigu on the Montagne Ste-Geneviève, before undertaking law studies in Orléans in 1531. On 1 November 1533, the young rector of the university Nicolas Cop (son of the personal physician of king François 1er) gave an entrance speech at the Mathurins chapel on the theme of the Beatitudes containing allusions to the evangelical martyrs. The text caused a scandal; it had been developed in collaboration with Calvin, and both had to leave Paris. Calvin moved to Switzerland.

The Reformation, in the early 16th century, was a major religious upheaval. Moreover, it led to the rise of Protestantism across Europe. In France, this movement gained traction, particularly among the urban middle class and the nobility. They were drawn to its critique of the Catholic Church’s corruption and its emphasis on personal faith. Protestantism, especially in the form of Calvinism, found fertile ground in Paris, despite strong opposition from the Catholic majority. The city’s intellectuals and artisans were particularly influenced by the new religious ideas. It had been leading to a growing divide between the Protestant minority and the Catholic establishment.

Churches of Paris, Christian Heritage and Religious Conflicts

While the 1598 Edict of Nantes thanks to king Henry IV brought some level of tolerance. Indeed, it did not fully heal the wounds of the past. In response to the growing Protestant presence during the XVII century, the French monarchy issued a series of edicts. It aimed at suppressing the new faith. These laws ranged from banning Protestant worship to the outright persecution of Protestants. Thus, it was leading to a climate of fear and tension in Paris.

One of the most infamous events of the religious wars was the St. Bartholomew’s Day Massacre in August 24th 1572, where thousands of Protestants were killed in Paris. This massacre, ordered by the Catholic monarchy, was intended to quell the Protestant movement once and for all. However, it only deepened the divisions and led to further bloodshed.

Under king Louis XIV, Sun King of Versailles, edicts gradually banned the “so-called reformers” from most professions. Humiliations, complications, and being sent to the galleys pushed them to practice silently, abjure or emigrate. In 1685, the outcome of this policy led king Louis XIV to revoke the Edict of Nantes by the Edict of Fontainebleau in 1598. He put an end to the coexistence of two religions in the kingdom.

On November 7, 1787, king Louis XVI, under the influence of the Enlightenment’s philosophers and in particular Voltaire, signed the Edict of Tolerance at Versailles, registered by Parliament on January 29, 1788. It was after the French Revolution of 1789 and notably thanks to Napoleon that freedom of worship was acquired and that Protestants were no longer persecuted.

Private Tour of Paris Churches, Kings and Republics

Paris is home to some of the most breathtaking churches, rich in history, faith, and architectural beauty. From the gothic structure of Notre-Dame, famous for its flying buttresses and connection to the Da Vinci Code, to the magnificent Sacré-Cœur, a Catholic Basilica standing at the highest point of Paris, each site holds deep spiritual and historical significance.

Saint Denis, first Bishop of Paris in the III century

Saint Denis founded around 245 the first diocese of Paris, called Lutetia at that time. For some historians in the 1st century. Indeed, he was the first bishop of Paris sent by the Pope Saint Etienne, to evangelize the Gaul (Kingdom of France). The story of his life and Passion (story of martyrdom) was written throughout the Middle Ages by many biographers. They gradually transformed history into a legend. When Denis arrived in Paris with two disciples, Rustique and Éleuthère, he preached to the inhabitants and converted them to Christianity.

At that time, Christians were persecuted by the Roman authorities and Paris, named Lutèce, was under the Roman control. Arrested by the Romans, Denis and his companions declared themselves Christians and were beheaded in Montmartre, at the bottom of the Sacred Heart Basilica. To prevent their remains from being thrown into the Seine, a still pagan Roman aristocrat, Catulla, decides to bury them in a field of her property. Later, Christians build a basilica in this place, the foundations of the current Cathedral Basilica of Saint-Denis.

Sainte Patronne of Paris Sainte Geneviève in the V century

Geneviève (around 420 – 500) is a French saint. For more than 1,500 years, Paris has been under the protection of Saint Geneviève who, through her prayers and her courage, saved the capital from famine and destruction many times.

In 451, the Huns threatened Paris. Geneviève persuaded the panicked Parisians that the Barbarians would not attack the city and it was useless to flee. Indeed, Paris is spared. Then, the Franks came to besiege Paris. Geneviève negotiated with the Franks that the city should not be invaded. It also save Christianity while the Western Roman Empire was doomed to disappear and the barbarian people had embraced Arianism.

The siege by the Franks of Paris lasted 10 years, during which Geneviève forced the blockade on the Seine and supplied the Parisian people with wheat. After the victory of Clovis, the last representative of Roman power in Gaul, she allied with the new king and asked him to convert to Christianity. After his baptism, he reconciled the Franks and Gallo-Roman people.

Paris became the capital of his kingdom in 508. Parisians took the habit, whenever a flood, war or epidemic threatened them, to walk the shrine of the saint. A whole protocol governed this ceremony. Relics found in the crypt of the old Sainte-Geneviève church (nowadays the Panthéon) were placed in 1803 in the Paris Church Saint-Étienne-du-Mont church. These relics of the Saint are the last visible in Paris.

First Christian King Clovis in Paris in the V century

The first King of France (and of Europe) being baptized is Clovis (465-511) in the cathedral of Reims, region of Champagne. Married to Clotilde a Catholic princess, he was baptized by the Bishop of Reims, future Saint Rémi, on Christmas Day between 496 and 498. Therefore, the King must reign in the name of God. He chose Paris as the capital of his French Kingdom. Clovis established the bases of the Monarchy.

Clovis is the first Christian King in the world. It is one of the most important events in the history of the French monarchy and even of the Catholic Church. This baptism in the Cathedral of Reims remained a significant event : from Henri I all the kings of France, except Louis VI, Henri IV and Louis XVIII, are thereafter crowned in the cathedral of Reims until the king Charles X, in 1825.

Kings and Christian Tour in Paris – Middle Ages V to XV century

From 987 to 1328, the Kingdom of France was ruled by the dynasty of the Capetian kings with the support of the Church. During 341 years of the Capetians reign with 14 Kings, the kingdom of France went through crusades, land and religious wars to assert their power and authority accross Europe and the East.

The East–West Schism of 1054, was the break of communion between what are now the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Churches. The Schism was the culmination of theological and political differences between the Christian East and West.

William the Conqueror (Guillaume le Conquérant in French 1027-1087), was king of England from 1066 until his death in 1087 and duke of Normandy from 1035 until his death. After the death of King Edward, he took advantage of a succession crisis to seize the crown of England after his victory at the Hastings Battle in 1066. This conquest made him the one of the most powerful monarchs in Western Europe.

Inquisitio hereticae pravitatis in the Middle Ages

On April 20, 1233, Pope Gregory IX entrusted to an exceptional court called Inquisitio hereticae pravitatis the task of unmasking and condemning, heretics and insincere Catholics, by enforcing penalties for people who did not comply with the dogma. Many emperors and kings assimilated the rejection of the official faith to a crime of lese majesty. They did not hesitate to condemn the culprits to the confiscation of their goods, to the prison even to the death. An estimation of 3,000 death sentences according records were executed during its 5 centuries of existence through Europe.

Along with the inquisition, “witch hunting” was a phenomenon more present in Protestant countries such as Germany, England, Danemark, and less in Catholic countries such as Italy and Spain. The last women executed for witchcraft in Europe is Anna Göldin, sentenced in 1782 in the Protestant canton of Glarus in Switzerland. Historians estimate between 40,000 and 100,000 victims of witch hunting.

The Middle Ages is a period in the history of Europe, extending from the 5th century to the 15th century, which begins with the decline of the Western Roman Empire and ends with the Renaissance and the Great Discoveries. Discover the Museum of Cluny, our National Museum of the Middle Ages in the Latin Quarter, close to Saint Germain.

Saint Thomas d’Aquin XIII century in Paris Christian Tour

In 1245, Saint Thomas d’Aquin left Italy, clerical and aristocratic privileges to study & teach at the Sorbonne University. The Sainte Ursule de la Sorbonne chapel is decorated in its external front with four niches each comprising a statue. In the upper left, there is Saint Thomas Aquin Statue.

Founded in 1257 by Robert de Sorbon under King Saint Louis, The Sorbonne is an edifice of the former University of Paris. Today, it houses several high education and research institutions. During the 16th century, the Sorbonne became involved with the struggle between Catholics and Protestants. At that time, Kings, Popes would go to study at the University of Paris for its new ideas, visionary leadership and Excellence.

Saint Thomas became and is an immensely influential philosopher, theologian, and jurist in the tradition of scholasticism. He is also known as the Doctor Angelicus and the Doctor Communis. Thomas Aquinas proposed, in the 13th century, a theological work on an attempt to synthesize reason and faith. He distinguishes truths accessible to a single reason, from those of faith, defined as an unconditional adherence to the Word of God. He qualifies philosophy as a servant of theology (philosophia ancilla theologiæ) in order to express how the two disciplines participate in a “subordinate” way in the search for the knowledge of the truth.

King Saint Louis XIII century – Canonized Christian King of Paris, France

Louis IX dit Saint Louis – King of France of the Capetian dynasty, reigned from 1226 to 1270. Saint Louis was the first to give protection to the Eastern Christians against the Ottoman empire. In 1248, he undertook the 7th crusade to save the Latin kingdom of Jerusalem. During these sumptuous years for the country, he also made himself the protector of justice, of peace and of Christianity, while consolidating his royal power.

The main structure of the new Notre Dame cathedral was completed in 1245 under his reign. Moreover, the relics of Christ crucifixion, the crown of thorns, a piece of the cross and a nail, are brought by Saint Louis from Jerusalem in 1239.

Indeed, on August 19, 1239, the relics arrived in procession in Paris. The king abandoned his royal adornment, put on a simple tunic and, barefoot, wore the crown of thorns to Notre-Dame de Paris. To preserve these relics, he built a monumental reliquary, the Paris church Sainte-Chapelle.

The Sainte Chapelle is well-known for its stunning stained glass. Arranged across 15 windows, each 15 metres high (50 foot), the stained glass panes depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments recounting the history of the world until the arrival of the relics in Paris. Saint Louis also had the Sorbonne built in 1257. Louis IX called Saint Louis was the only canonized king of France.

Joan of Arc Christian Tour (1412-1431) & King Charles VII (1403-1461)

During the Hundred Years’ War, Charles VII inherited the throne of France under desperate circumstances. Forces of the Kingdom of England and the duke of Burgundy occupied Guyenne and northern France, including Paris, the capital and most populous city, and Reims, the city in which French kings were traditionally crowned. In addition, his father, Charles VI, had disinherited him in 1420 and recognized Henry V of England and his heirs as the legitimate successors to the French crown. At the same time, a civil war raged in France between the Armagnacs (supporters of the House of Valois) and the Burgundian party (supporters of the House of Valois-Burgundy, which was allied to the English).

With his court removed to Bourges, south of the Loire river, Charles was disparagingly called the “King of Bourges”, because the area around this city was one of the few remaining regions left to him. However, his political and military position improved dramatically with the emergence of Joan of Arc as a spiritual leader in France. Declared a heretic, but still authorized to receive communion, Joan of Arc was delivered to the English, who put her to death on May 30, 1431 on the pyre raised by them on the Place du Vieux-Marché, in Rouen. St. Joan of Arc is a national heroine of France. She was a peasant girl who, believing that she was acting under divine guidance. She is a patron saint of France, honored as a defender of the French nation. Have a private tour in Paris about Joan of Arc.

Saint Ignace de Loyola vow in a Paris church – XVI century

Ignatius of Loyola (1491 – 1556) in Rome, was a Basque-Spanish priest and theologian, founder and first Superior General of the Society of Jesus. He assumed considerable tasks in the reaction of the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th and 17th centuries, facing the Protestant reform.

On August 15, 1534, at the end of the mass celebrated in Montmartre in the crypt of the Saint Denis martyrium, he pronounced with 6 other priests the 2 vows of poverty and chastity. It was the first act of an apostolic project giving birth of few years later the Society of Jesus, approved by Pope Paul III in 1540.

Pope Francis (François in French) is the first pope from the ranks of the Society of Jesus, the first non-European pope since the Syrian pope Gregory III in the 8th century. He is also the first pope to take the name of Francis, a name chosen in memory of Saint Francis of Assisi (1181 or 1182 -1226). The Catholic Paris church of Saint-François-d’Assise is located rue de Mouzaïa in the 19th arrondissement of Paris. Saint Francis of Assisi is regarded as the precursor of inter-religious dialogue. Have a spiritual Montmartre private tour.

Queen Catherine de’ Medici Christian Tour – religious war in the XVI century

Catherine de’ Medici 13 April 1519 – 5 January 1589) was an Italian (Florentine) noblewoman born into the Medici family. She was Queen of France from 1547 to 1559 by marriage to King Henry II and the mother of French kings Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. The years during which her sons reigned have been called “the age of Catherine de’ Medici” since she had extensive, if at times varying, influence on the political life of France.

In France, wars of Religion are called a series of 8 conflicts (civil wars, wars of religion and military operations) which ravaged the kingdom of France in the second half of the 16th century and where Catholics and Protestants (also called Huguenots ) opposed.

The spiritual Protestant was Jean Calvin, French theologian, pastor and reformer. The St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre (French: Massacre de la Saint-Barthélemy), unleashed on the night of August 24, 1572 in Paris, is the culmination of the political and religious crisis which has opposed Catholic elites to Protestant elites for ten years.

Historians have long remained divided on the exact role of the crown. The historical tradition made King Charles IX 4th king of the Valois-Angoulême family and his mother, Catherine de Medici, the main culprits of the massacre. In Paris, the executions of thousands of Protestants by Catholics take place over several days in Paris. The signal given from the Paris church Saint Germain l’Auxerrois, a Paris church near by the Louvre. Have a private guided tour of the Louvre Rivoli district.

The Edit de Nantes by King Henri IV in the XVI century

Another major event is the Edit de Nantes by King Henri IV. To access the throne, Henri de Navarre Protestant Chief at that time, had to convert to Catholicism. On July 25, 1593 Henri de Navarre abjured Protestantism for the last time in Basilica of Saint-Denis, near Paris. The basilica became a place of pilgrimage and the burial place of the French Kings with nearly every king from the 10th to the 18th centuries being buried there. This condition fulfilled, he ends up imposing himself as king of France under the name of Henri IV, installing a new dynasty, that of Bourbons.

The Edict of Nantes is an edict of tolerance promulgated in April 1598 by the King of France Henry IV, to put an end to the Wars of Religion which had ravaged the Kingdom of France since 1562, and particularly to the Eighth War, which began in 1585. Thanks to the Edit de Nantes, Henri IV ended decades of civil war, pitting Catholics against Protestants. It is undoubtedly the most important act of his reign.

Paris church – Edit de Nantes revocation by Louis XIV in the XVII century

Louis XIV, known as “Louis the Great” or “the Sun King”, (1638-1715) is a king of France. His reign of 72 years is one of the longest in the history of Europe and the longest in the history of France. From 1682, Louis XIV ruled his kingdom from the vast Palace of Versailles.

On October 18, 1685, Louis XIV, the Sun King, the 44th king of Navarre and the third king of France from the Bourbon dynasty, signs the Edict of Fontainebleau. This act, which revokes the Edict of Nantes signed on April 13, 1598 by Henri IV, his grandfather, prohibits the existence of the Protestant cult in France. The Sun King, eager for absolutism and centralization, tried to stifle the practice of Protestant worship. After “Moderate Politics”, it will authorize persecution, causing a demographic hemorrhage, disastrous for the country’s economy and which will weaken the kingdom.

In Versailles, the Royal Chapel was completed at the end of the reign of Louis XIV in 1710. Dedicated to Saint Louis, patron saint of the King, the royal Chapel echoes the Sainte-Chapelle Paris church built under Saint Louis king. Have a Versailles private tour from Paris.

Paris Christian Tour – The French Revolution of 1789

The French Revolution from 1789 caused a massive shift of power from the Roman Catholic Church to the State. Under the monarchy, the Church had been the largest single landowner in the country. In addition, the Church was exempt from paying taxes to the government, while it levied a tax often collected in the form of crops on the people.

Louis XVI died with the guillotine on January 21, 1793. Nine months later, Marie Antoinette was also convicted of treason and beheaded on October 16.

The French Revolution brought the Republic model, in which power is exercised by elected persons. Slavery by royalty and clergy on people (named the serf) and their privileges have been dismantled. The prohibition of trafficking only intervened in 1815. Slavery was definitively abolished in Paris, in the Council of Government, by the decree of Victor Schœlcher who decided the abolition of slavery in France and in its colonies, on April 27, 1848. It also decriminalized homosexual relations as early as 1791. Moreover, France was the first to grant full equal rights to Jews through the vote of the Constituent Assembly in 1791 at the start of the French Revolution. Enjoy a French Revolution private tour.

The Terror in Paris Churches during the French Revolution

During the Revolution’s Reign of Terror, the project of de-Christianisation started, including the imprisonment and massacre of priests, religious, royalists or not royalists and destruction of churches and religious images throughout France.

The Picpus cemetery is one of 2 private cemeteries of Paris, with graves from the French Aristocraty. It was dug in June 1794 in the garden convent. In 6 weeks, the guillotine killed more than 1,306 people. Overall, several tens of thousands are guillotined, shot or drowned.

Churches in Paris – Freedom of religion thanks to Napoléon in 1802

The Terror ended on 9 thermidor year II (July 27, 1794) with the fall of Robespierre. Then, the coup d’état (putsch) on November 9, 1799 took place with the following operations : Napoléon Bonaparte will be commander in Chief of the Army in Paris and in the assemblies. Napoleon coronation as an Emperor, first Emperor of France, on December 2, 1804 took place in Notre Dame Cathedral. Napoléon ended the de-Christianisation. He established the rules for a relationship between the Catholic Church and the French State. In 1802, with the Concordat signed with Pope Pius VII, Napoléon Bonaparte restored freedom of worship. He saw that religion was necessary for the balance of people. Napoléon Bonaparte declared on August 16, 1800:

“My policy is to govern men. This is, I believe, the way to recognize the sovereignty of the people. It was by making myself Catholic that I won the war in Vendée, by making myself Muslim that I established myself in Egypt, by making myself ultramontane that I won minds in Italy. If I ruled a Jewish people, I would restore the Temple of Solomon. “

La Madeleine Paris church, dedicated to Saint Mary Magdalene is a Roman Catholic church in the 8th arrondissement of Paris. Napoleon wanted the Madeleine Church as a temple to the glory of the army. However, he gave it back to the glory of God in 1813.

The Republic and Churches in Paris

The République is the form of government in force for the first time in 1792 after Bastille Day. The French Revolution of 1789 then interrupted the republic from 1804 to 1848. Indeed, Napoléon Bonaparte becoming Emperor with the coming back of the constitutional monarchy.

The Second Republic interrupted from 1852 to 1870 with Napoléon III

Second republic then interrupted from 1852 to 1870 with Louis Napoléon Bonaparte, Napoléon III (nephew of Napoléon Bonaparte) second empire. Not respecting his promises to Christians, in 1860, the sultan exercised bloody repression against the Lebanese Maronites, Eastern Christians. For Napoléon III, it was a provocation. An expeditionary force embarked for the current country Lebanon. A year later in 1861, a special status is obtained from Istanbul, with the designation of a Christian governor.

The Communard movement in 1870 against the Paris Churches

The Commune of Paris finds its source in a republican impulse referring to the First Republic and Second Republic. Napoleon III and Baron Haussmann, note more than half of Parisians live in “poverty bordering on indigence”. In July 1870, the Second Empire began an ill-prepared war against Prussia, which quickly led to defeat. On September 4, 1870, a day of riots in Paris overthrown the Empire.

The communard movement was born following an uprising of Parisians on March 18, 1871. Dominated by the extreme left, the communard are Jacobins, Marxists, independent Blanquists and anarchists.

The Communards want a federalist, democratic and social republic with absolute autonomy for the communes of France. They also wanted a separation of Church and State. However, from Versailles, the propaganda of Adolphe Thiers provoked the rejection of the movement in the countryside.

In the final battle of Bloody Week on May 28, 1871, hundreds of Communards were killed. At the same time, the Paris Commune provoked bloody religious persecutions. They used the clergy as bargaining chips. The Versaillese executed around 20,000 communards. Out of 36,000 communards arrested, 4,500 imprisoned. 7,500 deported (mainly to New Caledonia). 10,000 convictions pronounced, including 93 to capital punishment. Indeed, 23 were carried out.

The Third and the Fourth Republic interrupted from 1940 to 1944

The law concerning the separation of the Church and the State is adopted on December 9, 1905. Indeed, it was on the initiative of the republican-socialist deputy Aristide Briand, who took sides in favor of a laicism.

Finally, Paris Vichy government during WW2 interrupted the Third republic from 1940 to 1944. The Fourth Republic followed.

The Fifth Republic since October 4, 1958 and churches in Paris

The Fifth Republic is in force since October 4, 1958 by Charles de Gaulle, elected its first president. Paris churches reflect our history and culture. They tell a story of faith, artistry. Moreover, Parisian churches tell the evolution of architectural styles. If you seek spiritual solace, these churches offer a unique perspective on the city’s cultural tapestry.

Paris Christian Tour – Churches, Culture & Heritage