5 Catholic sites worth visiting in Paris during the Summer Olympics

CNA Staff, Jul 27, 2024 / 06:00 am

The city of Paris is hosting the 2024 Summer Olympics beginning July 26 through Aug. 11. More than 10,000 athletes from 206 countries are expected to compete in 32 different sports. Paris is one of only three cities to have hosted the Summer Games three times — in 1900, 1924, and now 2024. 

For Catholics visiting the historic city for the games, there is a plethora of Catholic holy sites and landmarks worth visiting. Here’s a closer look at five of them:

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notably the most famous cathedral in Paris — and one of the most famous in the world — the Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the French Gothic-style cathedral is visited by more than 12 million people each year. Due to a fire in 2019 that caused significant damage to the historic landmark, entry inside the cathedral is not permitted until December. However, visitors are still able to view the cathedral from the outside.

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at Rue du Bac

The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was first built in 1815 and was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Fifteen years later, in 1830, the chapel would become the location of the apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Catherine Labouré, a sister of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. Three apparitions took place in July, November, and December in which the Blessed Mother told Catherine to have a medal cast based on the images she allowed her to see. Roughly 3 million people visit the shrine each year.

Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre

The Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre, commonly known as Sacré Coeur Basilica, is a Catholic church and minor basilica in Paris also dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The basilica also serves as a sanctuary for perpetual adoration, which has been taking place 24/7 at the sanctuary for almost 140 years. Visitors can take part in Eucharistic adoration as well as visit the chapels to admire the different mosaics and climb up the dome for an incredible view of Paris.

Notre Dame des Victoires 

Built in 1629 by Louis XIII, the Shrine of Our Lady of Victories in Paris is a well-known Marian site that has a special connection with St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her parents, Sts. Zelie and Louis Martin. In letters written by the Martin family, they mention their love for Our Lady of Victories and thank her on several occasions for her intercession. The shrine has two chapels dedicated to the Martin family — one for Thérèse and the other for Zelie and Louis where, since 2012, relics of the holy couple are housed.

Saint-Étienne-du-Mont

The Saint-Étienne-du-Mont is a church in Paris dedicated to the city’s patron St. Genevieve, who was known for her piety, healings, and miracles. It is said that thanks to her prayers, Paris was saved from being destroyed by the Huns under Attila in 451. The church is also home to relics of St. Genevieve and the tomb of St. Blaise Pascal.