France, known for its rich cultural history and exceptional heritage, is home to churches that transcend the boundaries of traditional art.

Some of these churches have been transformed into true masterpieces thanks to the creativity of great modern and contemporary artists. In this article, we invite you to discover 10 exceptional churches, where spirituality meets artistic innovation.

Art Shortlist
by Art Shortlist - January 30, 2024

1 - Chapelle du Rosaire, Vence - Henri Matisse

Chapelle du Rosaire, also known as Chapelle Matisse, is a masterpiece by the famous artist Henri Matisse.

Its colorful stained glass windows and abstract sculptures create an exceptional visual experience, making this chapel a place where sacred art and modernity meet.

"I began with the profane, and here, in the evening of my life, quite naturally I end with the divine." Henri Matisse


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2 - Chapelle de la Guerre et de la Paix, Vallauris - Pablo Picasso

Decorated by the legendary Pablo Picasso, this chapel features ceramics, murals and abstract sculptures that add a unique artistic and spiritual dimension to this space of prayer.


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3 - Chapelle Notre-Dame-du-Haut, Ronchamp - Le Corbusier

Designed by visionary architect Le Corbusier, this chapel is an outstanding example of modern architecture.

Its organic forms and innovative lighting make it a must-see for art and architecture lovers.


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4 - Église Notre-Dame, Talant - Gérard Garouste

This beautiful Burgundy church features stained-glass windows created in 1998 by painter Gérard Garouste and master stained-glass artist Pierre-Alain Parot.

The beauty of these windows enhances this church, which is well worth a visit.


5 - Abbatiale Sainte-Foy, Conques - Pierre Soulages

Pierre Soulages's abstract stained-glass windows add a mystical dimension to this Romanesque abbey church.

The interaction of light with these works creates a unique atmosphere.


6 - Chapelle Saint-Pierre, Villefranche-sur-Mer - Jean Cocteau

The chapel decorated by Jean Cocteau, nicknamed Chapelle Saint-Pierre des Pêcheurs, is a masterpiece of modern sacred art.

This is the first chapel decorated by Cocteau. It features five main scenes, two of which evoke the Mediterranean way of life, while the other three present episodes from the life of Saint Peter.


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7 - Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix, Reims - Tsuguharu Foujita

On October 14, 1959, artist Foujita converted to Catholicism following a mystical epiphany he experienced while visiting the Basilique Saint-Remi in Reims. Foujita took the baptismal name of Léonard, in homage to Leonardo da Vinci.

In 1964, the artist decided to build and decorate a chapel in Reims: Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix, known as Chapelle Foujita, which was inaugurated in 1966.


8 - Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, Metz - Marc Chagall

This sublime cathedral features the first stained-glass windows created by the great Marc Chagall in 1959.

"For me, a stained glass window is a transparent separation between my heart and the heart of the world. Stained glass has to be serious and passionate. It's something that uplifts and exalts the soul. It's the perception of light that gives it life." Marc Chagall


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9 - Chapelle Notre-Dame de Jérusalem, Fréjus - Jean Cocteau

Jean Cocteau again, and yes! The artist decorated many places of worship across France, and even in London, with the church of Notre-Dame-de-France adorned with one of his frescoes.

Here, Jean Cocteau has used his talent to create a timeless setting ideal for a spiritual experience.


10 - Église Saint-Eustache, Paris - Keith Haring

This imposing church in the heart of Paris features a triptych by Keith Haring entitled The Life of Christ in bronze with a white gold patina.

Generously donated to the City of Paris in 2003, this work testifies to Haring's complex yet privileged relationship with the Christian religion.