Religious Services

The dominant religion in France is Catholic, at least nominally, with 80 % of the population.  5-10% are Muslim; 2% Protestant; 1% Jewish.  There are also a good number of people with no religious affiliation.  Since 1905, and the separation of church and state, most Catholic church buildings are government property.  Support of individual churches varies greatly from declining to growing.  French Protestant churches are called “temples.”

If you would like to attend a mass or service, here are a few ideas (please follow the links for more information):

• Catholic services in French:

  • A more modern, welcoming Catholic service might be at St Merri (76 rue de la Verrerie – 75004) 

  • With Notre Dame having been rebuilt, it will be very popular this summer

  • Sometimes mass is offered at the Chapel of the Ste. Famille dorm.  Ask at the reception desk.

  • Church services are broadcast on French television on Sunday morning

  • Every neighborhood has a Catholic church, and in fact, prior to the 1860’s, the Ile de la Cité alone had 36 churches on it.

• Catholic services in English: Saint Joseph's is an English-speaking parish located in the 8th arrondissement.

• The American Church in Paris (Protestant) is on bus line 63 and has services in English.

• The American Cathedral in Paris is Episcopalian.

• The Grand Mosque of Paris is a little east of the Latin Quarter.

• The Grand Synagogue of Paris (Jewish) offers regular services.