Notre-Dame de la Croix de Ménilmontant
A large church in Paris’s 20th arrondissement, Notre-Dame de la Croix overlooks Ménilmontant. It is worth visiting for its scale, quiet interior, and local setting.
In pictures
About
Notre-Dame de la Croix de Ménilmontant is a large neighborhood church set high above the surrounding streets. It stands out clearly in the 20th arrondissement. Its broad forecourt and elevated position give it a strong presence in this residential part of eastern Paris.
The main reason to stop is the interior scale. The nave feels tall and open, and the atmosphere is often quiet outside services. This is not a museum church. It remains an active place of worship, closely tied to local life.
It works well as part of a walk through Ménilmontant, Belleville, or toward Gambetta. The church also offers a calm pause between busier streets, cafés, and hillside viewpoints nearby. That shift in rhythm is part of the visit.
The stop is usually straightforward and fairly short. Allow a little longer if you enjoy religious architecture or observing neighborhood character. As with any active church, visit discreetly. Expect occasional access limits during services or parish events. In colder months, combine it with a café stop nearby. In warmer weather, continue on foot toward Belleville Park.
The Concierge's Tip
Visit in daytime, outside service times, then continue on foot toward Belleville or Gambetta. The area is hilly, so comfortable shoes help. The interior is usually a short stop, yet it rewards a few quiet minutes. In cooler months, pair it with a nearby café break. In warmer weather, extend the walk toward Belleville Park. If access is limited, keep the stop for the façade, forecourt, and neighborhood views.
Ask the Concierge
Our Concierge arranges your visit: skip-the-line tickets, a private guide, off-hours access.
Ask the ConciergeFrequently asked questions
- How much time should I allow for the visit?
- In most cases, 15 to 30 minutes is enough. It is usually a short stop, especially if you are already exploring the neighborhood. Allow a little longer if you enjoy church interiors, urban viewpoints, or the local atmosphere around Ménilmontant. Timing can also depend on services or temporary access limits.
- What is the easiest way to get there?
- It is easy to reach on foot from Ménilmontant, Belleville, or Gambetta. Public transport serves the area well, though the final approach may involve an uphill walk. If you are already exploring eastern Paris, it makes more sense as part of a neighborhood route than as a standalone detour.
- When is the best time to visit?
- Daytime, outside service hours, is usually the best choice. Mornings and early afternoons often make for a quieter, more discreet visit. The neighborhood stays lively throughout the week. Clear weather also improves the experience if you plan to continue walking through Belleville or toward nearby hillside streets.
- Do I need to book in advance?
- No booking is usually needed for a simple visit. However, this is an active church, so access may be reduced during services, ceremonies, or parish events. If your schedule is tight, keep some flexibility and plan a nearby walking alternative in Ménilmontant or Belleville.
- Is it suitable for families?
- Yes, if you keep the stop short and quiet. The approach through the neighborhood and the open forecourt can interest children, but the interior calls for respectful behavior. It is not a family activity venue, so it works best within a broader walk, followed by a park or café break.
- Is there a convenient area to stay for this visit?
- Staying in eastern Paris, or near a direct metro line, is usually the easiest option. Ménilmontant, Belleville, République, and Bastille can all work well depending on your plans. From other central districts, the visit is still manageable, but it makes more sense when paired with several stops in the 20th arrondissement.
- Can I combine it with other nearby visits?
- Yes, and that is usually the smartest way to see it. Pair the church with a walk through Ménilmontant, the streets of Belleville, or a stop around Gambetta. The area is best explored on foot. Much of the appeal comes from the contrast between the church, the hillside streets, and local daily life.