dress code for churches in Paris

Thank you all for your input. I will probably get some of those zip off pants to wear if the weather is hot, so they can be respectful in the churches, even if it's not required. Just to clarify, I was talking about places like Notre Dame and Sainte Chapelle, where they even do guided tours for tourists, not neighborhood churches.

Only in traditional Catholic areas will you find somewhat of a dress code; that definitely does not include any capital, apart from Rome. The only reason this comes up is because of a more strict interpretation at the Vatican.

Casual dress on weekdays is acceptable. You may feel under-dressed if there is a service or upon visiting a church on Sunday. Europeans tend to dress up on Sundays, whether religious or not.

Sharon, its also disrespectful to wear shorts if you are visiting during service. While many catholics here in the US tend to dress down for mass, its frowned upon not to wear at least pants.

I would ask at your hotel or go to the Tourist Information Office. If you can't find out wear long pants and take shorts with you and change later. I have done that a few times.

For a casual visit as a tourist, nobody will notice if they wear shorts. For attending a service, they'll stand out, but nobody will mind.

No there's no "dress code"..the degree of respect is up to you...

In Paris you can wear whatever you want into the churches . NO one cares.It is not like Italy at all.

I personally do not enter churches during services unless I plan to sit down and attend. I think it is weird and rude to tour past people who are engaged in a sacrement while you are just looky louing. I also find it offensive to see how some tourist cackle, shriek, laugh and talk loudly like they are at a theme park when they stroll through churches( even when services are not being held) .

Pat if you dont mind the pun...AMEN!!!

Really rude and disrespectful behavior that should not be tolerated in ANY house of worship.

Do your sons and husband wear shorts to any church services they happen to attend over here? What you wear depends on whether you think conservative dress is right for churches. As has been said, it is a matter of respect

If your sons or husband are wearing any kind of hat, it needs to be removed when in a church.

I was raised Catholic, so have done the " Sunday best clothing" but stopped going to church decades ago,, only to be invited as young parents to this Evangelical church near our home. Since my husband and I , neither of whom were church attenders , did in fact decide we wanted to " take our kids to Sunday school to give them a base " we agreed to attend Easter services with our friends.

I made us all put on our " Sunday best" ,, and off we went.

I was SHOCKED, the whole service I just sat there and stared at the worshippers around us in Birkenstocks, jeans, flip flops, runners, and t shirts,, LOL, trust me, having been raised Catholic I was just stunned. My husband was steamed at me because I made him wear a SUIT! LOL We looked so out of place.

What I learned was clothes do not the believer make,, and that respectful BEHAVIOUR is 100% more imoportant then what you wear. Funny no one had taught me that before.

Sharon, shorts will not be a problem in France, just behave nicely( which I am sure you and your will as you at least display concern for others feelings and customs) and what you wear will not be an issue. In Italy it is different .

Having recently attended services at Notre Dame on Pentecost (a highpoint on the Church calendar and National Holiday in France) I was a bit surprised that tourists were allowed to enter the church during the service and do their thing, including flash photography, not allowed but numerous flashes never the less.

Don't worry about Churches in France, just show respect. Worshippers will be very grateful. I might add, that one does not necessarily need to be a religious person to have a "religious experience" by attending a service. The Gregorian service and massive Organ made a lasting impression on me, one of the most memorable moments of our trip.