When we talk about cathedrals in France, we obviously think of Notre-Dame de Paris, the most famous of all and which has been even more highlighted in recent years at a global level. But, of course, this one is far from being the only one since France has more than a hundred, more or less (re)known. Here are eight that are well worth the visit.
These eight cathedrals to discover
Saint Nicholas of Nice
If you are looking for an unusual monument to discover in Goodthen head towards avenue Nicolas II, just next to boulevard Tzarévitch. Just from the name of these two arteries, you may already have an idea of what awaits you…
On the way then towards the Russia of the past, that of the time of the tsars and the October Revolution which saw a number of nobles and other White Russians leave their country en masse, notably towards France, Nice and the Côte d’Azur. Nice which, for a long time now, has welcomed a rich Russian diaspora looking for a vacation or summer destination.
This is how, from the middle of the 19th centurye century, the city could boast of having the first Russian church in Western Europe with Saint-Nicolas and Saint-Alexandra. A church which 50 years later would be replaced by the current Saint-Nicolas Cathedral which would be officially inaugurated in 1912.
Inspired by traditional Moscow churches, Saint-Nicolas nevertheless fits very well into the Baroque and Belle Époque architecture of the city of Nice. It is at the heart of a vast green park where there is also a chapel built in homage to the son of Alexander II, Emperor of Russia.
To date, St. Nicholas Cathedral is the largest religious building of its type outside Russia. It still welcomes the region’s Russian Orthodox community.
It is its remarkable architecture, with its bulbs, and its history which have earned it the status of Historic Monuments and the “Heritage of the 20th Century” label.e century” for its exceptional character.
Our Lady of Chartres
It is in the prefecture of Eure-et-Loir, Chartresknown for its pretty urban center dating from medieval and Renaissance times, you will discover one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France, which has been listed as a World Heritage Site since 1979.
Built in the 12th centurye and 13e centuries in the Gothic style and visible from afar, it is remarkably preserved, particularly in terms of its sculptures and stained glass windows. Housing a relic of the Virgin’s veil, it has also always been a recognized place of pilgrimage.
Notre-Dame of Reims
The cathedral of Reims is one of the country’s historic cathedrals. It is in fact known to have been, from the 11the century, the place of almost all of the coronations of the Kings of France.
The current cathedral was built in the 13the century replacing an old church destroyed by fire in 1210. It is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, characterized by its large vaults, stained glass windows and rich statuary.
Its facade is also one of the most beautiful in France. It is divided into three portals, each dedicated to a different theme, with the central portal which represents the Last Judgment, the north portal the life of the Virgin Mary and the south portal which is dedicated to the life of Christ.
The interior is equally impressive. Its nave is immense with a height of 38 meters and its stained glass windows, dating from the XIII period.e – XVIe century, are also of exceptional beauty. Not to be missed…
Our Lady of the Assumption of Clermont-Ferrand
Among the cathedrals, that of Clermont-Ferrand is an almost unique example. Not by its most “common” Gothic style, but by its construction made of Volvic lava stones which give it its distinctive black appearance.
The cathedral was built on the site of an ancient Romanesque church. Its work began in 1248 and continued until the 16th century.e century. It measures 114 meters long, 36 meters wide and 46 meters high. Its two spiers which point at 96 meters are among the highest in France.
It is all of this that makes Notre-Dame de l’Assomption an emblematic monument of Clermont-Ferrand. It has also been classified as a Historic Monument since 1862.
Our Lady of Strasbourg
Here is one of the essentials for any discovery of Strasbourg which attracts tens of thousands of visitors each year.
More than a millennium old, the cathedral is a mixture of Romanesque and Gothic style whose various additions over time have contributed to its specificity.
The central body thus began to be built around 1015, the choir and the nave built in the 12th century.e century, while the current facade and the visits were added in the XIIIe century. As for the spire which peaks at 142 meters, it dates from the 14the century. Another particularity: the building was built from Vosges sandstone, which gives it its characteristic reddish color.
Notre-Dame of Rouen
We don’t necessarily know it, but the cathedral of Rouenlisted by UNESCO, is the tallest cathedral in France and the third highest in Europe with its 151 meters. It was built over a period of more than 800 years, from the 12th centurye century, and features elements of flamboyant Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
The facade topped with a lantern tower is most famous with its three portals, each dedicated to a different theme: the Nativity, the Passion and the Ascension. Its interior, as is often the case, is also worth a visit for its dimensions and its rich decoration. You can also see several tombs there, including that of Rollo, first Duke of Normandy.
Notre-Dame of Amiens
It is generally agreed that the Amiens cathedral is one of the religious masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Built between 1220 and 1288, it is the largest cathedral in France in terms of its interior volumes and a vault height of 42 meters.
Here too, the facade of the cathedral is remarkable for its sculpted bas-reliefs representing scenes from the Bible. And then, inside, there are these superb stained glass windows which date from the 13th centurye – XVIe century; the oldest located in the axial chapel representing scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary.
Sainte-Cécile d’Albi
If the small town of Albi is known for being the birthplace (in 1864) of the painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, it is also increasingly known for its Episcopal City listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. This includes the Sainte-Cécile Cathedral elected in 2022 as “The most beautiful cathedral in France”.
The Episcopal City ofbleach is a beautiful architectural ensemble, essentially medieval marked by red brick. Located in the heart of the city, it is therefore registered with UNESCO and allows you to discover the Cathedral, the Palais de la Berbie and the old districts of Castelviel, Castelnau, Saint-Salvy, Combes which surround it with their alleys and old houses.
As for Sainte-Cécile, it is a magnificent medieval building resembling a fortress which remains the essential element of the Episcopal City. Its interior, both architecturally and decoratively, is absolutely remarkable and requires a stop.