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The Gothic Cathedral


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Cathedrals of France

France is famous for its cathedrals, and for good reason. Nearly 200 cathedrals still stand in France and most were built in the 12th and 13th centuries. Among them are some of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. Below is an index of cathedrals in France profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For an index of cathedrals around the world, see our Cathedrals category.

Image	Names and Summary	Dates	Architecture
	Aix-en-Provence Cathedral Cathédrale St-Sauveur Built on the site of ancient pagan temples, this cathedral is best known for its Burning Bush Triptych by Nicolas Froment.	12th-17th cent.	Gothic
	Albi Cathedral Cathédrale Ste-Cecile This Gothic fortress-like structure is the largest brick building in the world. Built in the heart of Cathar country after the Albigensian Crusade, it is a stern statement of the strength of orthodoxy.	1282-1480	Gothic
	Amiens Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame Amiens is the tallest of the 13th-century "classic" Gothic churches and the largest of its kind in France.	1220-1269	Gothic
	Angers Cathedral Cathédrale St-Maurice Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries, Angers Cathedral is known for its sculpture portal and fine stained glass windows.	12th-13th cent.	Gothic and Romanesque
	Arles Cathedral Primatiale St-Trophime Notable for its stone-carved portal, this World Heritage Site also has lovely cloisters.	12th-15th cent.	Romanesque
	Autun Cathedral Cathédrale St-Lazare Completed in 1146, Autun's cathedral was built as a pilgrimage church to house the relics of Lazarus and is famed for its splendid collection of sculptures by the Romanesque sculptor Gislebertus.	12th cent.	Romanesque with Gothic additions
	Avignon Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame des Doms Built in the 12th century, this cathedral was soon dwarfed by the Papal Palace next door. Its tower is topped with a golden Virgin Mary statue.	12th cent.	Provençal Romanesque
	Bourges Cathedral Cathédrale St-Etienne One of the finest and earliest Gothic cathedrals in France, with a unique transept-free plan, soaring side aisles, magnificent portal sculptures and a full collection of medieval stained glass windows.	1195-1250	Gothic
	Chartres Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame An easy day trip from Paris, Chartres is renowned for its splendid "high Gothic" architecture, holy relic of Mary, and great floor labyrinth.	c.1195-1260	Gothic
	Laon Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame Laon Cathedral is known for its imposing towers, its beautiful Gothic architecture, and its role as a major stop on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago.	1160-1230	Gothic
	Lyon Cathedral Cathédrale St-Jean Lyon is the seat of the highest-ranking archbishop in France. Built from 1180 to 1480, it is both Romanesque (notably seen on its west front) and Gothic.		Gothic
	Marseilles Cathedral Cathédrale Ste-Marie-Majeure This new cathedral was consecrated in 1896. Designed by Léon Vaudoyer, it is in a Byzantine Romanesque style.	1896	Byzantine, neo-Romanesque
	Nantes Cathedral Cathédrale St-Pierre This Late Gothic cathedral was begun in 1434. It has a higher ceiling than the Notre-Dame and a splendid Renaissance tomb.		Late Gothic
	Narbonne Cathedral Cathédrale St-Just-et-St-Pasteur This still-incomplete Gothic cathedral dates from the late 13th century. Inside are frescoes, Flemish tapestries, and the 14th-century Great Reredos.		Gothic
	Noyon Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame Built in the 13th and 14th centuries, Noyon Cathedral is distinguished by its west porch, fine cloisters and chapter house.		Gothic
	Paris Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame Probably the most famous cathedral in the world, the Notre-Dame was built in the 12th and 13th centuries in a Gothic style.	1163-1345	Gothic
	Poitiers Cathedral Cathédrale St-Pierre Founded in 1162 but completed much later, this cathedral is not famed for its architecture, but it does have an attractive Gothic west front and some early stained glass.	Begun 1162	Gothic
	Reims Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame The kings of France were once crowned in this 13th-century Gothic cathedral. It is full of sculptures inside and out.	13th cent.	Gothic
	Rouen Cathedral Primitiale Notre-Dame Rouen Cathedral boasts both the highest spire in France and an iconic depiction by Claude Monet.	13th cent.	Gothic
	Strasbourg Cathedral Cathédrale Notre-Dame This "pinky-red angel hovering over the city" has often been lauded by poets. It was completed in 1284 and uniquely has only one spire.	1284	Gothic
	Tours Cathedral Cathédrale Saint-Gatien Dedicated to Tours' first bishop, this cathedral was built over several centuries.	1170-1547	Gothic

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