Cathedrals of France
Below is an illustrated index of the 22 Cathedrals of France profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.
The Cathédrale St-Sauveur in Aix was built from the 5th century to the 15th century. Its many highlights include an ancient baptistery, a fine cloister, and Nicolas Fromen's Burning Bush Triptych.
Built in the 13th century in the heart of Cathar country, Albi Cathedral is the largest brick building in the world. Perched high on a hill above the River Tarn, it looks more like a fortress than a cathedral.
Famed for its architecture and sculpture, Amiens Cathedral is the largest cathedral in France. With Chartres and Reims, it is one of three "High Gothic" French cathedrals built in the 13th century.
Located in the Loire Valley, Angers Cathedral is a unique mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. It contains notable tapestries, sculptures and stained glass.
Dating from the early 12th century with later Gothic additions, the Cathédrale St-Lazare is a pilgrimage church (for relics of Lazarus) famed for its splendid sculptures by the Romanesque sculptor Gislebertus.
This 12th-century Romanesque cathedral is dwarfed by the grand Palais des Papes that was later built next door. Inside are the tombs of several Avignon popes.
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.
One of the greatest achievements in the history of architecture, Chartres Cathedral is almost perfectly preserved in its original medieval design, from its famed portal sculptures to glowing stained glass.
The stained glass windows of Chartres Cathedral are some of the oldest, most extensive and beautiful windows in Europe, dating from as early as the 1140s AD.
Located in the Auvergne region of central France, Clermont Cathedral is a striking Gothic edifice made of black lava stone. Inside it has beautiful medieval stained glass windows, frescoes, and an old crypt.
Laon Cathedral is notable for its imposing towers, its beautiful Gothic architecture, and its importance as a major stop on the medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago.
The exotic facade of the Cathédrale Notre-Dame overlooks Le Puy from the top of steep medieval street. It is still a major starting point for pilgrimages to Santiago.
This church with a stout facade is the seat of the highest-ranking archbishop in France. Built from 1180 to 1480, it combines both Romanesque and Gothic styles.
This Late Gothic cathedral was begun in 1434. It has a higher ceiling than the Notre-Dame de Paris and a splendid Renaissance tomb.
Located next to the Archbishop's Palace on the main square, Narbonne Cathedral was begun in 1272 and never finished.
One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, this Gothic beauty is a must-see for its historical importance and magnificent artworks.
Noyon has long been a religious center - the present cathedral is the fifth on this site. Charlemagne (768) and Hugh Capet (987) were crowned here. Built in 1150-1290, the present Noyon Cathedral is in a harmonious Transitional style.
The twin-towered Cathérale St-Pierre was founded in 1162 and completed two centuries later. It has a fine Gothic west front and some early stained glass.
The kings of France were once crowned in this 13th-century High Gothic cathedral, which is full of sculptures inside and out.
Rouen's Cathedral has many fine features, but is especially famous for two things: the highest spire in France, a cast-iron tour-de-force erected in 1876; and Claude Monet's many paintings of its facade.
Begun in 1284, Strasbourg's Gothic cathedral has been described as a "pinky-red angel hovering over the city."
Dedicated to the first bishop of Tours, this mostly Gothic cathedral was built at a leisurely pace from 1170 to 1547. Notable features include elaborately decorated west towers and medieval stained glass.
