Nantes Cathedral

The Cathédrale St-Pierre-St-Paul (Nantes Cathedral), in the region of Brittany, is one of France's last Gothic cathedrals, built well after most other medieval cathedrals had been completed.

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History of Nantes Cathedral

Begun in 1434, Nantes' cathedral was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul. The cathedral wasn't finished until the end of the 19th century, but it remained amazingly architecturally harmonious.

After a 1972 fire destroyed the roof, the interior was restored.

What to See at Nantes Cathedral

Two square towers dominate the austere façade, which contrasts with the light, wide, limestone interior.

The large, airy interior is an impressive 100m (335-ft.) long with 120-foot high vaults (higher than the Notre-Dame in Paris). The whiteness of the walls and the rich colors of the stained-glass windows make for a striking contrast.

Nantes Cathedral's most notable treasure is Michel Colomb's Renaissance tomb of François II, Duke of Brittany, and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Gen. Juchault de Lamoricière, a Nantes native and a great African campaigner; sculptor Paul Dubois completed the tomb in 1879.

The cathedral's crypt, dating from the 11th century, shelters a museum of religions.

Quick Facts on Nantes Cathedral

Site Information
Names:Nantes Cathedral
Categories:cathedrals
Styles:Gothic
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:47.217994° N, 1.550703° W
Address:Nantes, France
Lodging:View hotels near Nantes Cathedral
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

More Information

© Adam Jenkins
The half-cleaned facade, June 2005. © [email protected]

Map of Nantes Cathedral

Below is a location map and aerial view of Nantes Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.