7 Other Great French Cathedrals

Did you know that there are over 100 cathedrals in France?! The building of cathedrals in France began in the 11th century. Some share the name of the most famous Parisian cathedral. If you’re planning a French vacation, add these beauties to your list of must-see places!

Bourges Cathedral
Bourges, France
Considered to be one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art, the Bourges Cathedral was built between the late 12th and 13th centuries. The stained-glass windows here are a great representation of art from the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries. The cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Saint Etienne of Bourges, and is a classified World Heritage Monument of UNESCO.

Chartres Cathedral
Chartres, France
Located southwest of Paris, this stunning French Gothic cathedral has been almost perfectly preserved! Its original design still stands tall, and its attention to detail does not go unnoticed. Almost all of the stained-glass windows are originals from the 12th and 13th centuries. Also known as Notre-Dame de Chartres Cathedral, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Amiens Cathedral
Picardy, France
One of the largest classic Gothic churches of the 13th century, Amiens Cathedral was built in less than a century! The lead designers were Robert de Luzarches, Thomas de Cormont, and his son Renaud de Cormont. Notable features of this structure include its elevated, three-tier interior and its display of sculptures and stained-glass. It has been a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981.

Reims Cathedral
Reims, France
Fun fact: Every French king between 815 and 1825 was crowned here, in the province of Champagne! The present structure is the replacement for the preexisting cathedral that burned in a fire in 1210. Reims Cathedral is the most famous monument in the city, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen
Rouen, France
Rouen Cathedral is well-known throughout the world for a variety of reasons. It was painted by Claude Monet nearly 30 times in the 1890s! Its Lantern Tower is 500 feet high and holds 56 bells. The cathedral’s music, with an organ, choir, and choir school, has been highly regarded since the Middle Ages. Its asymmetrical facade adds to its beauty and charm!

Strasbourg Cathedral
Strasbourg, France
This spectacular cathedral attracts more than 4 million visitors each year! This makes it the second most-visited cathedral in France. Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, this cathedral dates back to around 1015. Its mix of Romantic and Gothic architecture and style make it desirable and unique to visitors!

Saint Pierre Cathedral
Beauvais, France
Construction on this beautiful cathedral began in 1225, but was never fully finished. However, this cathedral does hold the record for the highest ceiling in a gothic choir! Pay a visit to this structure to view its size and imagine what it could’ve been if it had been completed!

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