Cathedrals and churches in France

Iconic Cathedrals & Abbeys

This collection highlights France’s architectural evolution, from the Romanesque foundations of Cluny and Vézelay to the pinnacle of Gothic design in Chartres, Reims, and Bourges. It spans centuries of religious history, featuring UNESCO World Heritage sites like the fortress-like Albi Cathedral and the Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay. The list also includes diverse landmarks such as the neo-Byzantine Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, the major pilgrimage site of Lourdes, and Le Corbusier’s modernist Notre Dame du Haut, showcasing the country's vast spiritual and artistic heritage.

Iconic Cathedrals & Abbeys — Map

Yoyokits / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Historic Gothic Catholic cathedral known for its stunning architecture and cultural significance. It features notable Gothic art and serves as a place of worship and a national monument.

bodoklecksel / CC-BY-SA-3.0

B

Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral

Notre-Dame de Reims, known in English as Reims Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in the French city of the same name, the…

Harmonia Amanda / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres, is a Catholic Cathedral in Chartres, France, about 80 km southwest…

Justus Blümer / CC BY 2.0

D

Cathedral of Our Lady

Historic Gothic cathedral known for its impressive architecture, towering height, and astronomical clock. It is a national monument and a significant religious and cultural landmark.

E

Bourges Cathedral

Bourges Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in Bourges, France.

Preacherdoc / CC BY-SA 4.0

F

Sanctuary of Lourdes

Major Catholic pilgrimage site and Marian shrine established following reported apparitions in 1858. The extensive domain features several basilicas and a sacred spring located within a grotto.

Sygic Travel User / CC-BY-SA

G

Albi Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Cecilia of Albi, also known as Albi Cathedral, is the seat of the Catholic Archbishop of Albi.

José Luiz / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Basilica of St. Sernin

The Basilica of Saint-Sernin is a church in Toulouse, France, the former abbey church of the Abbey of Saint-Sernin or St Saturnin.

Ludovic Courtès / GFDL

I

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a minor basilica in Lyon, France.

Ntametrine / CC BY-SA 3.0

J

Cluny Abbey

Cluny Abbey is a former Benedictine monastery in Cluny, Saône-et-Loire, France. It was dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul.

Jean-Pol GRANDMONT / CC BY 3.0

K

Vézelay Abbey

Vézelay Abbey is a Benedictine and Cluniac monastery in Vézelay in the east-central French department of Yonne.

Jean-Christophe BENOIST / CC BY 2.5

L

Cistercian Abbey of Fontenay

The Abbey of Fontenay is a former Cistercian abbey located in the commune of Marmagne, near Montbard, in the département of Côte-d'Or in…

M

Le Puy Cathedral

Le Puy Cathedral, sometimes referred to as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Annunciation, is a Roman Catholic church located in Le Puy-en…

Benh LIEU SONG / CC BY-SA 3.0

N

Notre-Dame de la Garde

Neo-Byzantine basilica located on a hill offering panoramic views of the city, sea, and islands. It is a significant Catholic place of worship known for its architecture and religious art.

Wladyslaw / CC-BY-SA-3.0

O

Notre Dame du Haut Ronchamp

Notre-Dame du Haut is a Roman Catholic chapel in Ronchamp, France. Built in 1955, it is one of the finest examples of the architecture of…

Flaurentine / CC BY-SA 3.0

P

Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy

The Abbey Church of Sainte-Foy in Conques, France, was a popular stop for pilgrims traveling the Way of St.

MJJR / CC BY-SA 3.0

Q

Bordeaux Cathedral

Gothic cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site that serves as the seat of the Archbishop. Originally consecrated in 1096, the structure was rebuilt between the 12th and 16th centuries and hosted two royal weddings.

Sokoljan / Public domain

R

Beauvais Saint-Peter Cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais is a Roman Catholic church in the northern town of Beauvais, Oise, France.

Martin Kucera / CC-BY-SA

S

Metz Cathedral

Metz Cathedral is the cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Metz, the seat of the bishops of Metz. It is dedicated to Saint Stephen.

PJMarriott / CC BY 3.0

T

Quimper Cathedral

Quimper Cathedral, formally the Cathedral of Saint Corentin, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and national monument of Brittany in France.

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