Cathédrale Saint-Gatien

France is the country where the Gothic cathedral was "invented" in the early 12th century, and one of the most beautiful examples is the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien de Tours. After the cathedral of Tours burned down in 1166 (a consequence of the conflict between Louis VII of France and Henry II of England), a major reconstruction was undertaken, and in 1170, construction/renovation of the new cathedral in the "new" Gothic style began. Thanks to the very long construction history of the Saint-Gatien, the three most important phases of Gothic development—Early Gothic, High Gothic, and Flamboyant Gothic—can be found in this church. Incidentally, the cathedral has only been dedicated to Saint Gatien since 1356; before that, it was dedicated to Saint Maurice. Besides the fact that you can admire the various Gothic sub-styles in the Saint-Gatien, the magnificent stained-glass windows are a very good reason to visit this cathedral!

If you appreciate Medieval architecture then you must visit Cathédrale Saint-Gatien when visiting Tours. It has a beautiful Flamboyant Gothic west portail and majestic interiors. It is a feast for the eyes!

Amazing architecture. Sunday service created a very special atmosphere. I was really moved. Mary Tudor had a wedding here.

Very old and very peaceful. The stained glass windows are incredible as is all the paintings.

Went to Sunday mass in December and it was a lovely service. The stained glass windows were beautiful and I loved being able to walk around and look at the statues and paintings after mass. Gothic architecture at its finest!

"Breathtaking! Tours Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece that'll leave you speechless. Stunning architecture, rich history, and passionate guides bring the medieval era to life. Don't miss this treasure of French heritage! A truly uplifting stop for anyone exploring the Loire Valley.

The Cathédrale Saint-Gatien exemplifies the architectural and artistic magnificence of the medieval period. The stained glass windows are truly awe-inspiring. Every window unfolds a story from Tours' vibrant history, depicting moments of victory, sorrow, and steadfast faith. The preservation of these windows highlights the craftsmanship of the artisans and underscores the dedication to protecting the cultural heritage enshrined within the cathedral's walls.

A beautiful cathedral which is extremely informative, this includes information on all of the amazing stained glass windows that span the length of the building. You can access the majority of the building and you can spend as long or as little time here as you like. Well worth the visit.