Orléans’s Cathédrale Ste-Croix wows with neo-Gothic grandeur, stunning Joan of Arc stained glass, and soaring towers—all with way fewer crowds than Paris.
"Cathédrale Ste-Croix The Cathédrale Ste-Croix, where Joan of Arc attended Mass on May 2, 1429, during the Battle of Orléans, is most famous for its 10 stained glass windows illustrating scenes from her life. However, the neo-Gothic cathedral—built over 600 years, from 1287 to its official inauguration on May 8, 1829—is worthy of praise in its own right, especially its western facade, with its ornate stonework, 288-foot towers, and three spectacular rose windows. Among the five largest Gothic cathedrals in France, the church is also home to a beautiful choir section and deambulatory, filled with interesting stonework and decoration."
Beautiful large church with a long and eventful history. A first church was built here in the 7th century, replaced by a number of churches in the following centuries, who were all destroyed by fire, war, and the last one by Protestants in 1568.
The church you see now is the result of centuries of construction that started in 1601 by King Henry IV.
There is a strong connection to Joan of Arc as she prayed in the previous church when Orleans was under siege and after it was liberated on May 8th, 1429. Every year around May 8th, there are celebrations in town marking the liberation, which coincides with the end of WW2
Selena Nguyen
Google
Big church to visit when you are in Orleans.
This town is quite compared to Paris and it brought you another relaxing atmosphere
Luis Gonçalves
Google
Another great french cathedral. This one have a special meaning due to Jeanne d'Arc.
Mark Thomas
Google
This church is almost as impressive as Notre Dame of Paris. It’s construction was started almost the same time and has the rivbed vaulted ceiling. All of the stained glass windows in the nave depict events from Joan of Arc’s life. Artwork outside the cathedral is regional and rotating. The great advantage is no crowds. Orléans is a beautiful city with a beautiful cathedral, but far fewer tourists.
Matt Ward
Google
Excellent architectural structure with interesting history, situated perfectly in Orléans as a focal point of the town. Impressive facade and interior, with completely free entry.
Ruben Goussen
Google
If you are able to take the trip to Orleans I recommend it. This cathedral rivals Notre Dame without the wait or crowds.
Khoo HT
Google
Such an amazing, beautiful, magnificent cathedral which rich history written on stained glasses, craved in stones for centuries to tell their stories.
Was luckily to have the chance to witnessed their Friday session to enjoy the beauty of songs echoing within the Cathedral.
A must see when you're in this area!
Adria Rodz
Google
A beautiful cathedral with magnificent stained glass and impressive ceilings. The grandeur, opulence, and serenity found here are truly amazing for the senses to behold. Highly recommend a visit.
Boon C.
Yelp
This cathedral also know as Orleans Cathedral. It was build in the 12 century and rebuilt at 16th and 18th century. This church is often visited by Joan of Arc. If you want to find out a lot Joan of Arc story, Orleans has plenty of that including this church. The stain glass windows depict the Joan of Arc story.
The interior of the church is beautiful. Not many churches in France are painted interior. This church is one of the few churches with interior painting. The color matching the interior need. The church exterior is gothic look with two big tower. The back of the church is really beautiful.