Dreaming Of France: 8 Other Notre Dame Cathedrals To Visit
The Paris one gets all the hype, but there are plenty of other contenders for the crown.
Paris’ famed Notre Dame cathedral remains closed following the 2019 fire that captured the world’s attention. The government is rushing to meet a self-imposed deadline for restoring it by the end of 2024, though it remains unclear when tourists will be allowed to enter the famed structure.
Fortunately, France seems to have as many Notre Dame cathedrals as it does Starbucks. Indeed, some will argue that these “other” Notre Dames are more architecturally spectacular than their Paris cousin who tends to get all the international fawning.
So as you dream about visiting France, here are 8 Notre Dames worth putting on your travel itinerary.
Chartres
Located about one hour southwest of Paris, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres (see the lead picture) was built between 1194 and 1220 and represents a combination of High Gothic and Romanesque styles. But it is perhaps most famous for its remarkable stained glass windows.
Amiens
The birthplace of President Emmanuel Macron is located about 90 minutes north of Paris. The Basilique Cathédrale Notre-Dame d'Amiens was primarily built between 1220 and 1270 in the High Gothic style and is one of the largest in France. One could place two Paris Notre Dames inside this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lourdes
Millions of pilgrims come every year seeking miracles in the waters of Lourdes, which many believe have special healing powers. A teenage girl named Bernadette Soubirous claimed she saw visions of Jesus’ mother, Mary, who told her about the waters. The Gothic-style Basilica of the Immaculate Conception was built above the grotto where Bernadette had her visions and was completed in 1876.
Bayeux
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux is located in Normandy and dates from July 1077, though most of the construction occurred from 1230 to 1270, some sections were not fully completed until the 19th century. The famed Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the Norman conquest of England, was originally designed as a decoration for the interior of the church.
Lyon
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The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits on a hill overlooking the city and was built in the 19th century. The church was built using private money to honor Mary for intervening to spare the city from attack during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. The basilica mixes Romanesque and Byzantine styles, making it distinct from many of the other Notre Dames. It also is known for the elaborate mosaics inside and the vibrant stained glass windows.
Rouen
The Cathédrale Primatiale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption de Rouen replaced a Romanesque church. There had been a church on this site as early as the year 395. In the 1020s, it was gradually replaced with a church in the Romanesque style. By 1145, Gothic-style additions were made which led eventually to the whole church being demolished in stages and rebuilt in the Gothic style that is present today. Over the centuries since, additional towers have been added and new Renaissance artworks placed inside.
Lille
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille de Lille is unusual both for the length of its construction and its hybrid appearance. The main chapel is in the Neo-Gothic style and is located in the old town of Lille. The work was originally commissioned by a mix of wealthy local businessmen and clergy who launched a competition to choose an architect. Though a design by an Englishman was chosen, a French architect was then hired to oversee the construction which was plagued with problems. The project frequently ran out of money and the building halted for long stretches. The full cathedral was only finished in 1999 using a modern design to complete the final sections.
Marseille
La Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is nicknamed La Bonne Mère (The Good Mother) and dates from the late 19th century. Construction took more than 40 years. The church sits on a hill overlooking the city and is a dominant feature of Marseille’s skyline. The church underwent a major renovation 20 years ago because the original stone used in construction suffered severe corrosion from its proximity to the sea.
Chris O’Brien
Le Pecq
Lovely list. I always thought it strange that Notre Dame got all the love when in reality there are plenty more fascinating and gorgeous religious structures, all around France, and even in Paris…