Explore France’s Top Cathedrals: A Comprehensive Guide

France boasts some of the world’s most ancient and stunning cathedrals, each a captivating work of art with exquisite carvings and spires that reach for the sky. This article suggests a remarkable itinerary for touring France’s best cathedrals, featuring notable stops in Paris, Amiens, Laon, Rouen, Reims, Chartres, and Strasbourg. Along this enriching journey, travelers can immerse themselves in the tapestry of France’s vibrant cities and charming villages while savoring regional cuisines. Depending on your schedule, you can opt for the entire tour or select a few highlights. Given their concentration in the northern region, it is certainly feasible to explore them all within just a few days.

When planning your travels, if you’re considering driving, look into car hire options that suit your needs. For those staying in France for an extended period, the Renault Eurodrive Buy Back Car Leasing scheme is an excellent way to gain value for your rental costs. Alternatively, utilizing a French Rail Pass may prove more economical, given the longer distances covered. You might also consider a Rail ‘n Drive pass, providing vouchers for car rentals. Moreover, pack light to facilitate your movement between these iconic sites.

Ensure you have a reliable road map, and consider customizing your itinerary with ViaMichelin to generate detailed maps of your routes, including estimated journey times, distances, and costs.

Cathedral Tour Stop One: Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris is arguably the most renowned cathedral in the world, celebrated in classic literature and modern-day cinema. Its Gothic architecture dates back to the 12th century; construction commenced in 1160 and concluded in 1345. Featuring massive flying buttresses, the cathedral is noted for its towering structure—68 meters (223 feet)—which offers a splendid panoramic view of the city skyline. The intricate gargoyles contribute to its famous allure, giving way to legends such as Victor Hugo’s Quasimodo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Visitors are encouraged to ascend the seemingly endless spiral staircase to witness the detailed gargoyles up close and enjoy breathtaking views over the Seine River. Also notable is the historical marker that indicates the distance from Paris to all other cities in France.

Lodging options

Accommodations in close proximity to the cathedral include the Hotel Notre Dame and Hotel Jeu de Paume, both offering sky-high accessibility.

Travel time to next stop: Reims in Champagne

By train: Regular trains depart from Paris Gare de l’Est, taking approximately 45 minutes.

By car: The autoroute provides the quickest route with a journey time of about 1 hour and 45 minutes over 145 km (90 miles), including tolls along the way.

Cathedral Tour Stop Two: Notre-Dame de Reims

Notre-Dame de Reims (pronounced ‘Rance’) is another striking example of Gothic architecture, famed as the venue for the coronation of numerous French monarchs, including Charles VII, who was crowned by Joan of Arc in 1429. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the beautifully adorned west front; while some original statues grace the entrance, others are housed in the Palais du Tau, the bishop’s palace adjacent to the cathedral. The interior dazzles with color from the magnificent stained-glass windows, particularly the renowned east end featuring a fabulous collection by Marc Chagall.

Lodging options

A noteworthy central accommodation option is the Best Western Hotel de la Paix, located conveniently about a 6-minute walk from the train station. Guests can unwind in the bar or take a dip in the swimming pool. For a luxurious experience, stay at the Château des Crayères, a stunning 18th-century mansion previously belonging to Pommery.

Travel time to the next stop: Laon in the Aisne

By train: Direct trains from Reims to Laon operate regularly, with journeys lasting around 40 minutes.

By car: A drive on the autoroute will generally take about 50 minutes, covering a distance of 68 km (42 miles).

Cathedral Tour Stop Four: Notre-Dame de Laon

Laon is home to one of the earliest Gothic cathedrals, a splendid structure built during the latter half of the 12th century that set a precedent for many that followed, such as Chartres, Reims, and Paris. Elevated above the surrounding countryside, it is located within a fortified walled city filled with charming winding cobbled streets.

Lodging options

In Laon, the best accommodation is La Maison des Trois Rois (The House of the Three Kings), a cozy bed and breakfast situated in a historic building that offers a glimpse back to the Middle Ages, all while providing modern comforts. For those wishing to combine a cathedral tour with golf, consider the Hotel du Golfe de l’Ailette in Chamouille, just a short drive south.

Travel time to the next stop: Amiens in Picardy

By train: Due to the lack of direct trains from Laon to Amiens, the route requires a return to Paris. The journey time from Laon to Paris Gare du Nord is approximately 1 hour and 37 minutes, followed by a transfer at Gare du Nord for a train to Amiens, taking an additional 1 hour and 12 minutes.

By car: An autoroute drive will typically last around 1 hour and 28 minutes over a distance of 135 km (83 miles).

Cathedral Tour Stop Three: Notre-Dame d’Amiens in Picardy

Notre-Dame d’Amiens is notably the largest Gothic cathedral in all of France and recognized as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This remarkable architectural achievement, constructed between 1220 and 1288, truly stands out for its stylistic harmony. During summer and Christmas, the cathedral comes alive with a mesmerizing sound and light show that highlights its vibrant facade. For an unparalleled experience, climb the tower for breathtaking views.

Lodging options

For a historical stay, consider the charming Le Prieuré, set in a former priory. Another excellent choice is the centrally located Mercure Amiens Cathédrale, positioned just in front of the cathedral.

Travel time to the next stop: Rouen in Normandy

By train: As there are no direct train services from Amiens to Rouen, the route requires travel via Paris. The overall journey takes approximately 3 hours and 37 minutes.

By coach: A straightforward and budget-friendly alternative is to use Flixbus, which takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes and costs around $10.

By car: The autoroute route offers a journey of roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes covering a distance of 145 km (90 miles), with tolls expected.

Cathedral Tour Stop Five: Notre-Dame de Rouen

Renowned for its stunning Gothic design, Rouen’s Notre-Dame Cathedral was constructed between the 12th and 13th centuries and later rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries. Well-known for its white west facade, famously captured by Monet, the inner sanctum enchants visitors with soaring columns. Be sure to explore the ambulatory and crypt where various monarchs are laid to rest, including the heart of Richard the Lionheart.

If your timing aligns, visit during the summer evenings for an extraordinary light show that projects Monet’s masterpieces onto the cathedral facade.

Lodging options

The top choice in Rouen is the historic Hotel de Bourgrethoulde, offering modern comfort within an ancient building in the town center, complete with a spa and swimming pool. For a beautiful stay just steps from the cathedral, consider Hotel de la Cathédrale, located on a charming pedestrian lane.

Travel time to next stop: Chartres in the Loire Valley

By train: Direct train routes do not operate from Rouen to Chartres, so travelers must change trains in Paris, with total travel time typically exceeding 2 hours.

By car: Driving along the route nationale covers approximately 138 km (85 miles) and typically takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Cathedral Tour Stop Six: Notre-Dame de Chartres

Notre-Dame de Chartres is an essential sight not to be missed. This stunning structure dominates the skyline, easily recognizable from miles away. Its historical significance and remarkable stained glass make it a wonder of the world. As you walk around the cathedral, look up to the panels that depict tales of bygone eras and highlight the trades and guilds of medieval France.

Lodging options

Consider staying at the Jehan de Bauce hotel for a cozy and well-priced lodging in a historic building, or opt for my favored bed and breakfast, Les Conviv’hotes, run by the amiable, English-speaking Sylvie Menard, conveniently located near the river.

Travel time to the next stop: Strasbourg in Alsace

By train: The final stop, Strasbourg, requires travel via Paris; the journey from Paris to Strasbourg takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Cathedral Tour Stop Seven: Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

Strasbourg Cathedral, located near the German border, serves as the heart of this charming town, which is home to the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. The cathedral’s orangish stone exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and stunning stained glass windows. One highlight for visitors is the spectacular clock that showcases a fascinating performance involving numerous moving parts, including cuckooing birds. Lastly, do not miss the opportunity to climb the spire for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, reaching as far as the Vosges mountains.

Lodging options

The Cathédrale Hotel offers a unique stay directly opposite the cathedral and is known for its friendly atmosphere and reliable WiFi.

To explore even more of Strasbourg, a dedicated travel guide can offer further insights and highlight the top attractions this spectacular city has to offer.