Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans
Rising above the rooftops of Orléans with jaw-dropping verticality, the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix is one of the finest Gothic cathedrals in France — and far less crowded than Notre-Dame de Paris. Its soaring nave, intricate 18th-century choir stalls and blazing stained-glass windows make every visit feel like stepping inside a jewel box.
A Cathedral Rebuilt by Kings
Destroyed during the Wars of Religion in 1568, Sainte-Croix was painstakingly rebuilt over nearly two centuries, with successive French kings — Henri IV, Louis XIII and Louis XIV — each contributing to its reconstruction, giving it an unusually royal pedigree.
The result is a harmonious blend of High Gothic structure and classical detailing. Stand at the west façade and tilt your head back: the twin towers climb 88 metres and frame a rose window that glows amber and cobalt in afternoon light.
Inside the Cathedral
The nave stretches 135 metres from door to apse, lined with chapels whose 19th-century stained glass tells the story of Joan of Arc in vivid blues and scarlets — a narrative sequence unlike anything else in the Loire Valley.
Don't miss the carved oak choir stalls, commissioned by Louis XIV, where hundreds of tiny figures from scripture and French history are hidden in the misericords. Bring a torch and take your time.
Practical Visit Tips
The cathedral sits on Place Sainte-Croix, a five-minute walk from the main tram stop Cathédrale. Admission to the nave is free; guided tours of the towers run on summer weekends and reward you with a panoramic view over the Loire.
Visit on a sunny morning when the light pours through the south-facing windows and the nave fills with colour. The square outside is a perfect spot for a coffee at one of the café terraces before or after.
More of Orléans
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Orléans →
