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Cathedrals, Basilicas, and Churches in France
France has some of the greatest restaurants and museums in the world. However, its ancient churches, cathedrals, and basilicas are very popular too. These places of worship draw huge crowds of tourists who are fascinated by their beauty, different architecture styles, and fascinating histories.
The churches, cathedrals, and basilicas in France usually display Medieval, Romanesque, or Gothic architecture. Medieval architecture refers to the styles of architecture that evolved after the fall of Rome in the early 4th century. Most buildings constructed during this period were religious buildings like churches and cathedrals, as more people in Europe converted to Christianity.
Romanesque architecture flourished during the late 10th century to the 12th centuries in Europe. The name “Romanesque” was coined for this style of architecture because of the barrel vault and the Roman arch. The buildings typically have round arches, groin vaults, large towers, and thick walls. They are very large and symmetrical, with stone ceilings instead of wood. Paintings and sculptures are common embellishments.
Gothic architecture evolved from Romanesque architecture. It originated in the 12th century and lasted until the 16th century. The style is characterized by pointed arches, ribbed vaults, stained glass, and flying buttresses. Most Gothic churches and cathedrals are built with a “cruciform” floor plan, where the layout of the buildings resembles a Latin cross.
Some of the most popular churches, basilicas, and cathedrals of France include the Cathédrale St-Sauveur, Basilique Saint-Denis, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon, and the Chartres Cathedral. The Cathédrale St-Sauveur is a cathedral located in the Aix-en-Provence of France. Due to constant interruptions by wars and plagues, construction of the cathedral lasted from the 5th century to the 15th century! The cathedral is a very unique hybrid of Romanesque and Gothic elements. Inside, you can find the Triptyque du Buisson Ardent (Burning Bush Triptych) , which was constructed by Nicolas Froment in the 15th century. The cathedral is open daily for visits, and admission is free.
The Basilique Saint-Denis is a Catholic basilica located in a suburb of Paris. This basilica was built in the Gothic style, and many French monarchs were buried here. Saint Denis was known as the patron saint of France and the basilica was erected as a shrine at his burial place by King Dagobert 1. This basilica is free to visit. Opening hours depend on the season.
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Laon is a stunning cathedral built in Laon, Picardy, France. Dating from the 12th century, this Gothic cathedral is known for its imposing towers. Originally used as a stop on medieval pilgrimages to Santiago, Spain, the cathedral can be visited for free on Saturdays and Sundays and from Easter to October.
The Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral located in Chartes, France. It is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in France, and there's a legend that says it houses a tunic belonging to the Virgin Mary. It was burned down once, survived a second fire in the year 1134, and all but the west side of it burned down in 1194. Reconstruction of the cathedral was completed in 1220, and it was dedicated by King Louis IX. The cathedral is free to visit during specified hours, although some places are only accessible on certain days. One of the main attractions is the large number of stained glass windows that survive to this day.
When you go to France, visiting the many cathedrals, basilicas, and churches will be an enriching experience. Make sure you include some of these places in your travel plans.