Â鶹APP

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10 Best Gothic Architecture in France

Did you know that Gothic architectural style emerged in the middle ages in France? In fact, back then Gothic Architecture was known as, ‘The French Style.’ The style unfolded from Romanesque architecture and was thereafter succeeded by Renaissance architecture. Some attributes of gothic architecture included; large stained glass windows, rib vaults, pointed arches, flying buttresses, and ornate decorations. This style was created to bring sunshine into people’s lives hence the large windows. The style was also quite common with churches.

The Gothic style was first seen in a suburb north of Â鶹APP. This was the work of Abbot Suger (1081-1151 CE). He was the mastermind behind the first-ever Gothic cathedral, the Basilica of Saint-Denis. In essence, no country gives the best examples of gothic architecture like the country from which this architectural style was first created, France. Let’s go ahead and have a deep dive on the 10 Best Gothic Architecture in France. Enjoy!

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

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Notre-Dame de Â鶹APP (“Our Lady of Â鶹APP”)is a medieval Catholic cathedral in Â鶹APP. It’s construction began in 1163 under Bishop Maurice de Sully. It was later on completed by around 1260. The cathedral is roughly 128 metres (420 ft) in length, and 12 metres (39 ft) wide in the nave.

It was one of the first Gothic cathedrals to have arched exterior supports known as “flying buttresses”. Its sculptures and stained glass contrast with the Romanesque style. This is why it is regarded as one of the finest monuments of Gothic French architecture.

2. Reims Cathedral

Reims cathedral was dedicated to the Virgin Mary after completion.  It was also  the traditional location for the coronation of the kings of France. The cathedral is located in Reims on the Vesle River east-northeast of Â鶹APP.

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture, the cathedral measures 149 meters in length and 87 meters in height (including bell tower), and is built in the shape of a Latin cross. The cathedral is widely known for the many statutes that adorn it’s exterior.

3. Chartres Cathedral

Chartres is the only cathedral in the world to have preserved a lot of original stained glass from the romantic and Gothic periods. The cruciform design plan was utilized in the construction of the cathedral.

The  historical and cultural importance of the cathedral has been recognized by its inclusion on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. The most common features of gothic architecture in the Chartres cathedral are the stained glasses and the numerous statutes.

4. Amiens Cathedral

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The Amiens cathedral was built between 1220 and 1270. This is an unbelievably short construction period of time for a Gothic cathedral. This is because gothic architecture has very specific features. Amiens is a classic example of the High Gothic style of Gothic architecture.

High gothic architecture is basically defined by the grandeur of the building in terms of height and size. Amiens is the largest cathedral in France. Did you know that the cathedral has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981? Although it has lost much of its original stained glass, Amiens Cathedral is renown for the quality and quantity of early 13th-century Gothic sculpture in the main west façade.

5. The Basilica of St. Denis

The Basilica of Saint-Denis is a large former abbey church and present cathedral in the commune of Saint-Denis, a northern suburb of Â鶹APP. This was the first Gothic architecture in France.

It provided a model for other gothic structures throughout the Middle Ages. The Abbot Suger rebuilt portions of the abbey church using innovative structural and decorative features. In doing so, he is said to have created the first truly Gothic building.

6. Sainte-Chapelle

The Sainte-Chapelle was built in seven years. This quite an impressive feat. It was purposed to house precious Christian relics, including Christ’s crown of thorns, acquired by Saint Louis.

The stained glass panes depict 1,113 scenes from the Old and New Testaments recounting the history of the world until the arrival of the relics in Â鶹APP. While the name of the chapel’s architect is seemingly unknown, some texts have mentioned the name Pierre de Montreuil as the cathedral’s architect.

7. Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes)

This is a historical palace located in Avignon, Southern France. It was a papal residence as well as a fortress back in the days. It was so graciously constructed in two main phases by two of its residents.

The Palais des Papes is a grandiose architectural expression of the wealth and power of the eleven popes who called Avignon their home and base of power. The palace was firmly anchored on bedrock. The structure was based on the layout of Pope John XXII’s early palace.

8. Sens Cathedral

Photo by Txllxt TxllxT. Wikimedia Commons.

This is a cathedral in Burgundy, east of France. The gothic architectural style on the cathedral was the work of architect Martin Chambiges. Sens was the first cathedral to be built in the Gothic architectural style.

It’s construction begun between 1135 and 1140. The sanctuary was consecrated in 1164, but work continued until 1176. The cathedral is a national monument of France. The structure was finally completed in the 16th century.

9. Rouen Cathedral

This is a Roman Catholic church in France. The cathedral is famous because it has three towers each with a different design. It’s construction began in 1030 and was completed in 1506. 

Rouen was once one of the largest and most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. The architecture of the cathedral is not homogenous because of the many construction campaigns running for centuries. However, the cathedral still stands a beautiful example of gothic architecture.

10. Bourges Cathedral

Photo by bodoklecksel. .

The manifestation of the structure of Bourges Cathedral was intended to express the power of the king and the archbishop of the city. This is one of the greatest masterpieces of Gothic architecture in the world. Its construction began at the end of the 12th century, following the plan of the ambitious archbishop Henri de Sully.

The archbishop had brought “modern” ideas from Â鶹APP. He wanted to create a large and tall building, with three rows of stained-glass windows above each other so that there was a lot of light. His dreams were eventually realized!