Orléans Cathedral (Cathédrale Sainte-Croix)
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans
An Orléans landmark with soaring Gothic twin towers, stained-glass windows that tell the life of Joan of Arc, and a light show on the façade on summer nights.
The Cathedral of the Holy Cross was begun in the 13th century. It was blown up by Huguenots during the Wars of Religion and rebuilt in Gothic style between the 17th and 19th centuries, with Henry IV funding the restoration. The two towers on the façade, about 88 m tall, are especially striking. The stained-glass series in the north chapel tells the story of Joan of Arc from Domrémy to her execution. Admission is free, and on some summer dates you can book a climb to the towers. The May Joan of Arc festivities and summer evenings feature the projection light show 'Chroma.' It is a five-minute walk from Place du Martroi along Rue Jeanne-d'Arc.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:15–18:00 (extended in summer)
Nearby sights
- Musée des Beaux-Arts d'Orléans
- Campo Santo
- Jardin de l'Évêché
- Rue de Bourgogne
- Hôtel Groslot
- Hôtel Cabu – Musée d'Histoire et d'Archéologie
- Collégiale Saint-Aignan
- Place du Martroi