Facade of St Croix Cathedral in Orleans France
We headed to Orleans France for 2 main attractions, the St Croix Cathedral and other the statue of Joan of Arc. If it rained we would spend more time exploring the interiors of St Croix cathedral we had planned. Thankfully the weather in Orleans France that day was cloudy and not raining.
Orleans is famous for its prestigious association with Joan of Arc who fought with English for its freedom. I wanted my daughters to see this city which in its past had such a brave woman warrior of France. The halt here during our road trip to Paris was just for couple of hours.
Finding a parking lot was easy. The city of Orleans is on the bank of River Loire. Such scenic views all around. The bride across the river looked modern. This is the longest river of France and we got to see a part of it. Banks of Loire is listed in UNESCO Rivers and Heritage list.
River Loire Orleans France
St Croix Cathedral in City Center of Orleans
We walked towards the historic city center of Orleans. The lanes were lined with half-timbered houses, Renaissance facades and mansions with grand medieval architectural designs.
Clutching the street map we headed towards the cathedral first which is located in the city center of Orleans. Joan of Arc attended the evening mass in this cathedral on May 2, 1429 when she arrived to fight for Orleans against English.
History of the Church
History of the town states that the very first church was built here around 330 AD, when Christianity was just beginning to bloom in Europe. This early church also contained a small piece of the True Cross, which had been discovered in Jerusalem by Saint Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine.
Among the earliest of the French cathedrals, construction of this was completed in 450 AD. Through the following years, despite substantial damage caused by the Normans, the church managed to stand rooted at the spot until the late 10th century, when a devastating fire destroyed the cathedral and much of the town.
In the 12th century an imposing roman style cathedral was built to replace it making it one of the greatest cathedrals in France at that time. Sadly the cathedral collapsed in early 13th century due to mismatch of design and engineering skills.
Immediately after this the next version of Orleans cathedral was started in 1278. Construction went on 1512, almost two centuries; you can well imagine the gigantic size of the cathedral. Few parts of the earlier roman style cathedral was retained, but most of it was built in the ‘fashionable’ gothic style of the period, with flying-buttresses to support the great height of the walls of the nave.
Western Facade of St Croix Cathedral Orleans
Very soon we spotted the twin towers of the cathedral. Can you believe this cathedral was destroyed twice?!
I wonder how a church that has been damaged not once but twice, get back all its splendor, stand tall and magnificent! The St Croix Cathedral at Orleans is one such monument! The 13th century cathedral was destroyed once in 1568 by Protestants. It was reconstructed in Gothic style. This was damaged in WWII and again restored to its previous glory.
Western Facade of St. Croix Cathedral in Orleans France
Arches in Facade with 3 Rose Windows
The monochrome facade has fantastic details. My neck ached as I gazed upwards and my eyes resting on every detail. It was built from 1278 to 1329 and 1601–1829. Definitely a wonder of a monument by medieval builders and craftsmen!
Central Arch on the facade of Saint Croix Cathedral Orleans
Twin Towers of St. Croix Cathedral
Most attractive part of the facade is the ‘wedding cake’ like towers, not one but two of them. They are 88m tall and has intricate design, as if some sculptor has done it in leisure.
Southern Facade of St Croix Cathedral in Orleans
Go round the cathedral once to see the fine work of architecture of medieval times! The spire has a height of 144m. It has 5 bells varying in weight from 600kg to 6000kg.
Southern Facade of St Croix Cathedral in Orleans France
Interior of St Croix Cathedral in Orleans France
Architects involved in the construction of the cathedral are Étienne Martellange and Jacques Gabriel. Major Architectural styles of the cathedral construction include Gothic architecture, Gothic Revival architecture.
Joan of Arc, famous Orlean’s maiden; her association with the city of Orleans made us add it to our itinerary. She fought the English presence in her country, to crown their king; that was in 1429. If you wish to refresh yourself with the story of this brave lady, check here. Joan of Arc stayed at a house in Orleans during this time for a few days which got destroyed in WWII; today there is a copy of the house ‘Maison de Jeanne d’Arc’.
Interior of St Croix Cathedral in Orleans France
Even the cathedral she attended in the evening mass of 2nd May 1429 got famous because of this prestigious association.
Interior of this cathedral is stunning. I was amazed at its size and details, “yet another medieval church that made a bold statement about its power and wealth!” I thought.
Stained Glass Window of Sainte Croix Cathedral
The huge stain glass windows depict the story of Joan of Arc. My daughters enjoyed this visit very much; they could connect with the place and the stained window paintings and were full of admiration for Joan of Arc!
St Croix Cathedral in Orleans France – Stained glass Rose Window
The very first window depicts 17 year old Joan hearing voices asking her to drive out the English. She saved Orleans. The story goes on through several panels. The last window shows her being burnt alive, after she was defeated, captured and judged for sorcery.
Tips to Visit
- The cathedral is open on all days.
- No tickets required to enter the church.
- Photography allowed.
- In the summer months, the Cathedral offers a colorful sound and light show that focuses on scenes inspired by Joan of Arc.
Location of St Croix Cathedral in Orleans
Orleans is 133.5km south of Paris. We arrived at Orleans from Amboise, a distance of 104km, it took us roughly an hour and half of leisurely drive. After the tour of cathedral we drove to Chartres, 77km north of Orleans.
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It does look like a wedding cake!
Very grand church.
You were at the First Orleans! (here in the States New Orleans is illustrious as well).
such lovely architecture Indrani… how fortunate you are to travel the way you do and see so much of the world:-)
Magnificent indeed, Indrani. I, too, marvel at the talent of stonemasons, engineers, architects and all the other trades involved in the construction of such beautiful buildings from yesteryear. Thank you for sharing. Happy weekend!
good snaps Ind…
Magnificent cathedral, very nice views Indrani.
They sure don't build 'em like that anymore (but I'm glad they can restore them!) The engineering and craftsmanship skills of medieval builders was indeed a marvel! I love the detailed intricacy in that second photo.
Wow..what a beautiful building, and the wedding cake towers are just magnificent!
Beautifully captured!
Nice photos…
thanks
Amazing clicks, Indrani:)
France, this… excellent!
How magnificent in every detail!
you are right, they do look like wedding cakes.
This is a magnificent structure. I esp. like the close up of the detail. Happy SWF.
Gorgeous view! I enjoy visiting your sky in France. Thanks for sharing!
'Wedding Cake' is a great description for these marvelous towers. The cathedral itself is magnificent. I'm glad it was rebuilt — twice.
Magnificent! I'm sure it cost a LOT to restore.
The "wedding cake" alike tower is truly beautiful!
That's a beautiful facade.
I love the "wedding cake" towers and what an awesome cathedral it is, Indrani! Wonderful captures as always! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
amazing.
Lovely pictures
Beautiful cathedral Indrani.
Wow! Gorgeous building
Hugs
SueAnn
I am glad it was restored. It is a beautiful cathedral. The towers are attractive. Great photos, Indrani. Have a happy day!
'wedding cake' like towers…. Describes it PERFECTLY 🙂