VERDICT: We gave 5 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
Bigger than Notre-Dame and shaped by war, royalty, and Joan of Arc; this is one of France’s most overlooked masterpieces
Our first stop after leaving Paris… and we weren’t expecting this. In the heart of Orléans stands a cathedral bigger than Notre-Dame —
steeped in history, shaped by war, and tied to Joan of Arc herself. And the moment we stepped inside… we knew this was something special.
After arriving in Orléans, our first stop on the road from Paris, we checked into our hotel and made our way into the city centre. And then… we saw it.
Standing tall under a dark sky, the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d’Orléans. (Orléans Cathedral) An incredible piece of history and one deeply tied to Joan of Arc, who famously attended Mass here on May 2, 1429, during the lifting of the Siege of Orléans, a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.
As you walk through the cathedral today, you’ll notice tributes to her throughout including; stained-glass windows and even a dedicated chapel honouring her legacy. But the history here goes back even further.
It’s said that the very first church on this site dates all the way back to around 330 AD at the dawn of Christianity in Europe and once housed a relic believed to be part of the True Cross, discovered in Jerusalem by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine.
QUOTE: …Orléans! The tall towers of its cathedral that stand out from afar in the morning’s blue sky, recalling the half-divine legend of the heroic maiden who saved France, says history, but obtained only a tomb as the price of her exploits, adds the poet. Voyage en Espagne, by Paul Monplaisir, sd.
The cathedral you see today, however, tells a story of destruction and resilience. Much of it was destroyed in 1568 during the French Wars of Religion… before being rebuilt over centuries. The current structure began in 1601, when King Henry IV, alongside Marie de Médicis, laid the foundation stone for its reconstruction, beginning a project that would span generations. Over the next 228 years, successive Bourbon kings continued the work, determined to restore the cathedral to its original Gothic vision. In total that’s more than 550 years of history in one building.
Stepping inside, the scale is immediate. At 140 metres long, with towers reaching 88 metres and a bell tower rising to 114 metres, housing five massive bells, this cathedral is actually larger than Notre-Dame in Paris.
But what makes it unique isn’t just its size. It’s the blend of styles; Gothic at its core, with influences from the late Renaissance and early Louis XIV period, making it one of the last great cathedrals built in France.
We spent about an hour exploring… taking in the symmetry, the detail, and the calm atmosphere that fills the space. And of course outside, Orléans itself adds to the experience.
A historic Loire Valley city, known for its medieval streets, local specialties like vinegar and mustard, and its position along the Loire River, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape.
This isn’t just a cathedral visit. It’s a step into centuries of French history, shaped by faith, conflict, and perseverance.
And surprisingly… still under the radar. Which made it all the more memorable. Without question, this is a five-ticket experience. And absolutely worth the stop.
Interesting information about two of the chapels:
Chapelle de la Vierge
The chapel, today, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, was built during the construction of the Gothic cathedral after 1287. During the 15th century, it held the tomb of John Stuart, constable of Scotland and defender of Orléans, who died in 1429.
Chapelle Saint-FrançoispD’Assise.
Founder of the mendicant Franciscan order, Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1228. Stained glass by Robin: shows Saint Francis renouncing all worldly goods as he kneels before the Pope. Painting by Marius Barthalot (1861-1955)
The great organs are the work of Aristide Cavaillé-Coll (1811-1899) and dated 1880. Reusing decorative carvings from the old 17th century Abbey Church of Saint-Benolt-sur-Loire. The keyboard is made up of 4 keyboards, 54 stops and 3,760 pipes.
🏛️ Why Orléans Is Still The Largest
The reason remains historical. Sainte-Croix was built later (beginning 1278) with the explicit ambition of surpassing Notre-Dame de Paris, which served as its model. The rebuild and renovation at Notre-Dame did not close this gap.
· The Spire is Faithfully Recreated: The new Notre-Dame spire is an exact replica of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc’s 19th-century design, standing at 96 meters . Notably, Viollet-le-Duc had just finished Orléans’ 114m spire before starting Paris’, meaning Paris’ spire was directly inspired by the larger one in Orléans .
· Dimensions are Unchanged: Restoration focused on repairing fire damage to the roof, vaulting, and spire not altering the cathedral’s fundamental length or tower heights .
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
