Gothic france architecture. Masterpieces of French Gothic

Original taken from weisse_winter in France - the birthplace of Gothic architecture

The birth of the gothic

Gothic originated in Northern France in the middle of the XII century. and flourished in the first half of the thirteenth century. Its emergence was due to the formation of the city as an independent political and economic force and the new needs of urban life; rapid development french gothic contributed to the national upsurge associated with the beginning of the unification of the country.

The constructive basis of the cathedral is a frame of pillars (in the mature Gothic, taking the form of a beam of columns) and lancet arches resting on them. The structure of the building consists of rectangular cells (grass) bounded by 4 pillars and 4 arches, which, together with diagonally intersecting ribs (ribs), form the skeleton of a cross vault filled with lightweight formwork. The lateral thrust of the vault is transmitted by connecting oblique arches (flying buttresses) to powerful external pillars (buttresses). The walls freed from the load in the gaps between the pillars were cut through by arched windows.

The removal of structural elements to the outside, neutralizing the expansion of the vault, made it possible to create a feeling of lightness and spatial freedom of the interior, the rapid ascension of its verticals, moderated by inter-tier articulations. In turn, the exposed structures surrounding the cathedral from the south, east and north (and not visible either in the interior or from the facade) impress with a clear expression of the action of tectonic forces, the power of their rhythm. The double-towered western facades of French cathedrals with three deep "perspective" portals and a patterned round window ("rose") in the center combine aspiration upwards with clarity and balance of articulations.

Lancet arches and architectural and plastic motifs endlessly vary on the facades - openwork pediments (wimpergi), turrets (phials), curls (crabbs), etc. Rows of statues on consoles in front of the portal columns and in the upper arched gallery, reliefs on the tympanums of the portals form an integral symbolic system, which includes characters and episodes of the Holy Scriptures, allegorical images. The whole decor is rhythmically organized, strictly subordinated to architectural articulations. This is the reason for the tectonics and proportions of the statues, the solemnity of their postures, the restraint of their gestures.

The best statues on the facades of cathedrals (Reims, Amiens, Strasbourg, the portals of the transept in Chartres) are imbued with spiritualized beauty, sincerity and humanity of feeling. Other parts of the building were also decorated with reliefs, statues, floral ornaments, images of fantastic animals ("chimeras"); an abundance of secular motifs is characteristic (scenes of labor of artisans and peasants, grotesque and satirical images). The theme of the stained-glass windows is also varied, in the range of which red, blue and yellow tones predominated.

France. Gothic in France

From the end of the XII century. France becomes the center of European education. The University of Paris soon took one of the leading places in scientific life Europe. In the field of architecture and fine arts France also plays a major role. In the XIII century. There are 300 workshops in Paris. The main customer of works of art is no longer the church, but cities, merchants' guilds, guild corporations and the king. The main type of construction is, in turn, not a monastery church, but a city cathedral.

From the 14th century city ​​and monastery churches of the hall type (with equal height of the naves), castle and palace chapels acquired increasing importance. All of them are small, simple in plan, but along their vaults ("mesh", "honeycomb", "star-shaped", etc.) complex, sometimes curvilinear patterns of ribs creep. Characteristic of the late ("flaming") Gothic and whimsical, reminiscent of flames, the pattern of window frames (Saint-Maclou church in Rouen, 1434-70).

Pierre Robin, 1434-1470) is the standard of late, or "flaming Gothic". The western façade of the church is distinguished by carved doors by Jean Goujon depicting biblical scenes. Immediately behind the church of St. Maclou is one of the main attractions of Rouen - the cemetery of Saint-Maclou - a rare example of medieval burials of plague victims.

The French Basilica of Saint-Denis (Basilique Saint-Denis) is a real work of architectural art, the pearl of France among the cathedrals and the spiritual stronghold of the entire nation

The largest temple of the early Gothic period was Cathedral of Notre Dame- the five-aisled temple accommodated up to 9,000 people. In the design of Notre Dame Cathedral, the basic principles of Gothic are clearly traced: the ribbed lancet vault of the central nave, whose height is 35 m, lancet windows, flying buttresses. But from the ponderous Romanesque architecture there remained a massive expanse of walls, squat pillars of the central nave, the predominance of horizontal articulations, heavy towers, and restrained sculptural decoration.

Chartres Cathedral(1194-1260) is an example of the transition to mature Gothic and the connection of facades of different times. The "Royal portal" of the western facade belongs to the first half of the 12th century, at the beginning of the 13th century. completed south tower, in the XIV century - northern, the interior - the number of Gothic.

A brilliant example of mature French Gothic - Cathedral in Reims(1212-1311). In the guise of the Reims Cathedral, a tendency to verticalism of all lines is visible, which literally enhances the whole “forest” of pinnacles and wimpergs (even the “rose” on the facade has an ogival end). The entire western façade is completely decorated with sculpture, the stone has acquired an openwork, truly it resembles lace. Note, however, that unlike late Gothic, this "lace" does not hide the structure of the building.

Amiens Cathedral in the center of Picardy is one of the largest "classical" Gothic churches of the 13th century. The cathedral stands out for the integrity of its plan, the beauty of the three-tiered interior space and, in particular, the wonderful collection of sculptures on the main facade and in the south transept.

By the middle of the XIII century. the scope of construction in France is weakening. At the end of the XIII - beginning of the XIV centuries. the construction of cathedrals was in crisis: the architectural forms became drier, the decor became more abundant, the statues acquired the same accentuated curve and standard sweetness. At the same time, new diverse and non-universal artistic forms emerge; they reflected the growth of self-awareness of the burghers, who sought to create their own culture, and the aristocratization of the feudal nobility, the increasing sophistication of court life. Last thing wonderful creation Gothic in this period - the chapel of Louis IX (in the heart of Paris, on the island of Cité), "holy chapel (chapel)" Saint Chapelle(1243-1248). Its builder is Pierre de Montreau. The single-nave chapel has two tiers: on the lower floor there is the chapel of the Mother of God, on the upper storey there is a reliquary with the crown of thorns of Christ.

From the 14th century period begins late gothic, in France it lasts two centuries (XIV-XV centuries). The 15th century in Gothic architecture is also called flaming gothic. In late Gothic art, a new emotional structure of images is taking shape: mannered stylization and expression, exalted drama, addiction to scenes of suffering depicted with cruel naturalness. At the same time, secular paintings appeared (the palace of the popes in Avignon, XIV-XV centuries), a portrait ("John the Good", about 1360), and in miniatures of liturgical books and especially the books of hours of noble persons ("The Small Book of Hours of the Duke of Berry", about 1380-85) there is a desire for the spiritualized humanity of images, for the transfer of life observations, space and volume. The finest examples of French Gothic art include small ivory sculpture, silver reliquaries, Limoges champlevé enamel, tapestries and carved furniture. Late Gothic structures are overloaded with decor, intricate decorative carvings and intricate patterns of ribs (Cathedral in Rouen, XIV-XV centuries).

Of the Gothic monasteries, it is especially famous Abbey of Mont Saint Michel near the border of Normandy and Brittany, located on a high cliff like an impregnable fortress.

Feudal castles at the end of the 13th century were built only with the permission of the king, in the XIV century. this generally becomes the privilege of the king and his entourage, in castle complexes luxuriously decorated palaces appear. Castles are gradually turning into pleasure residences, into hunting chateaus.

But urban construction (town halls, workshop buildings, residential buildings) does not decrease. A private house (XV century) has been preserved - this is the mansion of the banker of King Charles VII Jacques Coeur in the city of Bourges.

Gothic - heyday monumental sculpture, in which the importance of statuary sculpture increases, although the figures are not free from the background of the wall. Increasingly, there is a staging of the figure according to the so-called "gothic curve"(S-prominent pose, from the Latin letter "S"): Medieval art gives its paraphrase to the Greek chiasm. In the relief, there is a craving for high relief - high relief. A certain canon of composition is developed, certain plots are intended for certain places in the building. So, scenes from the life of Christ are depicted in the altar part, on the south facade of the transept - the New Testament, on the north - the Old Testament, on the western facade there is always an image of the "Last Judgment" and the "end of the world". An example of early Gothic is the sculpture of the western facade of Notre Dame Cathedral (1210-1225); the history of Mary, "The Passion of the Christ", "The Last Judgment". The facades of the transept were already decorated in the High Gothic period.

IN Chartres Cathedral one can trace the evolution from early Gothic sculpture to the period of mature Gothic. Thus, the western facade is decorated with pillar-shaped, vertically elongated, static figures standing in strictly frontal poses. Gradually, the sculpture separates from the wall, acquires a rounded volume. But even with the constraint of poses, with the laconicism of forms, the expressiveness of plasticity, the restrained grandeur of the images, sometimes even appear individualization of the appearance (St. Jerome, St. George, St. Martin of the portal of the southern facade of the transept). In Chartres for many decades, not only different artels worked, but different generations of craftsmen.

From the second half of the XIII century. the plasticity of cathedrals becomes more dynamic, the figures become more mobile, the folds of clothing are transmitted in a complex play of chiaroscuro. Images are sometimes executed with genuine perfection, with delight in front of the beauty of a person. It is no accident, for example, blessing Christ on the western facade Amiens Cathedral called the beautiful God. In scenes such as the seasons and the signs of the zodiac, real-life observations increasingly make themselves felt (Amiens Cathedral).

The highest point of flowering of Gothic sculpture is the decor Reims Cathedral. Joseph from the scene "Bringing to the Temple" and the angel from the "Annunciation" resemble secular people, full of earthly joys. In the images of Mary and Elizabeth ("The Meeting of Mary with Elizabeth", 1225-1240), echoes of ancient art are clear. Late Gothic sculpture, as well as the architecture of that time, is characterized by fragmentation, fragmentation of forms (for example, the so-called "Gilded Madonna" of the Amiens Cathedral, around 1270), but it shows an undoubted interest in portraiture, which is generally not characteristic of French medieval art.

Light and lace of French Gothic. Rouen Cathedral (inside)

Notre-Dame de Paris CATHEDRAL (Notre-Dame de Paris) is an architectural monument of early French Gothic in Paris on about. Site. Five-nave basilica (1163-1257, length 130 m, width 108 m, interior height 32.5 m) with a transept and two flanking western towers (height 69 m). Stained-glass windows (13th century), sculpture on the facades (c. 1165-1225) and in the choir (13-14th centuries).

The construction of the cathedral began in 1163, thanks to Maurice de Soulis. It was under his leadership that the construction of a giant temple was launched: 5500 m 2. The construction took almost two centuries. Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes the evolution in Gothic. Its towers, 69 meters high, the clarity of the lines, the design of the building in the shape of a cross, all this was an innovation for that era. 432 windows of the cathedral give extraordinary lightness to the entire architectural ensemble.

Notre Dame d'Amien.

The largest Gothic cathedral in France. It occupies 7760 m 2 , the height of its vaults is 42.5 m, the height of the spire is 112 m. The cathedral was built in the XIII century in the period from 1220 to 1269, it is an example of the "golden age" of cathedrals. The cathedral was built in a record short time after a fire in 1218 on the site of a Romanesque church, which contributed to the creation of harmony and architectural unity of the building. Only the towers were completed at the end of the 14th century. The impressive proportions of the cathedral, its beauty, wealth, its interior decoration are admired by many tourists. It is no coincidence that in 1981 the cathedral was recognized by UNESCO as one of the fifty most impressive architectural masterpieces humanity.

Notre-Dame-de-Chartres.

Among the boundless fields, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Chartres appears like a mirage. This is one of the most famous Gothic cathedrals in the world, built in the middle of the 11th century. The cathedral was semi-destroyed in 1194 by a strong fire. Peasants from neighboring villages harnessed bulls to carts and carried huge blocks of stones for the reconstruction of the cathedral. Only in 1260 the cathedral was reconstructed and had one tower with a spire. Later, in 1513, a second tower appeared, which served as a bell tower.

Despite the external difference in the design of the tower, the cathedral is remarkable for its harmony interior design. It is in this cathedral that one can trace a smooth transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style. The cathedral is known for its numerous sculptures, there are 4,000 statues depicting Jesus Christ surrounded by apostles, angels. But a special feature of the cathedral in Chartres are the stained glass windows, where blue color prevails. All stained-glass windows have survived to our time and were not damaged during the war. The giant rose window consists of 12 petals, which diverge into 12 roses. The number 12 is symbolic, it means perfection. The rose window symbolizes heavenly kingdom and God. Many famous French writers admire the beauty of the cathedral.

Notre-Dame-de-Reims.

The Cathedral of Reims is one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France. The cathedral in Reims is called the king of all cathedrals. It was built in the period from 1211 to 1285 by five architects who, following each other, nevertheless managed to maintain the architectural unity of the cathedral. Reims Cathedral is famous for having 25 French kings crowned here, from Louis VIII in 1223 to Charles X in 1825. The cathedral has 2300 statues, which are presented throughout the building. 40 statues of "Kings of Reims" reach 5 meters in height. All of them glorify the Virgin Mary and the apostles.

Reims Cathedral also suffered numerous fires, the worst of which was during the bombing in 1914. Currently, the cathedral is under the protection of UNESCO.

”, today we will consider the development and origin of Gothic directly in France.

So France, the province of Ile-de-France, it was here that Gothic art originally arose and developed. For the most part, this was due to the growth of cities, the strengthening of royal power and the power of the French state. Paris - main city The province of Ile-de-France, thanks to the flourishing of literature, science and crafts, has become the capital of European culture. This is how Ile-de-France called one of their contemporaries of that era: "The oven is where the spiritual bread of mankind is baked."

Notre Dame de Paris - main cathedral Paris reflects the main features gothic architecture. The cathedral was founded in 1163, its construction lasted for centuries until the XIV century. Notre Dame de Paris combines Gothic and Romanesque styles. The massive towers of the cathedral belong to the Romanesque style, but the use of flying buttresses, buttresses, lancet arches and numerous windows are the main features of Gothic architecture.

One of the most beautiful in Europe is the cathedral in Chartres. The city of Chartres enjoyed the special patronage of King Louis IX, thanks to the precious relics of Our Lady located in it. The king even gave the cathedral a large rose window, and the stained-glass windows were donated to the cathedral by the artisans of the city. In addition to the huge number of stained glass windows, which occupied an area of ​​​​more than two and a half thousand square meters, the cathedral was famous for the “royal portal”, which is a classic example of Gothic sculpture.

The cathedrals at Reims and Amiens are outstanding works of mature Gothic architecture. The cathedral in Reims can rightly be considered a majestic monument of royal power and power, because it was here that french kings. As for the cathedral in Amiens, it is famous for its impressive size - 145 meters long and 42.5 meters high - this is the largest cathedral in France.

Confirmation of the magnificence and admiration for Gothic architecture are the words of the art critic P. P. Gnedich: “These endlessly intertwining arcades and vaults seem to lead somewhere to another world. Everything is striving for something higher, gigantic ... on colossal pillars, overhanging air passages; vaults rise higher and higher; Above them are bell towers, then more and more bell towers, and their sharp turrets seem to be lost in the clouds. Inside, under the arches of lancet arches, an endless row of columns, passages, statues and tombs is wrapped in a lace of elegant ornamentation ... That is the highest manifestation of Gothic, which has reached medieval architecture, can undoubtedly be called paradoxical. These are not buildings, these are some kind of jewelry works, interpreted on a colossal scale.”

XIV - XV centuries. are the final period of medieval art in France. This period was called late, or as it is also called "flaming" Gothic.

At the end of the XII century, to replace the Romanesque architectural style came a more refined and refined Gothic style, the birthplace of which is considered to be central part France. It was the architects of France who were the first to use architectural elements, which would later be called "Gothic". The Gothic style was harmoniously replaced by a luxurious Renaissance at the very end of the 16th century, but also in modern world still used elements of a luxurious architectural style.

Gothic architecture in France has become an integral part of religious architecture and urban planning. And you can also see the rating on our website website

Let's start with the monument, which was destroyed in 1789, and remained only in old drawings and images. Paris was built as a Gothic city, and therefore it main fortress, built in 1370, of course, was built in the Gothic style.

The name comes from the French "bastide" - a small stone fortification, and over time it became a gloomy symbol of Absolutism. The prison, which contained state criminals, has always caused fear among the French.

When the fire of the revolution flared up in France, the Bastille became the first building that the people destroyed. And the day of destruction, July 14, became a national holiday.

Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port

Church in gothic style appeared in Saint-Nicolas-de-Port thanks to the Duke of Lorraine René II. The ruler thus decided to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Nancy in 1477 over the troops of Charles, nicknamed "The Bold".

Construction began in 1481, and the cult building and the altar were consecrated in 1545. In 1860, the basilica was included in the list architectural monuments France.

During the bombing of 1940, the temple was badly damaged and full recovery completed only in the early 80s, and the American Camilla Friedman, a native of the town of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, left the money for the restoration.

The iconic building in French Beauvais is a record holder in several categories. Firstly, it is the tallest Gothic cathedral in the country, and, secondly, it is a long-term construction that has not yet been completed.

The choirs in the temple are also the highest, and their height is 48.5 m. The church was laid in 1225, and the main architectural structures were completed by 1578. However, the temple was rebuilt several times, and now work is underway to avoid the collapse of the transept.

French architects erected temporary fortifications, and the city authorities announced a competition for best project restoration of a masterpiece of the Middle Ages.

Church of St. Pierre

Saint Peter, a particularly revered saint in the Catholic Church, and therefore in France there are many places of worship consecrated in honor of the apostle.

One of them was built in the city of Avignon on the site of an old ruined church in the first half of the 14th century. The façade of the church impresses with many decorative decorations typical of late Gothic.

Experts and tourists call the church the most beautiful of all the buildings of Avignon, and the favorite place of tourists is Observation deck the bell tower from which they open scenic views to a French city.

The beautiful church of Caen rises above the square of William the Conqueror and stands opposite majestic castle creating a unique architectural complex.

Tourists visiting the city rush here to see the magnificent 13th-century Gothic building. Particularly impressive is the carved decoration of the facade, on which stone gargoyles and sculptures of Christian saints are placed.

During the revolution, the Catholic shrine became the temple of a new cult, and after the restoration of the monarchy, the church was returned to believers. Today the square, and the shrine standing on it, is one of the most visited sights by guests of the city.

Cathedral, built in the Gothic style, is the main and most popular attraction of the city of Tours.

The cathedral was laid in honor of the patron saint of urban residents Gatian of Tours in 1170, but the construction was completed almost 400 years later, in 1547. From the western facade, two high towers, 69 and 68 meters high, adjoin it.

The main style of the building is Gothic, but Gothic absorbed some Romanesque structures, and during the reconstructions in later periods, Renaissance elements were woven into the building.

The church in the city of Lan, built on the site of an ancient temple, was dedicated to Christ and the Virgin Mary. It is noteworthy that the first church on this site was consecrated by Charlemagne.

The old temple could no longer accommodate the entire flock, and in 1155 Bishop Gauthier de Mortagne founded a new one. majestic temple built in the Gothic tradition. As always, the altar part was originally built, over which the choirs were erected.

Local white stones were used for the construction, and the funds for the construction were allocated by the urban community of the town of Lan. Now the church is one of the main city attractions, in which unique medieval stained-glass windows have been preserved.

The Bourges Cathedral was consecrated in May 1324 in honor of St. Stephen, but construction continued until the middle of the 16th century.

One amazing moment from the history of France is that the start dates for the construction of the cathedrals in Chartres and Bourges almost coincide, and both temples have become real masterpieces, which tens of thousands of tourists come to see.

The church houses the episcopate of the city, and unique architecture, colorful stained-glass windows and sculptures became the rationale for the inclusion of the Cathedral in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The stone handsome man in the city of Chartres began to be erected in 1194 on the site of old Christian churches of the 6th-7th centuries. One of the main Christian relics, the shroud of the Virgin Mary was solemnly brought into the cathedral during its consecration in 1260.

During construction, the work of architects was almost completely destroyed by fires several times, and therefore, during construction, the original plan was slightly changed. The architecture clearly shows a three-aisled building based on a Latin cross.

Particularly impressive are the royal portal with statues of monarchs, as well as the stained-glass rose window located on the north transept.

The Gothic art of France cannot but delight, and the cathedral in Reims also has a huge historical meaning, because French monarchs were crowned among the majestic walls of the cathedral.

It was erected by medieval standards rather quickly. Construction began in 1211, and finished 100 years later, in 1311. The last person to be crowned in Reims was Charles X, and Joan of Arc led the Dauphin Charles VII to Reims for a coronation through all of France, occupied by the British.

The cathedral dedicated to the Virgin Mary is a vivid example of the so-called lancet style in the Gothic of France, but the western facade, erected a little later, became a vivid example of mature Gothic.

The Gothic chapel was erected on the site of the former royal residence on the beautiful Parisian island of Cite in the heart of the French capital.

King Louis the Saint ordered the construction of a chapel, the construction of which took place from 1242 to 1248. The monarch erected a church to store relics brought by the crusaders from the holy land.

Now it is a magnificent monument of architecture of the Gothic style of small size with unique stained-glass windows and luxurious elements of interior decoration.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Amiens along with others places of worship, is also known as a striking example of Gothic architecture, and is rightfully included in the list, which includes the most famous Gothic temples.

The cathedral in Amiens is the largest of all the Gothic buildings in France, and it was built in the 13th century. The work was first led by Robert de Luzarches, and then, after his death, by successors Thomas de Cormont with his son Renault.

The main relic of the temple is the front part of the head of John the Baptist, which the Crusaders brought to Amiens from Constantinople sacked in 1205.

Cathedral of Notre Dame

In the architecture of medieval France, Notre Dame de Paris became a prime example Gothic style and one of the most recognizable symbols of the French capital.

The initiator of the construction of the luxurious cathedral was Bishop Maurice de Sully, and the construction of the temple, which began in 1163, was completed in 1345. The altar was consecrated in 1182, and during the construction the original plan was changed several times.

The cathedral in Paris was the first major Gothic cathedral with a six-part nevure vault, but, interestingly, it retained transitional elements from Romanesque to Classical Gothic.

A powerful castle in the northern part of the country was built in the middle of the XIII century, and main tower The fortress had a base of 35 m, and towered above the valley to a height of 55 m.

Four towers and defensive walls were built around the giant tower, up to 7 m thick. For a long time, the castle served as an important strategic object, and in 1862 the country's authorities included it in the list of architectural monuments.

In 1917, retreating German troops blew up the castle, and today its cleared ruins serve as a "monument to vandalism". The French received money for clearing the ruins from the Germans as reparations.

Complex "Miracle" of the Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel

A small rocky island off the northwestern coast of France is famous for being turned into a walled city, and in the 7th century the first church was built here, which laid the foundation for the abbey.

In the 13th century, the French monarch, who also became the suzerain of Normandy, allocated funds for the construction of a complex of buildings in the northern part of the island in the traditional Gothic style.

In 1228, the work was completed, and a beautiful architectural complex appeared to the world, called La Merveille, which is translated from French as a miracle. Victor Hugo, sailing up to the island, called this masterpiece the most beautiful wall in Europe.

Saint Jacques Tower

A vivid example of the flaming Gothic rises above the 4th arrondissement of Paris, the Saint-Jacques tower attracts the eyes of tourists with its monumentality and grandeur.

Its construction was completed in 1523, and the top of the tower is crowned with a statue of St. James. Surrounding the statue are mythical winged figures symbolizing the four symbols and the virtue of the evangelists.

In the early 2000s. the municipality of Paris carried out an extensive renovation, and today it is an important cultural object capital Cities. Because of the narrow staircase leading to the top of the building, tourists are allowed inside in small groups, 17 people per hour.

We will complete our acquaintance with the secular Gothic of France at the Palace of Justice in the city of Rouen, which is rightfully considered a model of the late Gothic architecture of a European state.

The courtyard of the building was originally closed, and the whole complex consists of three consecutively built parts. Western part erected with an ogival vault, known as the Prosecutor's House. The northern and western parts completed the complex.

The palace was bombed, and during the restoration of the damaged facade, the builders left part of the damage as a reminder of the horrors of the war.

Summarize

So we presented the masterpieces of French Gothic, which have long been included in the treasury of world architecture. As you can see, the Gothic style was used not only in the construction of temples, but also in civil architecture, as well as in decorating the interior of churches. For example, the 20 euro banknote is dedicated to the Gothic style.

Note that in its development the Gothic style went through three stages, and architectural historians distinguish early, high and late Gothic.

At the beginning of the 13th century, this Roman Catholic cathedral was erected in the city of Bourges, capital of the province of Berry. Built in the French Gothic style, Bourges Cathedral stands in a place of religious significance dating back at least to the third century, it was here, in the Roman city of Avaricum, that the first Christians among the Gauls found protection. Today the cathedral has modern design and a magnificent façade with stunning intricate carvings and decorations. Surprisingly, but most of The stained glass windows remain original, many of them depicting stories from the Old and New Testaments.

2. Strasbourg Cathedral

Strasbourg Cathedral is sometimes referred to as the Rose Cathedral. The cathedral is built of sandstone, which gives it a pink hue. Althoughsignificant parts of it were built in the Romanesque style,he is consideredone of the best examples of high, or late,gothic architecture. In the Cathedral of Strasbourg there are still ongoing Catholic church services that you can attend.

The site on which Strasbourg Cathedral stands was originally occupied by a Roman temple, then by a Romanesque church, which was built in 1015 and then destroyed by fire. The present Cathedral was completed in 1284.

The unique, unparalleled spire of the Strasbourg Cathedral was the highest in the Christian world for four centuries.

3. Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean (Monolithic Church of Saint-Jean)

Auter-sur-Drone, it's small and picturesque town, with traditional architecture and quaint houses in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of southwestern France. The town itself is a unique attraction in France, but the center of attraction is without a doubt the Church of Saint-Jean, carved almost entirely from limestone in the rock. Built in the 7th century and greatly expanded in the 12th century, the church has a vaulted nave, a baptismal pool and dozens of ancient coffins.

4. Rouen Cathedral

Rouen Cathedral, it is a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral V Rouen , Normandy. Rouen is sometimes called the city of a thousand spiers because it is home to many churches. However, one stands out from the rest: Rouen Cathedral. This huge, towering cathedral is the tallest in all of France.

The construction of the present building began in 12m century. On the ground on which the cathedral rises, the leader of the Vikings is buried , Rollo , founderDuchies of Normandy, he was baptized herein 915 and buried in 932.

5. Sacre-Coeur Basilica

Basilica Sacré-Coeur is one of the most famous churches in France, located in Paris, on the hill of Montmartre, which is the highest point in Paris. It was built in the Romano-Byzantine style, and is very similar to famous cathedral Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. One of the main features of the Sacré-Coeur Basilica is the huge mosaic of Jesus. Triple arched portico,surmounted by two bronze equestrian statues of French national saints, Jeanne D "Arc and King Louis IX Saint, designed by Hippolyte Lefebvre. The bell of the cathedral is one of the heaviest in the world, its weight is 19 tons. The dome offers an excellent panoramic view of Paris.

The site where the basilica stands is traditionally associated with the beheading of the city's patron saint, Saint-Denis, in the 3rd century.

6. Notre Dame de la Garde

The port city of Marseille is home to the incredible Notre Dame de la Garde. The cathedral was erected in honor of the patron saint of sailors. The Roman Catholic Cathedral was built on the ruins ancient fortress in the 19th century and it was created in the Byzantine Revival style. Inside the cathedral, you will be impressed by the statue of the Madonna and Child, as well as the impressive bell tower and stone vaults.

7. Mont Saint Michel Abbey

The abbey of Mont Saint-Michel owes its popularity among tourists to its location on the island. Mont Saint-Michel is only half a mile off the coast near Normandy, making access to it limited. Benedictine monks still live here, the abbey is surrounded by quaint streets, shops, cafes and museums dedicated to the island and its history.

With over 1.7 million visitors in 2014, the abbey is one of themost visited cultural sites in France. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

8. Reims Cathedral

More than 800 years ago, the construction of the Reims Cathedral began. replaced the old church, destroyed inby fire in 1211which was built on the site basilicas , Where Clovis was baptizedBishop of Reimsin 496. Today, the cathedral is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and serves as a major attraction in the city of Reims. It was in this very cathedral that many French kings were crowned and records show that even Joan of Arc was present at one of these ceremonies in the 15th century. The cathedral is the residence of the Archbishop of Reims.

9. Notre Dame de Paris

The most famous cathedral in France is Notre Dame de Paris, which was built in the middle of the 12th century, during the reign of Louis VII.Notre Dame is the most popular monument in Paris and in all of France, surpassing even the Eiffel Tower, with more than 15 million tourists visiting the cathedral every year.

But the famous cathedral is also active catholic church, a place of pilgrimage, and the focal point of Catholicism in France. A jewel of Parisian architecture, Notre Dame de Paris is built in the Gothic style and boasts of its incredible size. Its buttresses were among the first in the world, and many gargoyles were used not only for decoration, but also to support the columns.

Notre Dame de Paris stands on the site of the first Christian church in Paris, the Basilica of SainteEtienne, who herselfwas built on the site of a RomanTemple of Jupiter .

10. Chartres Cathedral

Chartres Cathedral is a Gothic, Latin church, located in Chartres 80 kilometers southwest of Paris. The construction of the cathedral in Chartres began in the 11th century. This incredible building, built in the Gothic style, is considered one of the most important pieces of architecture in France. The colorful stained glass windows are well preserved, and two different spires compete for the attention of tourists. While the exterior is phenomenal, don't miss the relics inside, such as the dress Mary was supposedly wearing when she gave birth to Jesus.

The cathedral is in exceptionally good condition for its age. Most of the original stained glass has remained intact, while only minor changes have been made to the architecture since the early 13th century. in the appearance of the building is dominated by heavy buttresses , which allowed architects to significantly increase the size of the window, in the western part is dominated by two contrasting spiers 105 meters high.

He is listed world heritage UNESCO, which calls Chartres Cathedral "the high point French Gothic art" and "masterpiece".