27 Best Normandy Cathedrals, Churches and Chapels

• Brief history
  The cathedral has been built over 800 years, from the 12th century. It has elements from the Early Gothic up to the Renaissance style and late Flamboyant.
  Several fires destroyed part of the cathedral over the years. But it was always rebuilt and transformed.
  During the revolution part of the furniture was sold or melted down, but it was transformed into a Temple of Reason so it did not suffer too much.
  During WWII, it was hit twice. But sculptures and stained-glass windows had been protected. It reopened in 1956
• Highlights
  Rouen is the most impressive cathedral of them all. But also, the most difficult to photograph because of its size (width and height).
  The west front with the portals is absolutely splendid with many sculptures.
  What surprises the most are the 3 towers of various styles. Only one has a spire (that reaches 151m).
  Inside, you can find an impressive nave, the tomb with the heart of Richard the Lion-Hearted and preserved 13th century stained-glass windows.
• Location
  In the center of the town of Rouen
  See the best rated accommodations in Rouen

• Brief history
  The current gothic cathedral built in the 13th century.
  Compared to other cathedrals, this one has remained quite similar to how it was when built. It was lucky and not too damaged during the wars of Religion, the revolution and WWII.
• Highlights
  The cathedral is a classic Gothic style with long vertical lines. The twin towers are 80m tall (295ft).
  Admire the proportion and the symmetry.
  Inside, this is one of my favorite naves. The sculpted columns and upper levels are stunning.
  And you can still see stained-glass windows from the 13th century as well as flooring tiles from medieval times.
• Location
  In the center of Coutances. It dominates the town and can be seen from far away (some say from as far as the Island of Jersey).
  See the best rated accommodations in Coutances

• Brief history
  This is one of the lesser-known cathedral in Normandy.
  It was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was consecrated in 1310.
  It has suffered a lot during history, and it was not built on strong foundations. So, it is constantly being restored and consolidated.
• Highlights
  The dimensions inside are beautifully proportioned, in my opinion.
  And the stained-glass rosaces are beautiful.
• Location
  In the heart of the town of Sées.
  See the best rated accommodations in Sées.

• First, let me warn you, this cathedral does not look like a cathedral. It is not tall like the others. But don't be disappointed, le Havre is also home to one of the most surprising churches in Normandy (see in next section).
• Brief history
  The building dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries (since to town was established in 1517). It was consecrated as a cathedral in 1974.
  It is quite impressive that it is still standing, because most of the town was destroyed during WWII. It was damaged too but restored to its primitive shape. So now, it is one of the oldest buildings in town.
• Highlights
  Appreciate the completely different style of this cathedral. It has a mix of Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles - especially the Renaissance facade with the ionic columns contrasting with the large square tower.
  Inside, feel the years of history and all it has seen.
• Location
  Just a few minutes walk from the town hall. In the middle of the Unesco-listed architecture of Le Havre.
  See the best rated accommodations in Le Havre.

All the stunning religious sites listed in this article are included in my eBook, with practical maps to help you early plan your road trip around Normandy:

• Brief history
  Built during the second half of the 15th century.
• Highlights
  This is so surprising that this church is still standing. It is almost entirely built from wood, which is very rare in France.
  Take the time to look at the outside with the roof and the sides partially covered in chestnuts shingles. Notice also the shape of the bell tower, separated from the church (to protect the parishioners in case of fire).
  Then walk inside. What do you notice? 
  It looks like an up-side down boat. This is because the first nave was built using naval techniques
• Location
  Just next to the harbor of Honfleur - see my article with the best things to do.
  See the best rated accommodations in Honfleur

• Brief history
  From the 19th century 
• Highlights
  Yport is one of my favorite villages in Normandy. It is not the most famous, but I just love the vibe of it.
  Part of the reason is the typical architecture of the houses and of the church with bicolor rock walls.
  Plus, the church tower with 2 mini towers is absolutely charming.
• Location
  In the village of Yport, along the Alabaster coast.
  See the best rated accommodations in Yport.

• Brief history
  The current church has a Roman Style. It was built in 1089 by the Giroie family where the wooden church built by Saint-Cénéri used to be (destroyed in 903 by the Normans).
  The bell tower was added during the 12th century.
  Modifications happened in the 14th and 19th centuries, especially with the windows.
• Highlights
  The church is famous for the beautiful mural paintings, some probably date back to the 12th century, but most are from the 16th to the 20th.
  The oldest ones had been covered by plaster in 1650 and were re-discovered in 1828.
  The vault is particularly interesting in my opinion. It has been plastered too. But in 1980 it was restored, and 40 musician angels were found on it.
• Location
  In the village of Saint-Cénéri-le-Gérei - learn more in this article
  See the best rated accommodations in Alençon

• Brief history
  This one is quite recent. The old chapel was destroyed during WWII.
• Highlights
  The trapeze shape.
  The chapel's highlights are the stained-glass windows covering many of the walls.
  Entering inside is fascinating, especially on a sunny day.
• Location
  In the town of Saint-Valery-en-Caux, Alabaster coast.
  See the best rated accommodations in Saint-Valery-en-Caux

• Brief history
  This chapel is often the one people have in mind when they say the church of Étretat.
  It was first built around 1855 and is dedicated to the Holy Virgin. However, it was destroyed in 1942 by the Germans and a new one was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1950 (with a very different style).
• Highlights
  It is considered as a chapel for sailors protecting them from the top of the cliffs. Notice the gargoyles in the shape of fish.
  But what really makes it special is its locations with the views of the Étretat cliffs.
• Location
  At the top of the Northern cliffs of Étretat (no access by car). Learn more on my article about Étretat.
  See the best rated accommodations in Étretat

• Brief history
  From an early age, Thérèse Martin became fascinated with religious life. She joined the Carmelite nunnery at only 15. In 1925, she was made Sainte-Thérèse de l’Enfant Jésus, for her pious life and her writings on faith. In 1997, Pope John Paul II declared her the 33rd Doctor of the Catholic Church (the only woman with that title at the time).
  The first stone of the basilica / Sanctuary was set up in 1929.
• Highlights
  This is the second most important pilgrimage site in France. 
  It is quite an impressive building with nice views of Lisieux.
  There is much to see inside as well with mosaics and marble.
• Location
  Overlooking the town of Lisieux.
  See the best rated accommodations in Lisieux

• Brief history
  Neo-gothic style building built between 1894 and 1911.
• Highlights
  Pilgrimage site.
  It is famous for its stained-glass windows.
• Location
  In the small town of La Chapelle-Montligeon, in the Perche countryside.
  See the best rated accommodations around Mortagne-au-Perche

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• Best castles in Normandy
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