Cathedral of Saint-Etienne, Bourges

Cathédrales de France

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992, Bourges Cathedral is one of the finest in existence. Crowning the city, it can be seen within a 20-kilometre radius and stands as a historic and artistic landmark in the centre of France. A brilliant architect, whose name remains unknown, succeeded in building the highest church of its time in record time (1195-1258). Drawing on known forms, he crafted an original composition, unparalleled in the history of Gothic architecture. It is the only cathedral to boast five - rather than three - portals ; with the exception of the left portal, which was reconstructed in Flamboyant style after 1506, all are clad in delicate polychrome. They open onto five large aisles that extend seamlessly to the rounded chevet. These highly majestic aisles form an equilateral triangle whose enormous void leaves room for the light. The magnified space thus created is lit by one of the most complete groups of 13th-century stained-glass window masterpieces, as well as remarkable glasswork from the 14th to 17th centuries. The effect on the visitor is striking.