Sainte-Croix Cathedral

Sainte-Croix Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage architecture
Sainte-Croix Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture
Sainte-Croix Cathedral showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Sainte-Croix Cathedral
Sainte-Croix Cathedral featuring heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and interior views


Learn about the fascinating association with Joan of Arc in this 13th-century basilica that is an iconic feature of the Orléans skyline.

Gaze in awe at the Sainte Croix Cathedral, an elaborate Gothic masterpiece with twin towers looming over a spacious plaza. In style and size, the church roughly resembles the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. However, its unique history is spelled out by the stunning stained-glassed windows that tell the story of Joan of Arc, who attended evening Mass here while defending Orléans from English attack.

Capture photos of the detailed façade of the church from the avenue leading to it. Marvel at the Baroque stonework of the western frontage with its rose windows and gaze up at the 289-foot (88-metre) towers. The bell tower rises to a height of 374 feet (114 metres). Walk around the exterior of the church to note the various intriguing architectural designs.

Enter through the main portal and find yourself in the nave between aisles and a transept. Grey stone columns and arches line the nave and carved wooden choir stalls sit in the corner. Inspect the organ, with intricate carvings atop the pipes.

Find out about the religious structure’s intriguing history, including earlier churches built on this site. Joan of Arc prayed at this cathedral before breaking the siege of the English. See the site’s highlight, its stained-glass windows that tell the story of the French heroine. The windows enlighten us about parts of the church that no longer exist.

The structure was damaged and restored several times over the centuries, most notably in the 16th century and again during World War II. An archeological site is beneath the floor, covering relics from the 4th to the 11th centuries.

Sainte Croix Cathedral is in the midst of museums, gardens and other landmarks in the centre of the city. Famous nearby attractions include the Orléans Museum of Fine Arts, the Orléans Theatre and the Orléans City Hall. Walk along the well-known Rue Jeanne d’Arc to find the church. Visit the church daily from morning until late afternoon. It is free to enter.

Popular places to visit


Top Sainte-Croix Cathedral Hotel Deals

Campanile Orleans Centre - Gare
Campanile Orleans Centre - Gare
3 out of 5
40 rue de la Republique, Orléans
Campanile Orleans Centre - Gare
Best Western Hotel d'Arc
Best Western Hotel d'Arc
4 out of 5
37 Ter, Rue de la Republique, Orléans, Loiret
Best Western Hotel d'Arc
Escale Oceania Orleans
Escale Oceania Orleans
3 out of 5
16 Quai Saint Laurent, Orléans, Loiret
Escale Oceania Orleans
Appart'City Confort Orléans
Appart'City Confort Orléans
3 out of 5
4 Rue de Lahire, Orléans
Appart'City Confort Orléans
Hôtel de l'Abeille Orléans
Hôtel de l'Abeille Orléans
3 out of 5
64 rue Alsace Lorraine, Orléans, Loiret
Hôtel de l'Abeille Orléans
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Beautiful view of the beach with palm trees

Black Friday: Members save 30%+

Members save 30%+ on selected hotels until 4 Dec (property time) with our Black Friday deals. Stay by 15 Dec 2025.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.