View of the interior of a cathedral with imposing pillars and colorful stained glassView of the interior of a cathedral with imposing pillars and colorful stained glass. Natural light streams in through large windows, illuminating the architectural details and decorative elements. Benches are arranged in rows, and a person stands near the entrance.
©The interior of a cathedral impresses with its height and architectural details.|Jim Prod
Cathedral Details

THE LANTERN TOWER

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Known as “the dome”, find out more about Coutances Cathedral’s Lantern Tower

Although the cathedral is symbolised by the two spires that adorn its facade, the Lantern Tower is another of the elements that best represent the cathedral. Extraordinary from the outside, a visit of the upper parts is staggeringly high !

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An architectural masterpiece : The Lantern Tower

A typical feature of Norman architecture, the tower is pierced with light, hence its name of lantern tower. Its staggering height above the cathedral floor makes it a remarkable element. The view from the top of the tower is breathtaking. The weight of the tower is supported by 4 pillars of the casement surmounted by 4 pendentives which ensure the pillars are linked to the tower.

Aerial view of a cathedral with parked cars aroundAerial view of a cathedral with distinct Gothic architecture. The cathedral is surrounded by parked cars and urban buildings. The structure features stained glass, arches, and pointed spires. The roof is sloped, and the cars are lined up in adjacent parking lots.
©The cathedral stands majestically in the middle of the city.|Jim Prod

    Did you know?

    The lantern tower was once adorned with a spire that was higher than the two spires still in place. During the Second World War, the spire was bombed and burnt down to the height of the bell chamber.

    View of the interior of a Gothic cathedral with arches and stained glassThe interior of a Gothic cathedral featuring tall columns and pointed arches. Natural light filters through colorful stained glass windows, casting bright patterns on the stone floor. Red pews are arranged in rows, and an altar is visible at the back.
    ©Daylight streams through the stained glass, illuminating the elegant arches of the cathedral.|Jim Prod
    Facade of a Gothic cathedral with stained glass windows and pointed spiresA Gothic cathedral with stained glass windows and pointed spires. The facade is detailed with complex architectural elements. The sky is clear with a few scattered clouds.
    ©The architectural grandeur of this Gothic cathedral is breathtaking.|Teddy Bear
    Person standing on a balcony in a Gothic cathedralView of the interior of a Gothic cathedral with stone columns and arches. A person stands on a stone balcony adorned with balustrades. Wooden pews are arranged in orderly rows. Natural light illuminates the intricate architectural details.
    ©A person admires the impressive architecture of a Gothic cathedral.
    Gothic vault with stained glass windowsThis image depicts a Gothic vault with slender ribs and stained glass windows. Natural light streams through the stained glass, casting colorful patterns on the interior surfaces. Architectural details include ornate columns and pointed arches.
    ©Daylight streams through the stained glass, illuminating the intricate architectural details.

         Important information

      • Total height: 57 meters (187 ft)
      • Bell chamber at the top
      • 41 meter high vault (134.5ft)
      • Circulation gallery (for visiting the upper parts)
      • Square tower outside and octagonal tower inside
      • The corners are surrounded by 4 stair turrets that serve as buttresses
      • 4 big pillars hold the whole thing together

      How to visit ?   

      • Open to the public during the cathedral’s opening hours
      • Free visit with information on the cathedral published by the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire [the local heritage organisation] (free)
      • Audio-guided tour: audioguides for hire at the tourist office (€3)
      • Guided tour of the lower parts (Reservations at the Tourist office)
      • Guided tour of the upper parts (Reservations at the Tourist office)
      Cathedral

      OTHER DISCOVERIES ABOUT ITS ARCHITECTURE

      View of the interior of a Gothic cathedral with columns and altarsThe image shows the interior of a Gothic cathedral. Tall stone columns and ornate altars can be seen. Natural light enters through the stained glass windows, creating a serene and sacred atmosphere. The floor is made of marble, and there are wooden pews for the congregation.
      ©The majestic interior of a Gothic cathedral, with its towering columns and ornate altars.|Aymeric Picot
      The chapels
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      Baroque organ with metal pipes and wooden sculpturesClose-up view of a Baroque organ with metal pipes and wooden sculptures. The pipes are arranged in vertical rows, and the sculptures depict human figures and decorative motifs. The organ is located in an interior setting with ornate architectural elements.
      ©Detail of the Baroque organ with wooden sculptures and metal pipes.|Alexandre Poirier
      The organ
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      ©The stained glass windows of this church tell biblical stories through vibrant colors.|Aymeric Picot
      the stained glass windows
      The stained glass windows of Coutances Cathedral: pure magnificence Visitors to Coutances can admire one of the most beautiful sets of medieval stained glass windows in Normandy.
      Aerial view of the interior of a cathedral with columns and pewsAerial view of the interior of a cathedral. Massive columns rise towards ornate vaults, and wooden pews are arranged in symmetrical rows. Natural light filters through stained glass windows, illuminating the central altar and intricate architectural details.
      ©The imposing interior of the cathedral, with its towering columns and neatly arranged pews.
      Visiting the upper parts of the cathedral
      An original, unprecedented and fabulous visit You have probably heard of the magnificent Coutances Cathedral and have probably already visited it. What we are offering you here...