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.
unprecedented and staggering

Visiting the upper parts of the cathedral

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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 is an unprecedented visit : the upper parts. From the top of the cathedral, you will be able to appreciate the monument and discover the little unknown corners of the building !

There are currently no tours of the upper parts of the cathedral.

Exploring little-known areas of the cathedral

You can stroll through the high galleries, discover unobstructed views of the lower parts and the choir, admire the stained glass windows up close, discover the parts of the 11th century Romanesque cathedral, the frameworks, etc. All this accompanied by a guide from the Coutançais region’s Pays d’Art et d’Histoire heritage association.

Not for children under 10.

View of the interior of a cathedral with arches and stained glassThis image shows the interior of a cathedral with large stone arches and colorful stained glass windows. The pews are lined up in rows and there is a large window in the background. Sunlight filters through the stained glass, creating a serene and majestic atmosphere.
©The arches and colorful stained glass create a serene and majestic atmosphere.|Eric Quesnel

    Did you know ?

    The highlight of the visit is undoubtedly the lantern tower. It is possible to walk around it from the galleries and you can see the bottom of the cathedral. For visitors prone to vertigo, you might avoid this due to the extreme heightc! For amateur photographers, it is a delight because the photo opportunities are extraordinary.

    Interior of a Gothic cathedral with arches and rows of chairsThis image depicts the interior of a Gothic cathedral. Elegant arches and columns rise towards the vaulted ceiling. Rows of wooden chairs are symmetrically arranged, leading towards the altar. Natural light filters through stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the stone walls.
    ©The grand interior of a Gothic cathedral, featuring elegant arches and rows of chairs.
    Narrow corridor with arches and narrow windowsA narrow and mysterious corridor with arches and narrow windows. The walls are made of stone and show signs of aging. Sunlight filters through the windows, creating a serene and calm atmosphere.
    ©A narrow and mysterious corridor with arches and narrow windows.
    Dark wooden passageway with stairs and wooden wallsThis dark wooden passageway features stairs and wooden walls. Sunlight filters through the gaps, casting light patterns on the floor. The wooden walls and stairs create a mysterious and intriguing atmosphere.
    ©A dark wooden passageway with stairs and wooden walls, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
    Interior of a Gothic cathedral with arches and columnsView of the interior of a Gothic cathedral. The pointed arches and tall columns are characteristic of Gothic architecture. Natural light streams through the stained glass windows, illuminating the intricate details of the columns and arches. The walls are adorned with geometric patterns and sculptures.
    ©Architectural details of a Gothic cathedral, highlighting the arches and columns.|Françoise Laty

         Important information

      • Duration : 1 hour 30 mins
      • Limited to 14 people
      • Access to the lantern tower
      • Discovery of the 11th century Romanesque cathedral
      • Not for children under 10
      • Visits organised by the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire

         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
      Magnificently adorned chapels: walk along the side aisles Sitting along the north and south side aisles of the cathedral, the chapels stand out thanks to their incredible...
      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
      The great organ of Coutances cathedral The organ in the cathedral was originally built for the abbey of Savigny Le Vieux. It was then purchased and installed, with new piping,...
      Stained glass depicting biblical scenes in a churchA detailed and colorful stained glass window in a church, depicting biblical scenes. The colors are vibrant and the details are intricate, capturing the attention of visitors. The scenes appear to tell stories from the Bible, with characters and symbolic elements clearly visible.
      ©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.
      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
      The lantern Tower
      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...