Vitraux de la cathédrale de Coutances
©Vitraux de la cathédrale de Coutances|Aymeric Picot
Cathedral Details

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.

The Last Judgment

This stained glass window in 3 elements (triplet) provides a magnificent display of colours, illuminating the south arm of the Cathedral. The window dates from the 15th century and was restored in 1916. It depicts Christ the judge surrounded by the Virgin Mary and St John the Baptist. The vigour of the faces in the canopy makes it a very original and incredibly beautiful element.

Stained glass windows in Saint-Lô and Saint-Marcouf

These 2 stained glass windows, the oldest in the cathedral, date from the 13th century (1220). They represent the Saints in a very realistic and original way. Saint-Lô was the first bishop of Coutances in the 6th century.

The coloured triplet of the North Arm

This triplet represents the lives of St Thomas Becket, St Blaise and St George and 2 stained glass windows in the abstract style. They were built between 1235 and 1240. One is rather decorative and the other geometric, and these stand out in the decor.

Did you know?

The windows of the ambulatory and the high windows of the choir are the oldest in the cathedral. They date from the 13th century.

   Important information

  • Total height: 57 meters (187 ft)
  • Bell chamber at the top
  • 41-metre-high vault
  • 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)
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