Sainte-Marie Cathedral

Introducing the Sainte-Marie Cathedral, built in the 13th century on the site of an earlier Romanesque church that was destroyed in a fire. It’s a fine example of the Rayonnant Gothic style, modeled on Reims Cathedral, with stunning stained glass windows reminiscent of those of the Chartres Cathedral. In 1998, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not for its architecture, but as a major stopover on the Way of St James pilgrimage route. Its two spires, added in the 19th century, reach a height of 80 metres. As for the cloister, it’s one of the biggest in France, dating from the 14th century. This remarkable religious complex is a must-see when visiting Bayonne!