The 18 Renaissance stained-glass windows are internationally celebrated for their vivid colors and are among the finest in France.
The 113 choir stalls are carved with over 1,500 individual figures, including secular scenes and mythical creatures alongside biblical ones.
The cathedral's organ was built by Jean de Joyeuse in the 17th century and remains a masterpiece of French organ building.
The cathedral stands on the site of a former Romanesque church that was demolished to make way for the current Gothic structure.
The floor plan includes a total of 21 side chapels, each decorated with period-specific art and architectural features.
The Cathédrale Sainte-Marie d'Auch is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its role on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. Construction spanned over 200 years, beginning in 1489, resulting in a hybrid architectural style blending late Gothic and Renaissance influences. The interior houses an exceptional ensemble of 113 carved oak choir stalls dating to the 16th century. A significant highlight is the collection of 18 Renaissance stained-glass windows created by Arnaud de Moles between 1507 and 1513. The cathedral features a prominent neo-classical facade with two towers added in the 17th century. Its dimensions are substantial, measuring over 100 meters in length and 35 meters in width. The high altar and the organ, encased in a 17th-century wooden structure, are significant liturgical artworks. The building serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Auch.
The view from the Escalier monumental, looking up toward the cathedral facade, or inside the choir area focusing on the woodwork.
Bring binoculars to appreciate the intricate details of the high-vaulted ceiling and the upper levels of the stained-glass windows.
Visit the treasury area to see the collection of religious artifacts and vestments from the cathedral's long history.
Check local listings for occasional organ recitals, which offer a unique acoustic experience.
Missing the choir stalls, which require a specific admission path separate from the main nave; do not assume the whole interior is visible from the entrance.
Maintain a quiet tone, avoid photography with flash, and ensure shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.
