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Temples #2 in Tréguier

Tréguier Cathedral

4.6 · 2,223 reviews
A quiet place for reflection
Tréguier Cathedral, 22220 Tréguier, France
Interesting facts
1

The cathedral serves as the final resting place of Saint Yves, the patron saint of legal professionals.

2

The cloister dates to the 15th century and features 46 arches of varying styles, reflecting its construction over several decades.

3

It is one of the Seven Saints of Brittany pilgrimage sites, known as the Tro Breizh.

4

The tower, known as the Hastings Tower, was funded in the 15th century by John Hastings, the Duke of Pembroke.

5

The cathedral has lost its bishop's seat since the Concordat of 1801, meaning it is technically a former cathedral serving as a parish church.

6

The cloister was once nearly demolished during the French Revolution but was repurposed as a market space and later salvaged.

7

It contains a 15th-century organ case that remains one of the oldest in the region.

8

The cathedral floor plan is asymmetrical due to various rebuilds spanning several centuries of Breton history.

Overview

Tréguier Cathedral, formally known as Cathédrale Saint-Tugdual, is a prominent example of Breton Gothic architecture located in the Côtes-d'Armor department of Brittany. Construction of the current building began in the 14th century, replacing an earlier Romanesque structure. The cathedral is noted for its distinctive 'clocher du Hastings' (Hastings Tower), a 15th-century spire that dominates the local skyline. Its cloister is one of the few surviving medieval cloisters in Brittany, dating primarily to the 15th century. The interior houses the tomb of Saint Yves, a 13th-century Breton lawyer and priest who is the patron saint of lawyers and judges. The site maintains significant religious importance as a stopping point on the Tro Breizh, a historic pilgrimage circuit connecting the tombs of the seven founder saints of Brittany. The cathedral's floor plan features a notable transept and an array of chapels reflecting varied stages of renovation. Its current structural integrity is carefully monitored as part of the regional historical monument heritage program.

Photo spot

From the center of the cloister garden looking up at the convergence of the arches and the central spire.

Insider tips

Walk through the entire cloister to observe the transition between different architectural phases in the stonework.

Spend time observing the intricate wood carvings on the stalls, which are often overlooked by casual visitors.

Check for local concerts, as the cathedral's acoustics are frequently utilized for classical and choral performances.

What to avoid

Do not overlook the cloister, as many visitors mistakenly exit through the nave without seeing the historical garden area.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet tone, remove hats upon entry, and avoid photography during ongoing religious services.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
45-60 minutes
Best time to visit
Morning during the shoulder season to avoid crowds and benefit from the soft light entering the stained glass windows.
48.788, -3.231
Get directions
Details
Architectural styleBreton Gothic
Key exhibitsTomb of Saint Yves

Frequently asked

Plan for about 45-60 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Morning during the shoulder season to avoid crowds and benefit from the soft light entering the stained glass windows..

From the center of the cloister garden looking up at the convergence of the arches and the central spire.

Close by you'll find Marina, Theatre De l'Arche, Ernest Renan's House.