Lisieux Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Pierre)

The basics

Many pilgrims following in the footsteps of Thérèse of Lisieux visit Lisieux Cathedral (where the future nun took her first communion) along with the far larger and newer Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse, built in the first half of the 19th century to honor the Catholic saint. They are both included in the “In the Eyes of Thérèse” hiking trails that Lisieux offers, where you can choose between four walking itineraries. The cathedral is highly recommended for anyone interested in Norman-Gothic design.

Things to know before you go

• There is no charge to visit Lisieux Cathedral, although you can leave a donation if you wish.

• For more information on the cathedral’s history, pick up a complimentary leaflet offered in multiple languages. Volunteers are also on hand to answer questions, when available.

• There are restrooms on-site just outside the cathedral. Anyone coming by car will also find nearby parking available.

• The cathedral contains many side chapels, including the Chapel of the Virgin and the Chapel of the Choir, the resting place of Bishop Cauchon, who oversaw the prosecution of Joan of Arc in the 15th century.

How to get there

Lisieux Cathedral, or the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre, is located in central Lisieux at Place François Mitterrand. The fastest train from Paris, departing from Gare Saint-Lazare, reaches Lisieux in about 2 hours. The cathedral is a quick 1-hour drive from the picturesque port city of Le Havre and about an 80-minute drive or train ride from Rouen, another Norman cathedral town. It makes for an excellent day trip, although you’ll also find a range of accommodation options if planning an overnight stay.

When to get there

Spring and summer are ideal months for visiting Normandy, especially if you’re planning on spending any time in coastal resorts such as Deauville. Although if you can stand chilly, wet weather, fall and winter have a fraction of the crowds and are a great time to find local discounts. Some 700,000 pilgrims visit Lisieux each year; generally, guided pilgrimages are offered during the summer months.

Visit France’s second most popular pilgrimage site

Whether you’re a Catholic pilgrim or simply a curious tourist, no visit to Lisieux is complete without a stop at the lavish, hilltop Basilica of Sainte-Thérèse, whose grandiose Art Deco style is often compared to the Sacre-Coeur Basilica of Montmartre. Decorated in mosaics, with enough seats to hold a whopping 4,000 worshippers, the basilica is one of France’s most-visited shrines. If coming from Lisieux Cathedral on foot, the Basilica can be reached in about 15 minutes.