The west front
The west front offers a striking summary of four centuries of architecture (mid-12th to mid-16th century).
Rich Flamboyant decoration covers the entire front, like sumptuous stone lace.
The towers are crowned in the Italian style.
The north tower (1507), by Martin François, is thought to be one of the very first Renaissance works of religious architecture in France. It contains the “royal staircase” by Pierre de Valence, a genuine architectural feat.
In 1547, the south tower was completed by Pierre Gadier.
The three portals inspired Jean Fouquet for his "Golden Temple of Jerusalem". They were once adorned with some thirty statues of bishops and saints, destroyed during the Wars of Religion and the Revolution.
