Adeben: most interesting list...What separates Coutances above the others?

Hi Klondike:
1* The Setting: The cathedral forms one side of an exquisite town square, with an excellent Hotel de Ville on another side. The square also has fountains and lines of espaliered trees.
2* The Western Front: It presents as well-balanced, with splendid (and coherent)towers and spires.
3* The Interior:
(a) The lantern tower over the crossing is breathtaking, easily the best I have seen. It fills the interior of the cathedral with a wonderful glowing light.It is also a remarkable building feat.
(b) The side chapels are exquisite, far removed from the afterthoughts that they seem to be in many other cathedrals.
(c) The stained glass windows on both sides of the transept are of the first order.
4* Overall Impression: The cathedral presents as a coherent whole, seemingly designed by someone who knew at all times what they were doing. The proportions are correct, the decorative elements appropriate, the masonry workmanship is exemplary, leading to a general ambience that feels 'just right'.

The Michelin Green Guide rates the cathedral as 3 stars, which is why I went there in the first place. '3 stars' means 'worth a special journey', and indeed it is.

adeben i am awed by your knowledge and perceptions of cathedrals and churches

About Orleans no neither it nor the city that swirls around it merits IMO a special trip

But mishmash styles to me makes it not just ABC - Another Bloody Cathedral

and its size could make it one of France's most monumental and major cathedrals - it's history with John of Arc could merit it special mention

but i agree with your take from an ascetic view.

I donna know i like it because it dominates it's environs

and the last few years and now it is undergoing a much needed renovation inside and out - windows shine again, etc.

It is especially awesome when seen from several miles away on the opposite bank of the Loire River, upstream

FWIW...

The term "Gothic" was applied to this architecture (and art too) long after the heyday of the period - namely during the Renaissance Age. The beauties of this style were considered ugly by then and so a pejorative term was used to describe it. And it had nothing to do with the marauding Gothic tribes of a millenium earlier.

So there are similarities with that with the "Goths" young folk and their garb we see today.

Thank You for your repsective replies. I very much hope to make it back to France.