Blois Cathedral: Overall view

It is the seat of the Bishopric of Blois, established in 1697. This was previously the collegiate church of Saint-Solenne, the original building of which dated from the 12th century. Apart from some traces in the crypt nothing survives. The fa\u00E7ade and the bell tower were built in 1544. The nave was destroyed by a hurricane in 1678, and the reconstruction in Gothic style took place between 1680 and 1700 under the architect Arnoult-S\u00E9raphin Poictevin (died 1720). The Lady Chapel by the architect Jules Potier de la Morandi\u00E8re was added in about 1860. To celebrate the church's elevation to a cathedral in 1697, Louis XIV presented the organ loft in 1704. The new see thereupon took the dedication to Saint Louis (Louis IX).