Clermont-Ferrand - Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption

The construction of the cathedral began as early as 1248 in the then very new, gothic style. The black, vulcanic stones used from the beginning give the cathedral its dark colour. As these black stones are very strong it was possible for the architects to create very elegant pillars - and all around the large choir space for these fantastic stained glass windows.

Louis IX´s son (the future Philip III) married Isabella of Aragon in this choir in May 1262. At this occasion the king may have financed a part of the stained glass windows that seem to be from the same workshop as those in Sainte-Chapelle on the Île de la Cité in Paris.