Flèche

This article is about the architectural element. For the fencing term, see Flèche (fencing). For the cycling term, see Flèche (cycling). For other uses, see Flèche (disambiguation).
View of Notre Dame, Paris showing its flèche
The flèche of the Memorial Hall at Scotch College, Melbourne
Flèche in Rouen Cathedral

A flèche (from the French for arrow) is used in French architecture to refer to a spire and in English to refer to a lead-covered timber spire, or spirelet. These are placed on the ridges of church or cathedral roofs and are usually relatively small.[1] However, larger versions can be found on cathedrals such as Amiens Cathedral, Notre Dame de Paris and Coventry Cathedral. The highest flèche in the world was built at the end of 19th century for Rouen Cathedral. Its height is 157 metres (515 ft).

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