An investigation into suspicion of arson was launched into the fire of one of the largest Gothic cathedrals in France.

"A fire that broke out in a cathedral in the western French city of Nantes blew out stained-glass windows and destroyed the grand organ in the 15th-century building, officials said," The Guardian reported.

A local prosecutor noted that three fires started at the St Peter and St Paul Cathedral.

According to the prosecutor at the scene, the fire in the cathedral will be investigated as a criminal offense.