Located within the opulent Orlesian capital of Val Royeaux, the Grand Cathedral is the centre of Chantry strength in all Thedas, and houses the figurehead of the religion, the Maker-anointed Divine. In the Grand Cathedral, the Chant of Light is sung in full, a process which takes a full two weeks to complete. In the audience chamber stands the Sunburst Throne, a seat reserved for the Divine.

The University of Orlais is one of the oldest universities in Thedas. It is a major center of learning that attracts young nobles from all over Thedas as it provides some of the best education one can buy. In theory it is open to nobles and also commoners who have proper sponsorship from an appropriate member of the nobility.

The Grande Royeaux Theater is an important asset to Orlesian culture and politics. The sphere of theater, and thus the goings-on in one of the Orlais' most prestigious establishments, is a close reflection the political climate of the country. Many a social scandal will even find itself immortalized as a play.