Church of Notre-Dame de la Couture

At the junction of the end of classical and the beginning of baroque, the Church of the Visitation is one of the jewels of Le Mans' religious heritage. Built between 1723 and 1737 on the plans of an enlightened nun, architect and artist, Sister Anne-Victoire Pillon. The chapel is one of the very few Regency style buildings in the west of France.

Following a first foundation, the construction of the current cathedral began in the 1060s under Bishop Vulgrin, then the choir, transept and towers were under construction at the end of the 11th century. The cathedral was consecrated in 1158, thus rebuilt under William of Passavant following fires. It was also in the 12th century that it received its sculpted portal. The choir was rebuilt in the 13th century. The transept was in turn rebuilt between 1385 and 1430.

The 11th century church, entirely in Romanesque style, is located on the right bank of the Sarthe river, in the heart of the Pré district. It was originally a monastery established in the 6th century. The church as we know it today was begun in the 11th century. At the time of its construction, the church was the third largest building in the city after the Cathedral and the Couture.