Le Mans, FR

Church of Notre-Dame-Du-Pré

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.

About this building

58m long and 10m wide on average, the Latin cross plan church has an interior layout with three levels of elevation for the central vessel, which is itself flanked on both sides by a side aisle. The hemi-circular choir is surrounded by an ambulatory.

Key Features

  • Monuments
  • Atmosphere / quiet space
  • Links to national heritage

Visitors information

  • Level access to the main areas
  • Parking within 250m
  • Café within 500m

Other nearby buildings

Wikimedia Commons/Selbymay

Le Mans Cathedral

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.

Wikimedia Commons

Chapel of the Visitation

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.

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