Chapel of the Visitation

The church of Notre-Dame de la Couture was part of a rich abbey built outside the walls. It was built in two programs: first from 1060 and then around 1160.

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.