Cathédrale Saint-Julien - Le Mans

A major tourist attraction in the Sarthe region, Le Mans cathedral, along with Notre-Dame de Chartres, boasts one of the finest collections of medieval stained glass.

The origin of the site: a sacred stone erected thousands of years ago. The site has always retained a highly symbolic value. The current building was constructed on the ancient foundations of a cathedra. The Romanesque parts of the nave probably date from the end of the 11th century and are still visible on the western façade and in the lower parts of the aisle walls. Recognisable by their dark colours (reddish-brown), the walls were built from roughly hewn rubble. The upper sections contain elements dating from the 12th century, recognisable by their more even stonework.

The chancel was built from the 13th century onwards and offers magnificent volumes. The two arms of the transept were built in the 14th and 15th centuries. The 24-metre height of the Romanesque sections is in stark contrast to the 34-metre height.

As for the stained glass windows, they demonstrate the prodigious activity and ingenuity of the craftsmen who worked here for many centuries. From the stained glass window of the Ascension (early 12th century) to the stained glass windows depicting episodes in the life of Joan of Arc, designed by master stained glass artist Echivard based on drawings by J. Chappée, all periods of glass art are represented.

The practice of burying bishops and other important figures in the cathedral dates back to the 9th century. Geoffrey Plantagenet, the princes of Luxembourg and Bourbon and the Du Bellays were buried in the baptismal font chapel. The tomb of Guillaume Du Bellay is attributed to Pierre Bontemps, famous for his work on the tomb of François I.

On another artistic note, the monumental paintings adorning the vaults were created in the 14th century and depict the angels bearing the Litany of the Virgin and the Angel Musicians. These scenes serve as models for a sound and light show called "La nuit des chimères", which takes place every summer at dusk.

Contemporary art is not forgotten either, with the magnificent Christ on the Cross on display at the crossroads of the choir and transept, created by the master goldsmith Goudji.