Eglise Notre-Dame - Cossé-en-Champagne

Discover the Church of Notre Dame in Cossé-en-Champagne, notable for its collection of 15th-century murals.

​Situated on the edge of the Champagne region in the Sarthe, the Church of Notre-Dame in Cossé-en-Champagne is one of the most remarkable examples of rural Romanesque architecture in the Mayenne. Listed as a Historic Monument, this building immediately captivates visitors with the harmony of its medieval proportions and the serenity of the surrounding countryside. But it is inside that the church reveals its greatest secret: an exceptional collection of medieval murals.

​Preserved Romanesque purity (11th–12th centuries):
​Built in the early 12th century (with the nave’s origins dating back to the 11th century), the church has retained its original architecture in a remarkably intact state. Upon entering, one is struck by the simplicity and brightness of the space. Designed according to a rigorous medieval symbolism, the nave (representing the Earth) leads to a semi-circular chancel facing east, a symbol of divine light. The building once adjoined a priory of Benedictine monks founded in 1241.

​The masterpiece: The frescoes in St Anne’s Chapel:
​This is the church’s absolute highlight. Entirely covered in murals dating from the 13th to the 15th centuries, the side chapel of Saint Anne (formerly the seigneurial chapel of the La Varenne-l’Enfant family) offers a striking visual spectacle:
​On the barrel vault: a sublime concert of angelic musicians from the 15th century. Fifteen angels with outstretched wings are depicted in delicate pairs: one holds up a phylactery (a scroll of writing) whilst the other plays a period musical instrument (lute, harp, viola da gamba, etc.).
On the walls: Highly expressive biblical scenes, notably a monumental Annunciation, a Coronation of the Virgin, and a vivid depiction of the Resurrection of the Dead and the Last Judgement.
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​A major restoration: The building has recently undergone extensive restoration work to strengthen its structure and enhance its interiors, and has proudly reopened its doors to the public.
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Admission is free.