Eglise Notre-Dame-de-la-Couture

This Plantagenet Gothic building served as a model for many churches in Maine.

Formerly the abbey church of Saint-Pierre-Saint-Paul de la Couture, founded by Bishop Bertrand du Mans, the church was rebuilt after the Bretons and Normans pillaged it around the year 1000. A beautiful crypt dates from this period, with different capitals. With its single, wide nave, its architecture and ornamentation reflect a tumultuous history. Burnt down again in 1180, it was rebuilt during the 11th and 12th centuries.

In the 13th and 14th centuries, the church was given a facade flanked by two unfinished Gothic towers, into which a richly sculpted portal opens.

The church's furnishings include three sculptures by Germain Pilon, one of France's greatest Renaissance artists.

Notre-Dame de La Couture also boasts the first 'archaeological' stained glass window in the history of art. It was created in the 19th century in the spirit of medieval glasswork. It marks and symbolises the worldwide revival of this art form, of which Le Mans was one of the most important centres in the 19th century.

Summer 2024 / Take advantage of the free tours of the treasures room in the Couture church on Fridays from 2.30pm to 5.30pm and Saturdays from 10am to 12.30pm. All you have to do is go directly to the room.