Hôtel-Dieu de Coeffort

Former "Plantagenet" west Gothic ward.

The Hôtel-Dieu de Coëffort was built in the 12th century on the orders of Henry II Plantagenet, King of England, to house the poor, the sick, abandoned children and pilgrims. The somewhat massive, undecorated exterior in fact conceals a work of great finesse. There are also some beautiful paintings to discover.
The church is open for services and guided tours. A site well worth a visit during your stay in Le Mans or the Sarthe.

In 1953, the "Coëffort treasure", made up of 31 pieces of medieval silverware, was found during renovation work on the church. This very simple silverware was used by the hospital brotherhood of the Hôtel-Dieu Coëffort (Place Washington) in the 14th and 15th centuries, when it was probably buried to protect it from the English. The treasure is currently on display at the Carré Plantagenêt, Le Mans' museum of archaeology and history.