The most beautiful churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels Châteaux de la Loire

The belltower-porch which dates back to the 11th century is the oldest part of this church, part of which was knocked down by a hurricane in the 13th century. Originally romanesque basilica, Saint-Julien is then rebuilt in the Gothic style. The two small chapels on either side of the chancel date from the 16th century. After the Revolution, Saint-Julien is abandoned and fall in ruins. It will be restored in the 19th century under the leadership of Prosper Mérimée, inspector of Historical Monuments. In 1859, you will find its primary purpose. If it is sinking so compared to the adjacent streets, it is because it was built before the walls of the Loire are raised, due to the risk of flood. During the Second World War, in an extremely exposed area however, the church has miraculously escaped the bombing in which destroyed the district mainly.

Today, concerts are often organised in this pretty building.

They are twenty-eight, churches or chapels, to open their doors to the visitor. In each of them, a visit document presents the history of the sites, details the most important elements and a particular theme close to the building. The closest to them, from Saint-Florent-le-Vieux: The Mesnil-en-Vallée (church Notre-Dame and Notre-Dame chapel open every day from 8 a. m. to 19 p. m.), Montjean-sur-Loire (Saint-Symphorien church open every day from 9 a. m. to 17 p. m., Chapel Saint-Aubin, contact the Tourist Office), La Varenne-sur-Loire (Saint-Pierre church open every day) from 10 p. m. to 20 p. m., Le Pin-en-Mauges (Saint-Pavin church open daily from 9 a. m. to 18 p. m.).

In Maine-et-Loire, the objective of welcoming churches is to discover this part of the religious heritage. The churches involved facilitate access to the building (open door or key to be recovered from a neighbour), make available a document on history and architecture and improve the presentation (for example, musical lighting or background). Northern Churches Saumurois which are part of the network: The church Saint-Doucelin in Allonnes, Notre-Dame church in Blou, the Saint-Maurille church in Brain-sur-Allonnes. Information: 02 41 52 87 40. Saumurois Tourism Office at Brain-sur-Allonnes.

Former chapel of the castle, the collegiate church is located within its walls but is accessible by a bridge. It is one of the most prestigious religious buildings of the 15th century in Anjou, specific of the Angevin Gothic style. The church is composed of a 44 meters long and 12 meters wide vessel, and a 18 meters high vault. There is an oratory from which the lord attended the services in all discretion. This church has been classified as a historical monument since 1907.

The Church Sainte Marie de Vernou was granted in 1130 by Bishop of Orleans John II at the abbey of Saint Messin. In this 1896 th century monument, restored in by A. Chauvallon, architect in Romorantin, the numerous sculpted medallions around the nave will be appreciated. They represent strange and picturesque characters, some of whom take the tongue shamelessly to passers-by. The magnificent Louis XIII altarpiece has just been restored. We admire the stained glass windows. The church recently partially renovated.