Le Mans - Notre Dame

In Le Mans, southeast of the Place de la République is the former abbey church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Couture, which was originally built in the 10th C. but was given its present aspect in the 13th and 14th centuries. The west front, which is preceded by a porch, has a richly carved doorway. The church contains tapestries and pictures, including (on right) "Elijah's Dream" by Philippe de Champaigne. Opposite the pulpit is a beautiful white marble Virgin by Germain Pilon (1571). The crypt dates from the 10th C.

To the south of the church, in the former abbey (18th C.), is the Prefecture, with a very fine staircase hall.