Michelin
Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-l'Épine
The Green Guide
The Michelin Guide's review
An important place of pilgrim, this abbey was founded in the 7C and constantly reworked up until the 18C. Prosper Mérimée, Inspector General of Monuments Historiques, had the church named a listed building in 1840. The 11C Romanesque tower, the oldest part, has conserved its machicolations and hoarding, features which are quite rare in the west of France. The Romanesque bays in the primitive nave contrast sharply with the rest of the building, which was reworked in the High Gothic style (14C). The St Crespin Chapel (12C) houses fine statuary and is particularly worth a look.
Practical information
+33 2 43 66 85 04
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