There's more to the Loire Valley than châteaux! Don't miss the region's magnificent religious heritage.
Here's our selection of the finest cathedrals, abbeys, basilicas and churches in the Loire Valley.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
The Loire Valley's religious heritage: cathedrals, abbeys, basilicas...
The Loire Valley's religious heritage is rich and diverse. It includes numerous churches, abbeys and sacred buildings dating from different eras. This heritage bears witness to the region's historical and cultural importance. Everywhere you go, you'll discover charming churches, chapels and other religious buildings.
So it wasn't an easy selection, but here are the buildings not to be missed between two visits to the Loire castles.
1. Saint-Maurice Cathedral, Angers
Why visit?
Perched at the top of the beautiful montée Saint-Maurice, Angers Cathedral is well worth a visit. You'll be seduced by its architecture and the treasures it contains.
Typical of the Anjou Gothic style, the building is emblematic of the Anjou architectural style. Look up and admire the stone vaults overhanging the nave. We also marveled at the superb stained-glass windows and Baroque high altar. In the coming years, the main façade will be embellished with 3 huge portals designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Expect a bold blend of contemporary and historic!
Useful tips
- In the city of Angers
- Allow 30-45 minutes for your visit.
- It's on a hill above the city, but there are no other access problems.
- The site is open to the public.
- Consult the timetable on the tourist office website here.
Learn more in our article.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Saint-Gatien Cathedral, Tours
Why visit?
Considered one of the most beautiful cathedrals in the Centre-Val de Loire region, you can't miss a visit to Cathédrale Saint-Gatien.
With its magnificent Gothic façade, collection of dazzling stained glass windows and grandiose nave, you're sure to enjoy your visit!
And don't miss the peaceful Cloître de la Psalette, a listed historic monument. With its pretty garden and gargoyles, it's the ideal place for a timeless stopover in the heart of the city.
Useful tips
- City of Tours
- Duration of visit: Between 10min and 40min
- Easy tour
- Price: Free (cathedral) and €4 (cloister)
- Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (cathedral) and different opening hours for the Cloître de la Psalette (to be found on the official website here).
Find out more about Saint-Gatien Cathedral.
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3. Royal Abbey of Fontevraux
Why visit?
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic cities in Europe inherited from the Middle Ages. This historic site in the heart of the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We were amazed by this architectural feat from another era. During the visit, so many details are revealed to the curious eye!
Founded by Robert d'Arbrissel in 1101, the abbey made its mark on the church world in 1115 when an abbess (feminine of abbot, superior of an abbey) was appointed to head it. The monastery also served as a necropolis for the Plantagenet royal family. Following the Revolution of 1789, Napoleon decided to convert the building into a prison. Since 1975, it has been operating as a cultural center.
Useful tips
- 25min south of Saumur
- Allow half a day, or even a full day, to visit the entire site.
- It's a very large monastic city, so you'll be walking for a long time. There are also staircases and raised floors. This is not ideal for people with mobility problems.
- Price: €13 on average for an adult ticket. However, rates change throughout the year.
- Opening times: vary according to the season, from 10am to 6pm in low season (closed on Tuesdays) to 10am to 8pm in high season. More up-to-date info here.
Find out more in our article on Fontevraud Abbey.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Sainte-Croix d'Orléans Cathedral
Why visit?
This cathedral is the emblematic monument of the city of Orléans and the largest cathedral in the Centre-Val de Loire region.
At first, you'll be fascinated by the brilliance of its facade and colorful stained glass windows. You'll then be captivated by the lovely repertoire dedicated to Joan of Arc, the mythical 15th-century figure who saved France from the yoke of the English during the 100 Years' War. And last but not least, you'll be amazed by the abundance of details and works of art. and anecdotes the cathedral has to offer!
And it is most famous today for having welcomed Joan of Arc!
Useful tips
- in the heart of Orléans
- allow between 10min and 40min, depending on your interest in religious architecture
- Easy tour
- free access
Find out more in our article on Orléans Cathedral.
5. Fleury Abbey
Why visit?
A jewel of Romanesque and Gothic architecture, the majestic Abbaye de Fleury, founded around 630 AD, is famous for housing the relics of Saint Benedict. The current building is the result of several construction campaigns between the 11th and 13th centuries.
Its distinguishing features include a magnificent Romanesque tower-porch, a Gothic abbey church and richly sculpted capitals. We were fascinated by this unique entrance!
Still inhabited today by Benedictine monks, the abbey offers the chance to taste the famous "moinillons", handmade sweets made on site.
Useful tips
- Along the Loire, southeast of Orléans
- 40min drive from Orléans
- Allow 30min to 1h
- Don't miss the museum in the town, with views of the abbey from the terrace.
- Mass times on the abbey website here.
Find out more in our article on Fleury Abbey (coming soon).
6. Trinité de Vendôme Abbey
Why visit?
A visit to Vendôme's Abbaye de la Trinité offers an immersion in history and flamboyant Gothic architecture. Founded in 1033 by Count Geoffroy Martel, the abbey's structure resembles a small cathedral, with a 12th-century Romanesque bell tower similar to that of Chartres Cathedral. Its cloister houses a collection of sacred art.
And the surrounding town is full of other architectural treasures: half-timbered houses, remains of the castle and the Porte Saint-Georges, one of the town's four ancient entrances, bearing witness to its medieval past.
Useful tips
- In the town of Vendôme
- North-west of Blois
- 40min drive from Blois
- Free access during the day (like a church)
Find out more in our article on Vendôme Abbey (coming soon).
7. Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral, Nantes
Why visit?
All the major towns along the Loire have truly splendid cathedrals, reminders of the place of religion in western France and the role of the church in French history. Nantes Cathedral is no exception.
Its most striking features:
- its main façade with richly sculpted vaulted ceilings
- the 500m2 of stained glass windows, completely redesigned between 1977 and 1989 by Anne Le Chevalier and Jean Le Moal.
- the tomb and tombstones of François II de Bretagne, father of Anne de Bretagne and builder of the Château de Nantes (Dukes of Brittany),
- The great organs are accompanied by the largest choir organ in France, giving a very special sonority and power to the whole.
Useful tips
- in the heart of Nantes
- easy tour
- When it is open, allow 30min to 1h30 depending on your interest in its architecture.
But Nantes Cathedral fell victim to a serious fire on July 18, 2020, ravaging the great organ, some stained glass windows and priceless paintings. A vast reconstruction project is underway.
8. Royal Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-Cléry
Why visit?
A masterpiece of flamboyant Gothic architecture, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Cléry is well worth a visit for its architecture and rich history. Born from the discovery of a statue of the Virgin Mary in 1280, it became a place of pilgrimage. Destroyed during the Hundred Years' War, it became a royal chapel under Louis XI, who chose it as his burial place. Visitors can explore its light-flooded nave, admire its Renaissance chapels, and discover its hidden historical treasures.
Useful tips
- Between Blois and Orléans
- Town of Cléry-Saint-André
- 40min drive from Blois
- Free access, like a church
Find out more in our article on the Royal Basilica (coming soon).
9. Saint-Louis Cathedral, Blois
Why visit?
Overlooking the Loire with its elegant allure, Blois Cathedral is one of the city's must-sees. Its architecture is just as delightful as its interiors, with the nave flooded with light from 33 contemporary stained glass windows.
And, just behind the Cathedral, don't miss the Eveché terrace, which, in addition to its avenue of chestnut trees and rose garden, offers a stunning view of the city of Blois.
It's not the most impressive cathedral in the Loire Valley, but its location is spectacular.
Useful tips
- In the city of Blois
- Between 10min and 30min, allow 1h if you then take the time to relax on the Eveché terrace.
- We didn't notice any special facilities for people with reduced mobility, but the site is accessible to baby carriages and wheelchairs (with the exception of the crypt).
- Every day from 09h to 19h. Please note that the crypt only opens on Sundays after the 10:30 a.m. mass.
Discover all its secrets in our dedicated article.
10. Basilique Saint-Martin de Tours
Why visit?
We loved our visit to the Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica of Saint Martin, in stark contrast to the Cathedral. In addition to its exteriors, which we recommend you take a closer look at from both sides, you'll also have the pleasure of discovering its richly decorated interiors. Between the finely sculpted neo-Romanesque capitals, the pretty frieze of foliage in the nave, the various stained glass windows dedicated to Saint Martin and the delicate paintings adorning the cupola, you won't know where to turn!
Useful tips
- In the city of Tours
- Between 10 and 30min depending on your level of interest
- none with level access
- Open daily from 9am to 6pm (see website for office hours).
- Free
See more photos in our dedicated article (coming soon).
11. Saint-Florent-le-Vieil Abbey
Why visit?
Saint-Florent-le-Vieil Abbey overlooks the Loire, at the top of one of the Loire Valley's most beautiful villages.
Founded in the 4th century by the hermit Florent d'Anjou, it has had an eventful history, undergoing destruction and reconstruction over the centuries. The current abbey church, dating from the 14th century, is impressive for its sobriety and elegance.
Its position on Mont Glonne offers a remarkable view over the Loire Valley. Don't miss these panoramic views around the abbey!
Useful tips
- Between Nantes and Angers
- 40min drive from Angers
- 55min drive from Nantes
- At the top of the village, with steps
See more photos in our dedicated article (coming soon).
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And 4 of the most beautiful churches in the Loire Valley
All the towns and churches in the Loire Valley have beautiful churches. We wanted to stop everywhere... But it would take years of travel!
So here are a few favorites we've had, where we've found the places to have something special.
12. Church of Saint-Ours in the Royal City of Loches
Saint-Ours church, located in the heart of the royal city of Loches, is a jewel of Romanesque architecture dating from the 11th and 12th centuries.
Don't miss its polychrome portal carved with fantastic characters and animals. Outstanding!
Other points of interest are the two hollow octagonal pyramids called "dubes", unique in France, which cover the nave. The building also houses the tomb of Agnès Sorel, favorite of King Charles VII.
13. Church of Saint-Genest de Lavardin
The church of Saint-Genest de Lavardin, located in one of the Loire's most beautiful villages, is a remarkable building dating from the 12th century. We were fascinated!
The church features typical Romanesque architecture, with a well-preserved nave and choir. But it's inside that you'll discover the richness of this church: the murals depict biblical scenes and decorative motifs, offering a fascinating insight into medieval art.
14. Saint-Martin de Candes collegiate church
Dating back to the 4th century, the Collégiale Saint-Martin is a famous place of pilgrimage, visited by many kings of France. And, in our opinion, the building is worth a visit for its surprising facade. Take time to admire its richly sculpted decor, remarkable statuary, open porch and defensive towers.
15. Saint-Côme Priory
The Prieuré Saint-Cosme is the unexpected highlight of our stay in Tours! A veritable heritage treasure, it will delight history buffs, contemplatives in search of serenity and poetry lovers alike.
In addition to the remarkable staging of its remains, this religious edifice and writer's house stands out for its incredible collection of gardens and its trail centered on the poetry of Ronsard, the famous 16th-century poet.
Read our dedicated article to find out more.
And other cathedrals further from the Loire
Two other impressive cathedrals are often mentioned in the Loire Valley, but they are much further away from the Châteaux de la Loire.
Chartres Cathedral
It's right on the edge of being in the valley, but as one of France's most famous cathedrals, it often ends up on the list.
Chartres Cathedral, built mainly between 1194 and 1226, is a masterpiece. It is famous for its two spires, one Romanesque and the other flamboyant, which dominate the Chartres landscape. It boasts a vast nave, nine sculpted portals and famous stained glass windows dating from the 12th and 13th centuries. It is an important pilgrimage site, housing the relic of the Virgin's veil. The cathedral is also.
Bourges Cathedral
Bourges Cathedral is in the Loire Valley, but much further south than the Loire castles.
Built between the end of the 12th and the end of the 13th centuries, Saint-Étienne de Bourges cathedral is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. It is a basilica with five naves and no transept. Its tympanum, sculptures and stained glass windows are remarkable.
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