A true work of art in the heart of the city of Le Mans, Saint-Julien Cathedral is a monument built in several stages spanning the 11th and 15th centuriesIndeed, the diversity of styles in this incredible building makes it a a unique testimony to the evolution of religious art in the Middle AgesInside, precious ancient paintings stand alongside superb sculptures representing the pinnacle of funerary art.
On the cathedral vault, these are not no fewer than 47 musical angels from the 14th century which welcome visitors, elevating this monument to a landmark for specialists in medieval instrument making. Their remarkably well-preserved, vibrant colors and 24 different instruments bring joy and serenity to every curious visitor who crosses the threshold of the religious building. The presumed author of these incredible paintings, Jean de Bruges, is the same artist who created the cartoons for the Apocalypse Tapestry displayed in Angers. Also known as the painter to the Valois princes, it was in Le Mans that he produced his most impressive work with the spectacular decoration of this vault.
La The cathedral also houses some very beautiful tombs.starting with that of Guillaume du Bellay, whose execution is attributed to Pierre Bontemps, an artist made famous for his collaboration in the erection of the tomb of Francis IIt was in this very place, during the funeral of Guillaume du Bellay, that the founders of the Pléiade—Jacques Peltier du Mans, Pierre de Ronsard, and Joachim du Bellay—met for the first time. The art of sculpture also reached its zenith in the Cathedral through elegant 17th-century terracotta creations by Gervais Delabarre and Charles Hoyau.
All of these works are dominated by an organ of great beauty designed by the famous architect Simon HayneufvreDating from 1519, it boasts one of the finest French Renaissance buffets. Finally, precious tapestries depicting the lives of Saints Gervasius and Protasius, as well as that of Saint Julian, complete this collection. To top it all off, Saint Julian Cathedral offers a an exceptional overview of glass production from the 11th century to the present dayAmong all the stained glass windows, there is a true treasure: AscensionCreated at the end of the 11th or the very beginning of the 12th century, this stained-glass window is the oldest surviving example of stained glass in a religious building. A testament to history and architecture, Saint-Julien Cathedral is a unique place, characterized by a sublime combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles. Composed of thirteen chapels and a choir whose vaulted ceiling reaches a height of 34 meters, it is distinguished by the numerous paintings and works of art it houses, as well as by its spectacular stained-glass windows.
- Continue your exploration of the Loire Valley with the circuit A great weekend between Mayenne, Sarthe and Eure-et-Loir which includes the Saint-Julien Cathedral of Le Mans.
