Abbaye Saint Aubin d'Angers

Abbaye Saint-Aubin d'Angers is a former Benedictine abbey in the city center, with its most striking element being a 54-meter (177-foot) stone tower. Alongside the tower, remnants of a Romanesque cloister gallery survive and are now housed within a modern administrative building.

A basilica was built between 550 and 576 to house the tomb of Saint Albinus, an early bishop of the city. This religious site later evolved into a major Benedictine abbey that grew over centuries as a significant medieval center.

The carved stone reliefs inside show biblical scenes and religious figures from medieval times. These artworks reflect how artists of that era understood and expressed their faith through sculpture.

The abbey is located on Rue Saint-Aubin in central Angers and is easily reached on foot. The tower regularly hosts rotating art exhibitions and can be visited year-round in any weather.

The tower was originally a fortified structure that served as a watchtower during medieval times before becoming part of the abbey complex. This dual role as both military and religious building makes it an uncommon example of how secular and sacred architecture merged.