Basilique Saint-Nicolas, Minor basilica in central Nantes, France.
The Basilique Saint-Nicolas is a parish church at the heart of Nantes, built from granite and limestone with a tower reaching about 100 meters high. The Gothic Revival style defines the entire structure, oriented north to south, with large stained glass windows that flood the interior with colored light.
A chapel from the 11th century once stood on this site and went through many changes over the centuries before architect Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus built the current building between 1844 and 1869. The basilica we see today is the result of this long development and carries traces of its different construction phases.
The basilica is dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, reflecting its deep connection to Nantes' maritime heritage. Visitors can still see how this devotion shapes the decoration and design of the interior spaces today.
The church is open to visitors and sits centrally in Nantes near several public transit stops. It is best to check opening hours ahead of time, as these can vary depending on the season and religious services taking place.
The bell tower was installed in 1882 and holds five large bells, including a bourdon bell that produces one of the ten lowest notes among all church bells in France. This extraordinary feature makes the basilica a remarkable place for those who appreciate church bells and acoustic qualities.
Location: Nantes
Inception: 1869
Architects: Jean-Baptiste-Antoine Lassus
Architectural style: Gothic Revival
Height: 100 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
GPS coordinates: 47.21555,-1.55783
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
Nantes combines mechanical monuments, botanical gardens, a medieval castle and museums. The historical quarters, old squares and notable architecture reflect its maritime and commercial past. The city features parks, walks along the Loire and cultural institutions like the Art Museum and Natural History Museum. The Machines de l'île presents mechanical animals, including a 12-meter-tall elephant.
Passage Pommeraye
286 m
Église Sainte-Croix
287 m
Palais de la Bourse
306 m
Rue Crébillon
273 m
Maison, 2 rue des Carmes
219 m
Hôtel La Pérouse
180 m
Marché de Feltre
97 m
Mercure Nantes Centre Passage Pommeraye
253 m
Immeuble, 1-2 allée Jean-Bart
245 m
Immeuble, 6 allée Brancas
214 m
Presbytère Saint-Nicolas
29 m
Immeuble, 1 allée Cassard de Nantes
223 m
Immeuble, 2 allée Brancas (Nantes)
222 m
Immeuble, 2 rue de la Paix
305 m
Immeuble, 3-4 allée Brancas
217 m
Immeuble, 2-3 allée Flesselles
274 m
Immeuble, 5 allée Brancas
216 m
Immeuble, 2 rue de la Fosse (Nantes)
193 m
Immeuble, 1 allée Brancas
213 m
Immeuble, 7 allée Brancas
213 m
Immeuble, 3 allée de la Tremperie
316 m
Immeubles 3, 5 rue Bossuet
261 m
Viandas de Salamanca
193 m
Fontaine Royale
124 m
Baptism of Jesus by Sébastien Bourdon
14 m
Sainte-Geneviève by Sébastien Bourdon
14 m
Hommage à Jules Verne
71 m
Nantes - Tour Haut-Pas
179 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes