Église Notre-Dame-de-Nantilly, Church in Saumur, France
The Église Notre-Dame-de-Nantilly is the oldest church in Saumur, located on the Place de Nantilly in the town center. It combines a broad Romanesque nave with a Flamboyant Gothic side nave added in the 15th century.
The church was built at the start of the 12th century and was for a long time the only parish in Saumur. It was overseen jointly by the Bishop of Angers and the Abbot of Saint-Florent, reflecting its central role in the region.
The church holds a 12th-century enthroned Virgin Mary statue known as the Majesté, which has drawn pilgrims for centuries. Visitors today can still see the faithful gathering around it, making the space feel actively used rather than purely historical.
The church is free to enter and open to visitors throughout the day. Natural light through the stained glass windows makes a daytime visit the best time to appreciate the carved capitals and tapestries inside.
The Flamboyant Gothic side nave was commissioned by King Louis XI in the 15th century, which is unusual for a parish church of this scale. This royal involvement explains the striking contrast between the plain Romanesque main nave and the highly decorated side nave.
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