Église Saint-Similien, Gothic Revival church in Hauts-Pavés, Nantes, France.
Église Saint-Similien is a Gothic Revival church in the Hauts-Pavés neighborhood of Nantes with three naves, two ambulatories, and numerous stained glass windows. The building displays 19th-century architectural features with its soaring vaults and decorative details.
The original site began when Bishop Similien died in 310 and his successor built a chapel over his grave. The current structure was designed by architect Eugène Boismène, with construction starting in 1873 and finishing in 1894.
The church houses baptismal fonts from the 5th century, among the oldest religious objects in the city. These ancient pieces show how long this location has served as a place of faith.
The interior can be visited during opening hours, with the altar area and stained glass windows being the main points of interest. It is best to be considerate of worshippers or visit during quieter times if you want to explore at your own pace.
Two original bells from the previous church fell from their tower in 1894 during completion of the new building. This accident occurred in the final stages of construction and marked a dramatic end to the transition between structures.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
