Église Notre Dame, Roman Catholic church in Clisson, France

Église Notre Dame is a light beige stone church with red tiled roofs, rebuilt in 1887–1888 by Nantes architect René Ménard after the Roman basilica of Saints John and Paul. A square tower with two clock faces and arched openings stands on the left; to its right a rounded apse with a row of columns carries a cross. Inside, grey stone arcades on cylindrical columns flank a nave under a dark timber roof, with a painted mural behind the altar.

The building traces its origins to a foundation by Olivier V de Clisson in the 14th century, but was entirely reconstructed between 1887 and 1888 under architect René Ménard's direction. This major renovation created the structure visible today.

The church is also known as Notre-Dame de Clisson, recalling the medieval collegiate foundation of Olivier V de Clisson. Its Italianate look, modelled on the Roman basilica of Saints John and Paul, belongs to the style brought to the town by sculptor Frédéric Lemot around 1805, which earned Clisson the nickname "Clisson l'Italienne".

The church sits in central Clisson and is easily reached on foot, with Renaissance Revival details visible from the outside. Visitors can view the facade at any time, though interior access may be limited during services.

The Italian look of Clisson came from sculptor Frédéric Lemot, who settled there around 1805 and inspired later rebuilding, including this church by René Ménard. The semicircular chevet, modelled on the Roman basilica of Saints John and Paul, is the detail to look for outside.