Église Sainte-Thérèse
A striking 20th-century church in Nantes, celebrated for its Romano-Byzantine architecture and recent restoration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Experience unique concerts & gatherings
Église Sainte-Thérèse
Best Time
Experience unique concerts & gatherings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A striking 20th-century church in Nantes, celebrated for its Romano-Byzantine architecture and recent restoration.
"This ambitious project, saved by Historic Monument registration, offers beautiful architecture and acoustics."
Check Event Schedules
Look for concerts or special services to experience the church's full grandeur and acoustics. :microphone2:
Respect Ceremony Times
The main nave is often reserved for services; access the north chapel for quiet reflection. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Romano-Byzantine Architecture
Nantes
Admire the ambitious 20th-century design, a blend of concrete and red bricks, showcasing unique architectural style.
Renovated North Chapel
North side of the church
A welcoming space for worship and reflection, offering a glimpse into the church's spiritual heart.
Concert Acoustics
Main nave
Experience the church's impressive acoustics during musical performances, a testament to its grand design.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understanding the Church's History
Access and Visiting Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Event Schedules
Look for concerts or special services to experience the church's full grandeur and acoustics. :microphone2:
Respect Ceremony Times
The main nave is often reserved for services; access the north chapel for quiet reflection. :pray:
Basilica of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, France
Rome to Paris tips for clueless Catholic tourists
Appreciate the Architecture
Note the unique red brick and concrete construction, a testament to its ambitious 20th-century design. :building_construction:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Event Schedules
Look for concerts or special services to experience the church's full grandeur and acoustics. :microphone2:
Respect Ceremony Times
The main nave is often reserved for services; access the north chapel for quiet reflection. :pray:
Appreciate the Architecture
Note the unique red brick and concrete construction, a testament to its ambitious 20th-century design. :building_construction:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Église Sainte-Thérèse for its ambitious Romano-Byzantine architecture and the successful restoration efforts that have preserved this historic monument. While the main nave is often reserved for ceremonies, the accessible north chapel offers a welcoming space for reflection, and the church's acoustics are a highlight during concerts. Some visitors express frustration at limited access to the nave outside of services.
"Ras"
jean-luc besnier
"An ambitious 20th century project, whose aging was catastrophic, saved by a Historic Monument registration. The “red” Sainte-Thérèse church in Nantes is built of reinforced concrete clad in red bricks. The project lasted 25 years, the first stone was laid in 1935, the digging of the foundations began in 1939, the church was consecrated in 1960.
Various events slowed down the construction, the bombings of 1943 destroyed the beginning of construction, the construction site was stopped until 1952, the year the chapel was opened for worship. The arrow planned to point at 70m will peak at 23m, due to lack of cash. The quality of the bricks and tiles was not constant between the start and the end of construction, which was the reason for the damage.
In 2010, a report by Yves Letort, expert architect at the Rennes Court of Appeal, was damning regarding the state of a 50-year-old building. The state of the church is disastrous, tiles are breaking and falling, bricks are splitting and crumbling, cracks have appeared, all of this creates water infiltration. The whole will ultimately be threatened if there is no radical renovation; estimated budget, 1.2 million €, including 600,000 for the roofs.
In 2011, protected by registration with Historic Monuments, this fifty-year-old church will be able to benefit from unexpected financial aid. Renovated as well as restored, it is in beautiful condition today, but is only open for ceremonies. Only the chapel located to the north is accessible, the nave of the church is visible through glass doors.
I can only express my frustration, having traveled to visit a historic monument whose Romano-Byzantine architecture is advertised, and I had to settle for a chapel, which was very welcoming. This ambitious project which experienced catastrophic aging, saved by registration at the M.H., will it experience a better fate in the future."
Paul Pérucaud (Chaktori Chaktori)
"Very beautiful church, I appreciate it enormously"
sebastien dupont
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in Nantes. Public transportation options within Nantes are generally efficient. Consider using local buses or trams to reach the vicinity of the church.
Parking availability can be limited in urban areas. It's advisable to check for nearby public parking garages or street parking regulations before your visit.
Yes, Église Sainte-Thérèse can be a stop on a day trip to Nantes. Plan your itinerary to include travel time to and from the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the north chapel is generally free, but access to the main nave is typically for ceremonies. Special events like concerts may require tickets.
The north chapel is usually accessible, but the main nave is reserved for services. It's best to check for specific opening times or event schedules.
As a place of worship, it is generally open, but hours might vary for specific areas or during holidays. Confirming with local listings is recommended.
The nave is primarily for religious services. You can often view it through glass doors or during specific events like concerts.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The church features an ambitious 20th-century Romano-Byzantine architectural style, constructed with reinforced concrete clad in red bricks.
Its registration as a Historic Monument has been crucial for securing funding for its extensive renovations and preservation efforts.
Information on guided tours is not widely advertised. It's best to inquire locally or check for specific event-related tours.
The north chapel is a welcoming space for worship and reflection, offering a more intimate experience of the church's spiritual atmosphere.
Yes, the unique architecture and interior spaces can be very photogenic. Be mindful of any restrictions during services or events.
🎫 🎶 Events & Activities
Yes, the church is known for its excellent acoustics and frequently hosts concerts, offering a unique experience for visitors.
Check local event listings, the church's official website if available, or community boards for announcements about concerts and other gatherings.
Besides religious services, the church hosts concerts and other cultural events that leverage its impressive architecture and acoustics.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during non-service hours to ensure a more relaxed experience. If there's a public concert or event scheduled, it could be an engaging way for older children to appreciate the church's acoustics and grandeur. Always be mindful of noise levels to respect the sanctity of the place.
🎶 Music Lovers
Keep an eye on local event schedules for upcoming concerts. This is often the best way to gain access to the main nave and fully appreciate the church's grandeur during a performance. The blend of sacred space and musical artistry creates a truly special atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Journey and Restoration
Over time, the building's aging process became a significant concern. A 2010 expert report highlighted catastrophic deterioration, with tiles breaking, bricks crumbling, and cracks leading to water infiltration. The estimated renovation cost was substantial, around 1.2 million euros. Fortunately, its registration as a Historic Monument in 2011 provided access to vital financial aid, enabling a comprehensive restoration. Today, the church stands beautifully restored, a testament to dedicated preservation efforts.
While the main nave is primarily reserved for ceremonies, the north chapel remains accessible to visitors, offering a serene space for reflection. The nave itself can often be viewed through glass doors, allowing a glimpse of its grandeur. The church's unique acoustics have also made it a popular venue for concerts, providing a special way to experience its impressive interior.
Experiencing Église Sainte-Thérèse: Beyond the Nave
For those interested in the church's acoustic qualities, attending a concert is highly recommended. The grand scale and design of the nave create exceptional sound, making musical performances a memorable experience. Checking local event listings for concerts or other cultural gatherings is a great way to discover when you can fully appreciate this aspect of the church.
Remember that Église Sainte-Thérèse is an active place of worship. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the space, particularly during services. Understanding that access to certain areas might be limited during these times will enhance your visit and show consideration for the congregation.
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