Église Sainte-Radegonde
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Église Sainte-Radegonde

4.6
·336 reviews·Poitiers, France

Discover Poitiers' ancient heart at Église Sainte-Radegonde, home to Saint Radegonde's tomb and stunning Romanesque frescoes.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow
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Église Sainte-Radegonde

Église Sainte-Radegonde

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peace

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover Poitiers' ancient heart at Église Sainte-Radegonde, home to Saint Radegonde's tomb and stunning Romanesque frescoes. Reddit

4.6
(336 reviews)

"A beautiful church, very peaceful, with artistic paintings and the place of Saint Radegonde. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Crypt

Seek out the crypt to see the stone sarcophagus of St. Agnes of Poitiers, beautifully lit with candles. :candle:

Combine with Notre Dame

Visit nearby Notre Dame de la Grande for a fuller picture of Poitiers' beautiful churches. :church:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tomb of Saint Radegonde

Tomb of Saint Radegonde

Crypt under the choir

The burial site of Queen Radegonde, a patron saint of Poitiers. A must-see for historical and spiritual significance.

Reddit
Surviving Frescoes

Surviving Frescoes

Above the choir

Beautifully preserved ancient and Romanesque artistic paintings that add to the church's historical charm.

Reddit+1
Peaceful Ambience

Peaceful Ambience

Experience a tranquil and silent atmosphere, ideal for reflection and appreciating the artistic works of ancient times.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Ancient Aura

Step back in time at Église Sainte-Radegonde, a cornerstone of Poitiers' rich history. Its ancient Romanesque architecture and serene atmosphere offer a peaceful escape. Don't miss the tomb of Saint Radegonde, a pivotal figure in the city's past. Reddit

Discover Artistic Treasures

Beyond its historical significance, this church boasts stunning artistic paintings and surviving frescoes above the choir. Reddit+1 It's a perfect spot for those who appreciate ancient art and a quiet, contemplative ambiance. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peace
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Good light for frescoes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Petit zoom sur le chœur de l’église de Sainte-Radegonde de Poitiers et sa crypte. 🎨⛪️ • #église #poitiers #medievalarchitecture #moyenage #monumenthistorique #patrimoinefrancais #patrimoinearchitectural #architecture #medievalchurch #church #tourisme #viennetourisme •
dvntiffany
96 likes • 2.9K views

Don't Miss the Crypt

Seek out the crypt to see the stone sarcophagus of St. Agnes of Poitiers, beautifully lit with candles. Reddit :candle:

Combine with Notre Dame

Visit nearby Notre Dame de la Grande for a fuller picture of Poitiers' beautiful churches. Reddit :church:

Église Sainte-Radegonde, Poitiers 🇫🇷 An absolutely incredible and unique church from Mérovingien times. Saint Radegonde was once a French Queen through her marriage to Clotaire I, son of Clovis. She ran away after the king killed her brother and begged the Bishop of Noyon to be a nun. He granted her wish and she started a church and abbey in this very spot! Saint Radegonde was known for her humili...
patrick.en.picardie
6 likes • 167 views
!Richesse culturelle du pays royannais, Talmont-sur-Gironde, un village au patrimoine unique. On aime : ⛪️ Son église romane Sainte-Radegonde 🚶‍♂️ Son dédale de ruelles où on aime s’y perdre 👀 Sa vue à couper le souffle sur l’estuaire de la Gironde 🧺 Ses boutiques 🏠 Ses maisons saintongeaises aux volets de couleurs 🌳 Son tilleul centenaire ℹ️ Parking payant : 4€ #talmontsurgironde #plusbea...
destinationroyanatlantique
0 likes • 20.4K views

Quiet Contemplation

Allow time to soak in the peaceful ambiance and admire the ancient artistic works. Reddit :pray:

📹 Plongée au cœur de l’histoire de l’église de Rivière avec Pauline 🌟 Revivez les moments marquants de ce lieu chargé d’histoire, où saint Martin et sainte Radegonde auraient prié, et qui a traversé les siècles entre conflits, destructions et restaurations. 🔍 Découvrez dans cette vidéo le patrimoine unique de cette église, de ses origines médiévales à son état actuel. Une immersion fascinante au c...
fondationdupatrimoinecvdl
47 likes • 761 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Crypt

Seek out the crypt to see the stone sarcophagus of St. Agnes of Poitiers, beautifully lit with candles. Reddit :candle:

Combine with Notre Dame

Visit nearby Notre Dame de la Grande for a fuller picture of Poitiers' beautiful churches. Reddit :church:

Quiet Contemplation

Allow time to soak in the peaceful ambiance and admire the ancient artistic works. Reddit :pray:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(336 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Église Sainte-Radegonde for its deep historical significance, particularly as the burial site of Saint Radegonde, and its beautiful, well-preserved ancient frescoes. Many appreciate the peaceful and serene ambiance, making it a perfect spot for quiet contemplation and admiration of old artistic works. It's considered a must-visit for understanding Poitiers' ancient roots.

"A church which gives you an idea of how old the city of Poitiers is, it has artistic paintings and the place of Saint Radegonde who patronized Poitiers city and gave it the pride its enjoying today.

For a person who like to spend time in silence and feel the peaceful ambience the perfect spot and one can pay deep respect for the wonders of the artistic works of ancient and roman time.

One of the 3 femms of Poitiers. Must visit."

Nagesh prasad

"Beautiful church, very peaceful."

Simona Cristea

"Along with the not-so-far Notre Dame de la Grande, it still has beautiful colorfully painted interior."

Anne H

What People Like

Historical significance
Ancient frescoes
Peaceful ambiance

What People Dislike

Can be less visually striking than Gothic churches

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The church is located not far down the hill from the Cathedral Saint-Pierre in Poitiers. It's easily accessible on foot within the city center. Reddit

While direct parking might be limited, several public parking lots are available in the vicinity of Poitiers' city center, a short walk away.

Yes, Poitiers has a bus network that serves the city center. Check local bus routes for stops closest to the church.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to Église Sainte-Radegonde is generally free, as it is a functioning church. Donations are often appreciated. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, but churches are typically open during daylight hours. It's advisable to check for any specific service times or closures.

Access to the crypt, where Saint Radegonde and Saint Agnes are buried, is usually included with general entry to the church. Reddit

Visitors are welcome during mass, but it's respectful to remain quiet and observe the service. Check the schedule if you wish to attend.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The primary draw is the tomb of Saint Radegonde, a significant historical and religious figure. The church also features beautiful ancient frescoes. Reddit+1

Yes, the church offers many opportunities for photography, especially of the frescoes and the crypt. Be mindful of lighting conditions and any restrictions. :camerawithflash:

A visit can range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your interest in history, art, and quiet contemplation. Reddit

The main nave is generally accessible, but the crypt may involve stairs. It's best to inquire about specific accessibility details if needed.

It's one of the oldest churches in Poitiers, offering a glimpse into the city's Romanesque past and the life of Saint Radegonde, who patronized the city. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the church is located in Poitiers' city center, which has numerous cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines. :forkandknife:

No, eating is not permitted inside the church to preserve its sanctity and cleanliness.

📸 📸 Photography

Focus on the vibrant frescoes above the choir and the atmospheric crypt with its candlelit sarcophagus. The Romanesque architecture also offers great shots. Reddit :camerawithflash:

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed, but flash photography might be discouraged to protect the artwork and maintain a peaceful environment. Always check for posted signs. :no_flash:

Afternoons can offer good natural light for the frescoes. Early mornings provide a more serene atmosphere for capturing the overall ambiance. :sunrise:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Église Sainte-Radegonde is a place of quiet reflection, it can still be an engaging visit for families. The story of Saint Radegonde, a queen who became a saint, can be a fascinating tale for children. Pointing out the colorful frescoes can spark their imagination, and the dimly lit crypt with its candlelit tomb offers a sense of mystery. Reddit Keep the visit concise and focus on the most visually interesting aspects to maintain their attention. Consider it a brief, enriching stop on your Poitiers exploration.

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, Église Sainte-Radegonde is an essential stop in Poitiers. It offers a direct connection to the city's early medieval past and the influential figure of Saint Radegonde. Reddit Explore the Romanesque architecture, study the surviving frescoes for clues about ancient artistry, and delve into the history of the crypt and its occupants. This church is a tangible link to centuries of Poitiers' heritage, providing a deep dive into its foundational stories.

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

This church provides a profoundly peaceful and spiritual experience. The tomb of Saint Radegonde, a revered figure, draws many seeking solace and connection. Reddit The quiet, contemplative atmosphere, enhanced by the ancient art and the solemnity of the crypt, allows for deep reflection and prayer. It's a place to pause, breathe, and connect with the enduring spiritual legacy of Poitiers.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Saint Radegonde

Saint Radegonde was a pivotal figure in the history of Poitiers. As a queen and later a nun, she founded the Abbey of Sainte-Croix in the 6th century, which became a significant religious and cultural center. Her patronage and influence are deeply woven into the identity of Poitiers, making her burial site at Église Sainte-Radegonde a place of profound historical and spiritual importance. Reddit Visitors often come to pay their respects and connect with this legacy.

The church itself, built on or near her tomb, reflects the ancient roots of the city. Its Romanesque architecture stands in contrast to the more prevalent Gothic styles found elsewhere, offering a unique glimpse into earlier periods of construction and artistic expression. The surviving frescoes above the choir are a testament to the enduring artistry that has graced this sacred space for centuries. Reddit+1

Architectural and Artistic Gems

Église Sainte-Radegonde is a treasure trove for those interested in Romanesque architecture and early religious art. Unlike the soaring heights of Gothic cathedrals, its design often emphasizes solidity and a more grounded spiritual experience. The surviving frescoes are particularly noteworthy, offering vibrant colors and narrative scenes that have withstood the test of time. Reddit+1 These artworks provide invaluable insights into the artistic styles and religious devotion of the era.

The crypt, housing the remains of Saint Agnes of Poitiers alongside Saint Radegonde, is a particularly atmospheric part of the church. Lit by candles, the stone sarcophagus creates a solemn and contemplative space. Reddit This subterranean chamber adds another layer to the church's historical narrative, inviting visitors to explore its deeper, more ancient foundations. The combination of architectural elements and preserved art makes Église Sainte-Radegonde a rich destination for cultural exploration.

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