The Saint-Nicolas basilica of Nantes, in Loire-Atlantique, was built from 1844 to 1869. It is located in the historic center of the city.
Located on Place Fournier, it succeeded a chapel built in the 11th century serving the district of Saint-Nicolas, remodeled and enlarged in the 15th century and then in the 18th century. The church then has three naves, a flat chevet and a portal overlooking the square.
At the instigation of Abbé Fournier (who would later become the city's bishop), the current basilica was erected from 1844 in a neo-Gothic style on relatively cramped grounds. The construction of the bell tower alone lasted about fifteen years.
Built in granite from the region and tuffeau stones from Touraine, this new church was designed by the architect Jean-Baptiste Lassus, one of Viollet-le-Duc's collaborators, who liked to "revisit" the styles of the Middle Age.
Damaged during bombings in 1943, the basilica was rebuilt from 1953 to 1974 then a restoration campaign was initiated in 2004 when the stone and granite were blackened by pollution.
During a visit, we admire the spire which rests on a polygonal tower, the whole culminating at 100 m in height. Outside again, on the gables of the transept, several statues are worth noting…
Inside, from the "south" porch, the flight of the great nave and the monumental altar are spectacular. In the upper part of the choir and in the arms of the transept, we observe the complete return of the triforium and the galleries. Note also the stained glass windows in the high windows of the choir and the apsidal chapels, made in 1960 by the master glassmaker Rocher.
The gallery organ was completely modified and restored by organ builder Bernard Hurvy in 2002-2004. The choir organ is the work of Louis Debierre. This beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture preserved despite the vicissitudes of history deserves attention, protected as historical monuments since the 1980s. Open every day. Information on +33 2 40 48 19 94.
