Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien - a church entrance with pews and stained glass windows
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Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien

4.7
·206 reviews·Nantes, France

A beautifully restored Gothic basilica in Nantes, dedicated to St. Donatian and St. Rogatian, featuring intricate architecture and a famous Joan of Ar...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien - a church entrance with pews and stained glass windows

Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully restored Gothic basilica in Nantes, dedicated to St. Donatian and St. Rogatian, featuring intricate architecture and a famous Joan of Arc statue.

4.7
(206 reviews)

"Marvel at the bright, clean white stones and high, impressive ceiling after recent extensive restoration."

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✨ Admire the Restoration

The recent restoration highlights the bright white stones and impressive ceiling. Don't miss it!

📸 Photography Etiquette

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of services. Check for any restrictions before snapping photos.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Restored Interior

Restored Interior

Main Nave

Marvel at the bright, clean white stones and high, impressive ceiling after recent extensive restoration.

Intricate Facade

Intricate Facade

Exterior

Admire the beautifully chiseled facade adorned with colored glass windows and statues.

Joan of Arc Statue

Joan of Arc Statue

Front Entrance

See the famous statue of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) standing proudly in front of the basilica.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours to fully appreciate the basilica's serene atmosphere and intricate details. Weekday mornings or late afternoons often offer a more peaceful experience, allowing for better contemplation of its restored beauty.

Respectful Exploration

As a place of worship, remember to dress modestly and maintain a quiet demeanor. Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of ongoing services or events to ensure a respectful visit for all.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Speichert euch diese Foodspot Tipps für euren nächsten Straßburg Besuch ✨ #straßburg #reisen #foodspod #food #Foodie #strasbourg #lecker #essen #reisetipps
@christina.kli
10K likes • 415.7K views

✨ Admire the Restoration

The recent restoration highlights the bright white stones and impressive ceiling. Don't miss it! Reddit

📸 Photography Etiquette

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of services. Check for any restrictions before snapping photos. Reddit

📍 Location Insight

This basilica has a rich history dating back to the 6th century. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

✨ Admire the Restoration

The recent restoration highlights the bright white stones and impressive ceiling. Don't miss it! Reddit

📸 Photography Etiquette

Capture the beauty, but be mindful of services. Check for any restrictions before snapping photos. Reddit

📍 Location Insight

This basilica has a rich history dating back to the 6th century. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(206 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien for its stunning beauty, particularly after its recent restoration which highlights the bright white stones and impressive interior. The intricate facade and the iconic Joan of Arc statue are also frequently mentioned as highlights. While generally a peaceful place, some may find it less engaging if not interested in religious architecture.

"Beautiful basilic which underwent a recent deep restoration of the inside and outside, which values the bright clean white stones. Nicely cisseled façade with colored glass and statues. High impressive bright ceiling inside.
Famous statue of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d Arc) in front of it."

Guillaume Drieux

"The Basilica of St. Donatian and St. Rogatian is a Roman Catholic church located in Nantes, France. It is dedicated to the two martyrs, St. Donatian and St. Rogatian, who were brothers and the first bishops of Nantes. The basilica is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, with intricate details and towering spires. It has a rich history dating back to the 6th century and has undergone several renovations and additions over the years. The Basilica of St. Donatian and St. Rogatian is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical landmark in Nantes, attracting visitors from around the world."

ChefLaurent DE

"I stayed at Paroisse Saint Donatien et Rogastien during 8 months in the Rectory during 1999 and 2000. It was a wonderful experience. I could experience the warmth of hospitality from all the Fathers like Pere Loiseau, Pere Dupas, Pere Mathorel, Pere Henry, Pere Guilbeud, Pere , office Secretary Mlle Coquenlorge and a lot of Parish people during my doctoral Research in the University of Nantes. Fr. James from Kerala in India"

James J

What People Like

Beautifully restored interior
Intricate facade details
Impressive high ceiling

What People Dislike

Can be quiet for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The basilica is located in Nantes, France. Public transport options like buses and trams are available. Check local Nantes transport schedules for the most convenient routes. Reddit

Information on specific parking availability can vary. It's advisable to check local Nantes parking guides or consider public transport to avoid potential parking challenges. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the basilica is typically free, as it is a place of worship. However, donations are often appreciated to support its upkeep. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, especially around religious holidays. It's best to check the official parish website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Visitors are generally welcome to attend services, but it's important to be respectful and quiet. Check the schedule beforehand if you wish to attend a specific service. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The basilica is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture, featuring intricate details and towering spires. Reddit

Photography is usually permitted for personal use, but it's crucial to be discreet and avoid flash photography, especially during services. Reddit

A famous statue of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) is located in front of the basilica, making it a notable landmark. Reddit

Yes, the basilica has undergone significant restoration, particularly of its interior and exterior, highlighting its bright white stones. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the basilica itself doesn't offer dining, Nantes has numerous restaurants and cafes nearby. You can find various culinary options within walking distance. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien is a place of worship, families can still appreciate its grandeur. The impressive architecture and the statue of Joan of Arc can capture a child's imagination. Keep in mind that it's important to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere, so engaging younger children with stories about the history or the saint might be helpful. Consider visiting during less crowded times to allow for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Look for opportunities to point out interesting details on the facade or the vibrant colors in the stained-glass windows. The recent restoration has made the interior particularly bright and visually appealing, which can be engaging for children. Remember to explain the importance of quiet behavior in a place of worship to ensure a positive experience for everyone. Reddit

🙏 Spiritual Seekers

For those seeking a spiritual experience, the Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien offers a tranquil sanctuary. The recently restored interior, with its luminous white stones and soaring ceilings, creates an atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation. You can attend mass or simply find a quiet moment to reflect within its hallowed walls. Reddit

The basilica's deep historical roots, dating back to the 6th century, add a profound sense of continuity and spiritual heritage. The dedication to St. Donatian and St. Rogatian, the first bishops of Nantes, imbues the site with a rich spiritual legacy. Visitors often find the serene environment and the architectural beauty to be deeply moving and inspiring. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

The Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien in Nantes boasts a history stretching back to the 6th century. It is dedicated to St. Donatian and St. Rogatian, who hold the distinction of being the first bishops of Nantes. Over the centuries, the basilica has been a site of continuous worship and has seen numerous architectural modifications and additions, reflecting different historical periods. Its enduring presence makes it a significant cultural and historical landmark in the city. Reddit

More recently, the basilica has undergone a substantial deep restoration of both its interior and exterior. This meticulous work has revitalized the structure, emphasizing the beauty of its clean, bright white stones. The restoration has enhanced the visual appeal of the facade, with its finely chiseled details, colored glass windows, and statues, as well as the impressive, high ceiling within the main nave. Reddit

This commitment to preservation ensures that the basilica remains a place of spiritual significance and architectural admiration for generations to come. Visitors can experience the blend of ancient history and modern renewal, making a visit a truly enriching experience. Reddit

Architectural Marvels

The Basilique Saint-Donatien-et-Saint-Rogatien is a prime example of Gothic architecture. Its design is characterized by soaring spires and intricate detailing, creating a sense of awe and grandeur. The exterior facade is a testament to skilled craftsmanship, featuring delicate carvings and vibrant stained-glass windows that cast colorful patterns of light. Reddit

Inside, the basilica is equally breathtaking. The high, impressive ceiling draws the eye upward, creating a sense of spaciousness and spiritual elevation. The recent restoration has amplified the natural beauty of the interior, with the bright, clean white stones creating a luminous and serene atmosphere. This careful restoration highlights the original architectural intentions while ensuring the basilica's longevity. Reddit

One of the notable features is the famous statue of Joan of Arc (Jeanne d'Arc) situated prominently in front of the basilica. This iconic sculpture adds another layer of historical and cultural significance to the site, making it a point of interest for visitors. Reddit

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