Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches, Normandy Travel Guide

4.4 (216)

Discover Avranches' Basilique Saint-Gervais, a neoclassical architectural gem holding the relic of Saint Aubert, founder of Mont Saint-Michel.

Home
Travel Guides
France
Normandy
Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches

The Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches is a 19th-century neoclassical basilica in Avranches, France, known for housing the skull of Saint Aubert, the founder of Mont Saint-Michel. It stands as a prominent landmark in the town's historical district.

A brief summary to Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches

Pl. Saint-Gervais, Avranches, 50300, FR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches.

Visit the basilica to see the skull of Saint Aubert, the founder of Mont Saint-Michel, displayed in an ornate glass case.
Explore the basilica's treasury, which includes a collection of metalwork, religious clothing and wooden and stone sculptures.
Take a stroll around the basilica to admire its architecture and enjoy panoramic views of Avranches, especially beautiful at sunset.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Museum of the Battle of Normandy

D-Day Museum

Château de Fontaine-Henry

Caen Castle

Model Railroading in Clécy (14)

Explore Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The Basilique Saint-Gervais is located on Place Saint-Gervais in the heart of Avranches. From most points in the town center, it is easily accessible by foot. ориентируйтесь на высокую колокольню, которая видна издалека. The basilica is near other attractions such as the Musée d'art et d'histoire and the Jardin des Plantes.
Public Transport

Avranches is accessible by bus from various cities. From the Avranches bus stop on Place de la Gare, the basilica is approximately a 15-minute walk. Follow the main road into the town center, then turn onto Place Saint-Gervais. Bus tickets from cities like Caen, Rennes and Nantes range from 9 to 18 EUR.
Parking

Parking in Avranches is generally free, with several parking areas available around the town center. However, some areas are designated as 'zone bleue' with a maximum of two hours of parking between 9 AM and 7 PM, except on Sundays and holidays. Several free parking lots are available within walking distance, including Place Carnot and Place Valhubert. Be attentive to the signs.

Discover more about Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches

The Basilique Saint-Gervais d'Avranches, a minor basilica erected by Pope Leo XIII, is a captivating landmark in Avranches, Normandy. Constructed in the mid-19th century, it replaced an earlier church from the 17th century. The basilica stands out with its neoclassical architecture and its 74-meter-high clock tower, which is visible from afar.The basilica is historically significant, as it safeguards the presumed skull of Saint Aubert, the Bishop of Avranches who founded Mont Saint-Michel in the 8th century. The skull is displayed in a reliquary, a masterpiece of goldsmithery. Legend says that the hole in the skull was left by the Archangel Michael when he convinced Saint Aubert to build an oratory.The basilica's interior features a Latin cross plan, with a nave flanked by Tuscan colonnades. The neo-Renaissance western facade is reminiscent of the Church of the Trinity in Paris and is made of granite. The basilica also houses a museum displaying a treasure of ancient goldsmithery and liturgical objects.