Saint-Gervais Basilica (Basilique Saint-Gervais), Avranches
Plan your visit
Historic Avranches in one day
5 attractions · 4h 19min · transit route
Tickets ~€9
Step-by-step route with transport options and cost breakdown
About Saint-Gervais Basilica
This 19th-century minor basilica stands on the site of an ancient Roman forum in Avranches, the gateway town to Mont-Saint-Michel. Built between 1843 and 1865 in neo-Renaissance style with a 74-meter granite bell tower added in 1899, it is the only building of this architectural style in the Manche department. The basilica houses the Trésor Saint-Gervais, which contains the skull of Saint Aubert, the bishop who founded Mont-Saint-Michel in 708 AD.
Combine with 4 nearby attractions for a full day
From €9 / person — all tickets and transport included — transit route with total cost breakdown
The skull of Saint Aubert displays a visible hole that medieval legend attributed to Archangel Michael piercing the bishop's head with his finger to convince him to build Mont-Saint-Michel. Scientific analysis in 2019 revealed it's actually from a successful trepanation (ancient brain surgery), making it a rare surviving example of Merovingian-era medical practice.
Travel Plans for Saint-Gervais Basilica (Basilique Saint-Gervais)
Historic Avranches in one day
Avranches
More Travel Plans in Avranches
One-day trips to multiple cities with return the same day
- Full round-trip route with return to departure city
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- Attractions and entrance fees at each stop
- One-day budget including all transport and tickets
Day Routes
Mont-Saint-Michel and Alligator Bay from Avranches
→ Mont-Saint-Michel, La Caserne
Nearby Attractions
The Ramparts and Fortifications