Notre-Dame de la Couture is the great church of the lower town, distinct in character from the cathedral on the hill above. Originally part of the Benedictine Abbey of Saint-Pierre de la Couture — one of the oldest monasteries in France, founded in the 6th century — the church has a striking mix of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture that predates much of the cathedral's construction.
The west facade is particularly fine, its carved portal dating from the 12th century with an unusually complete tympanum depicting Christ in Majesty. The interior preserves several remarkable medieval and early modern works, including a large painted wooden statue of the Virgin that was reportedly carried in procession through the city during times of plague. The surrounding former monastic buildings now house a school, but the church is open to visitors and far quieter than the cathedral.