The Cathedral Saint-Julien is undoubtedly a must-see. To reach it, nothing beats taking the ‘path of penitence’. Also known as the Escalier des Pans de Gorron, this 72 feet high (22m) set of stairs runs between the Sarthe River Quay and Saint-Michel Square. These stone steps attract more than just the penitent though. Drawn by the picturesque views, Bertrand Tavernier made use of the staircase for the filming of his 1975 historical movie Que la fête commence (Let Joy Reign Supreme), when he placed a fake hangman there. The true-to-life figure was successful in frightening more than a few passers-by. If you’re brave enough to tackle the hundreds of steps that run the length of the steep passageway, keep your head down. Who knows – maybe another filmmaker will have had the same idea!
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