Paris, June 15 (IANS): A huge fire swept through a historic basilica in the city of Nantes in western France on Monday, a media report said.
The blaze in the 19th century basilica of Saint-Donatien, broke out after morning Mass, with worshippers evacuated from the building, sources said.
By midday, the fire was under control but not completely extinguished, The Local news portal quoted French newspaper 20 Minutes as saying.
Pictures of the blaze made rounds in social media, revealing huge flames leaping from the roof and thick smoke plumes billowing into the air.
The church was constructed between 1872 and 1889, and is one of two in the city of Nantes.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.